Tell me:
Do you have a lingering desire to boost your radio show listenership?
Well, the whole premise of this article is suggesting directories that you can use to distribute your radio show.
Have you listed your radio stream on as many directories as possible?
If not, take a detour, and check out the Radio Directories guide.
Still here, let’s move on...
Turn Your Radio Shows into Podcasts
Got a radio show?
Is it a talk show or music program?
Well, I am asking because it matters depending on the platform you're going to use to distribute it.
If it's a music show, we'll stick to MixCloud.
Now if it's a talk show, with minimum music, just remove the copyrighted stuff to make it ready for podcast directories.
Crossing over from a radio program to a podcast is easy.
Give your podcast a title, for instance, "Ted Radio Hour by NPR."
Each podcast episode also needs a title. Writing a description of what the episode entails is also a must.
People read this short bio. So, make it catchy & descriptive, and they'll listen to your show...
Okay, what else?
You need somewhere to host your podcasts as they are basically RSS feeds. (Please read up on this in your free time).
With this intro...
Let's start talking about the podcast directories and platforms that you can use to distribute your radio show-cum-podcast.
1. MixCloud
Here is the deal about MixCloud.
It features a collection of:
- Radio shows.
- Audio mixes by DJs.
- Podcasts.
Visitors have over 15 million audio files to choose from.
Woe betide anyone that tries to upload single songs or entire albums. They will be rejected.
Now, users of MixCloud —let's call them raving fans— love the platform because it gives them the opportunity to discover new music.
MixCloud can also act as a perfect repository or archive of your radio shows.
100% Legal
That is the reason DJs can upload their songs on the platform without worrying that they will be taken down.
MixCloud has a fingerprinting system like one used by YouTube.
The system scans your upload to identify copyrighted songs. Then, it remits royalties on your behalf.
That ensures it stays 100% legal.
What’s more, it has licenses from all the major music publishers.
Which type of content can you upload?
Audio files in either lossless or lossy formats.
Most of the shows tend to be 10 minutes or longer. Some audio tracks are even four hours long.
DJ sets are commonplace. Though there are a plethora of podcasts.
Most content producers are certain to include custom album art with each track they upload.
Pre-set categories make it easy for fans to discover new shows. Your talk show may fall into different categories, such as business, comedy, education, sport, politics, news, etc.
Music shows are also classed into genres such as ambient, classical, house, jazz, pop, garage, etc.
MixCloud Select
Is it disappointing to tear and sweat creating amazing shows only to receive zero compensation for your hard work?
Sure, most creators don’t do it for the money.
BUT….we can't turn down cash that supports our efforts.
MixCloud makes sure artists can receive support from fans through the SELECT program.
Your followers can pledge a certain amount every month. It’s split between artists, songwriters, publishers, and the Select Creator (you).
Perks offered to fans who join MixCloud Select include priority access to new shows, exclusive content, longer shows, tracklists, etc.
How to upload shows
You'll need to create an account. Then, you upload your shows on the Upload page (here).
2. YouTube
Does YouTube really need an intro?
It's the largest video sharing platform on the web. One of the top sites visited each day.
Everyone uses it from individual creators to big broadcast houses.
Livelihoods are built on YouTube.
Turns out, some radios have really capitalized on YouTube. That’s because they have realized the power of VIDEO.
Need a real-life example?
Well, check out Capital FM (UK). Till date, they have managed to garner over 4.4 million subscribers.
Spare some ticks of the clock and view some their playlists, for instance, "Chats with the stars."
Just your convenience & education, here is a snap-shot of the fun videos they post:
Which type of content can you upload on YouTube?
Once you have your account up and running, you’re free to post any kind of video.
It must meet the site’s terms and conditions.
Copyright strikes are another hot button issue with YouTube.
Like MixCloud, the site has a digital fingerprinting system used to detect content with copyrighted material.
If it detects unauthorized content, the system alters the copyright holder. They can choose to monetize your video and keep the money. Or make it unavailable.
Content ideas for radio stations posting on YouTube
For radio stations, uploading audio versions of your broadcasts is quite easy. Just find a nice background image to go with the audio.
(Resource: Convert audio to video for YouTube).
Now, this is not the only to take advantage of YouTube.
Be extra and try additional content ideas such as:
Short comedy bits (Gotta have humor talent).
Film yourself unboxing new gear (your new SM7B mic)
Create a VLOG of an entire day (normal activities).
Educate viewers about starting a radio station.
Prank calls, prank videos, etc
Interview your team (create a behind the brand video)
3. TuneIN
As the most prominent radio directory, TuneIN connects listeners to over 30,000 global stations.
Additionally, the platform offers exclusive paid content such as live sports.
If your station is not listed on this directory, sorry but, you must wait until they start accepting new radios.
But…
That doesn’t mean that you can’t have your content distributed on the platform.
With the rise of podcasts, TuneIN helps podcasters by giving them a platform to distribute shows.
Well, to go the podcast route, first convert your radio show into a podcast series, and submit it for listing.
Which type of content can you upload to TuneIn
TuneIn is primarily an audio-based platform.
Get your podcast on the platform by navigating to the podcasters page. (https://tunein.com/podcasters/)
Take advantage of the free player that you can embed on websites.
Listener analytics will also give you insights about the people listening to your shows.
4. SoundCloud
SoundCloud has over 175 million registered users!
Are you one of them?
If not, you'll love the platform. Okay, ever used Spotify? And MixCloud? Picture these two platforms having a baby.
SoundCloud has found success by enabling artists, publishers, bands, podcasters, radio DJs, and other content producers.
It's specially tailored to independent artists. They get control of their content, millions of ready listeners, and free analytics.
Big acts such as Post Malone started on the platform.
Hosting and sharing of podcasts
On SoundCloud, podcasters can host podcasts while still making them accessible to millions of listeners who frequent the platform on a daily basis.
Check out an example of a radio station using SoundCloud effectively. (Tavis Smiley Radio Show)
Makes it easy to create communities
SoundCloud doubles up as a social media platform.
Why?
Fans can create accounts, follow their favorite content producers, repost content to their pages, create & share playlists, comment, and more.
Create DJ Mixes straight from SoundCloud
Are you a radio DJ? I bet you struggle with finding the right music to play.
Well, SoundCloud has patterned with the largest DJ software companies such as Native Instruments, Serato, Cross DJ, Virtual DJ, etc.
If you're using Cross DJ, for instance, you can stream songs directly from SoundCloud and use them in your live mixes.
Upload Limits
Now, with SoundCloud, there are different types of accounts.
With the basic account, uploading is free, but with a limit of 180 minutes (exactly 3 hours).
Pro users have the option of uploading 360 minutes of content.
Unlimited users are not constrained in any way.
5. Google Podcasts
It has to be the most minimalist podcast app on the market right now. Few & necessary features mean that listeners can focus on the content.
Trending podcasts are highlighted. And the platform recommends different shows for listeners.
Yes, you can download the app on an iOS or Android phone. It integrates quite well with Google Home.
Also, listeners have the ability to download podcasts for offline listening.
How do you add shows to Google Podcasts
Live by this golden rule: "Before submitting your podcast to any directory ensure that it’s of high quality."
Next, create a Google Account.
Open the Google Play Podcast Portal (https://play.google.com/music/podcasts/portal)
From here, submitting your podcast is pretty straightforward.
It entails submitting your RSS Feed and verifying that you own the RSS Feed.
Your podcast should be top-notch. Or else, you risk having it rejected.
More directories
Stitcher Radio: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/
Radio Public: https://radiopublic.com/explore
PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/