Creating transcripts for every podcast episode is an important step in making your podcast more accessible and inclusive. This practice goes beyond mere convenience; it serves several important purposes:
1. Accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Transcripts are essential for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as they provide a written record of the audio content. By offering transcripts, you ensure that your podcast is accessible to a wider audience, including those who might otherwise be unable to enjoy it.
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Transcripts can significantly boost your podcast’s visibility online. Search engines index text content, so having transcripts available means your podcast is more likely to appear in search results. This can attract new listeners who are searching for content related to the topics you discuss.
3. Convenience for Listeners: Some people prefer or need to read content rather than listen to it. This might be due to personal preference, learning styles, or situational constraints (like being in a noise-sensitive environment). Transcripts provide an alternative way for these individuals to engage with your content.
4. Educational and Reference Tool: Transcripts can serve as valuable educational resources. Listeners might want to refer back to specific information, quotes, or resources mentioned in an episode. Having a transcript makes it easier to locate and reference this information. The University of Southern California (USC) and University of Mississippi are both using transcripts from the Stories and Strategies podcast in their Public Relations curriculum.
5. Enhanced Comprehension: For listeners who are not native speakers of the language used in your podcast, transcripts can aid in comprehension. They can read along while listening, which can help with understanding and language learning.
6. Content Repurposing: Transcripts allow you to repurpose your content easily. You can use excerpts for social media posts, blog articles, or even in newsletters. This not only saves time but also helps in reaching a broader audience across different platforms.
7. Legal Compliance: In some regions, providing accessible content is not just good practice but a legal requirement, especially if your content reaches a large audience or is used for educational purposes.
8. Increased Engagement and Shareability: Transcripts make it easier for listeners to quote and share your content, which can lead to increased engagement on social media and other platforms. This sharing can act as free marketing for your podcast.
9. Data Analysis and Feedback: Transcripts can be analyzed to gain insights into your content. You can identify which topics or phrases are most frequently discussed, measure the complexity of your language, and get a better understanding of your content's structure.
10. Archiving and Longevity: Transcripts contribute to the longevity of your content. Audio files may become corrupted or outdated due to changes in technology, but text is a more enduring format. Transcripts ensure that your content remains accessible and preserved over time.
Links to services mentioned in this video:
Rev https://www.rev.com/services
Otter.AI https://otter.ai
Riverside.FM https://riverside.fm
Follow us for more podcast tips and ideas
#podcastproductions #podcastproducer #storiesandstrategies
