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(By Alex Exum) When I started podcasting in 2012, live podcasting was a relatively new thing. Podcasts were always an “on-demand” medium, allowing you to consume pre-recorded content later via RSS. In fact, only a few podcasting companies allowed you to podcast live, like my podcast host Spreaker.com.
Like other users I played with the go-live option, but preferred to take the safe, traditional route and pre-record the show. It wasn’t until I did a live all-day marathon that I found the true power of doing a live broadcast.
Now, in 2018, I’m all in on live broadcasting! Here are the top reasons why you should consider going live.
Instant Interaction And Feedback
Did you just hit your listener’s funny bone? It’s easy to see with the string of LOLs and emojis in the comments section.
Shock your audience into silence? Silent phones are a dead giveaway.
Did you piss off all your listeners? The ALL CAPS comments full of bite and bile tell the tale.
If you wonder how listeners are reacting to your show, going live is a great way to get instant feedback. Most podcasts may get five to 10 comments max per episode, but go live and it is common to get hundreds of comments per episode. Granted, many of the comments are from the same users, but the overall interaction and feedback is far and beyond any on-demand podcast you might do.
Immediate Satisfaction
When I was an actor doing live theater, I loved the immediate satisfaction of hearing the audience gasp from a dramatic moment on stage. My fellow thespians and I would become motivated and energized by their reaction. You will find the same thing happening to you when broadcasting live.
Don’t forget this goes both ways. Your audience will get immediate acknowledgement in real time and it will encourage them to give even more feedback.
Less Production Time
Pre-production not your thing? Going live can help with that. Just play a quick intro and get into the meat of the show. No need for fancy sound bites, effects, royal music, etc.
Find post-production editing too time consuming? No worries, since the show is already published. When using platforms like Spreaker.com you have the option to have the live broadcast archived. The download is then available to those who prefer to listen on-demand.
It’s Exciting!
I still get a rush when I see the “Live” light turn on. There is a certain energy that comes with broadcasting live. Part of the excitement is not knowing what might happen next.
There is a vibe you just don’t get recording a podcast by yourself in an empty room. On-demand can actually feel a bit boring after going live for a while.
Alex Exum is the host of ‘Live Talk’ Monday – Thursdays 7 p.m. PST at livetalk.live and thefringe.fm.