Podcast and Content Automation for Marketers
Did you know podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past few years?
According to a study by Edison Research and Triton Digital, over 100 million Americans and millions of others scattered across the globe listen to podcasts every month, and that number is continually growing!
But it's not just the listenership that's expanding; how we create and automate content is also evolving.
So, let's get the party started and explore how YouTube is changing the game with its podcast channel, how Descript is taking the podcast production world by storm with its AI benefits, and how Adobe's AI image generator is empowering creative marketers like never before.
Joshua Lorimer, Podcast Lead and Creative Director at Content Allies joined me to dissect this topic in our podcast “An Expert's View at Podcast and Content Automation for Marketers”. For the most part, we’ll be leaning and expanding on his views as we explore the areas I’ve mentioned above.
Here goes…
YouTube Podcast for Videocasts: A Silent Evolution
Let's start by discussing YouTube's subtle but impactful venture into podcasting. You might be wondering, "Isn't YouTube all about videos?" Well, you're right, but they also saw an untapped opportunity in the audio world.
The timeline is fascinating. Back in mid-late 2021, YouTube began integrating minor podcast features quietly. It was like a bit of seed being planted; nobody knew how massive it would grow.
Then, in March 2022, the internet was buzzing when an internal pitch deck from YouTube got leaked, revealing their ambitious plans for podcasting. This leak was a game-changer, and we knew something big was brewing.
Throughout 2022, YouTube started rolling out some extra podcast features for a select group of users, teasing us with the possibilities. But it was in January 2023 that the real boom happened! Libsyn, one of the most popular podcast hosting platforms, announced a partnership with YouTube, focusing on metrics and advertising. The stage was set for something spectacular.
And in March 2023, YouTube opened up those shiny new podcast tools to the broader community.
Now, why is YouTube's podcast game more efficient than Google Podcasts? Well, think about it, guys – just like Josh said in our podcast convo, people are already listening to audio-type content on YouTube more than on any other podcast platform.
YouTube saw this opportunity and grabbed it with both hands!
The most significant differentiator between YouTube Podcast and Google Podcasts is hosting. YouTube is a generous host, offering endless video hosting for free! But you'd need a host for other podcast platforms like iTunes and Spotify. YouTube's move is a game-changer in the podcasting space.
As exciting as this possibility sounds, Josh holds his excitement a bit. He says he will fully buy into YouTube's podcast revolution once they make RSS feeds readily available. But the Libsyn partnership indicates that YouTube might be eyeing the hosting pie or further integrating podcast features with Libsyn. We’ll see how that turns out.
Now, over to Descript…
Descript for Podcasts: Make way for the AI Magic
Moving into the world of Descript, an AI-powered solution making waves in the podcast production world…
Descript offers a range of AI tools that take your podcast creation to a new level.
The first rabbit hole we're exploring is Project Workflow Improvement: With Descript, you get non-destructive editing, collaborative tools, and a single point of truth for your projects. It's like having a podcast dream team!
Josh is nearly bunkers over it – you can tell when you listen to him go on and on in our podcast.
Imagine this: You're working on a podcast episode with a team of writers and editors. Traditionally, editing could be tedious and sometimes confusing, with multiple script versions floating around. But with Descript, all team members can collaborate seamlessly, making real-time changes in a non-destructive manner. No more versioning headaches or confusion!
Additionally, Descript offers a single point of truth, where all changes and edits are tracked, allowing everyone involved to have a clear view of the podcast's progress. This level of organization ensures a smoother workflow and better productivity.
Now, let's talk about those nifty AI Tools. Descript's transcription feature is a godsend for anyone who's ever struggled with transcribing hours of audio. You can convert your podcast episodes into text in no time. It's quick, accurate to a large extent, and a total time and money saver.
But wait, there's more! Descript's AI can clean up your audio beautifully. Say goodbye to background noise and filler words. Let’s say you're recording your podcast in a less-than-ideal environment. There might be background noise, interruptions, or moments where you accidentally say "um" or "uh" too many times. Cleaning up these imperfections manually can be tedious, but with Descript, it's a breeze.
The AI-powered Studio Sound feature helps you remove background noise, ensuring your podcast has a professional and polished sound quality. The Filler Removal tool magically erases those pesky "um's" and "uh's," leaving you with a seamless and engaging podcast.
And the AI magic doesn't stop there. Descript even offers Voice Training, so you can make those necessary tweaks to your podcast audio to sound just right.
Descript's Overdub feature allows you to create a text-to-speech model of your voice or select one from their ultra-realistic stock voices. This means you can effortlessly enhance your voice without distorting the original audio.
But that's not all. Descript takes your content creation to a whole new level. You can turn your podcast into social content, create live text, and enjoy software that's optimized for efficiency. It's a one-stop shop for all your podcasting needs.
Adobe's DIY AI Image Generator: Empowering Creative Marketers
Adobe’s DIY AI image generator, Firefly, is a game-changer for creative content creation.
Social media managers, get ready to geek out because Firefly is your new best friend. This AI art utility case is incredible, and it works off Adobe Stock images, making the generated images commercial-use-ready. The possibilities are endless.
Picture this: You're a social media manager responsible for creating eye-catching visuals for your brand's social media channels. Previously, you might have relied on stock photos or hired graphic designers to create custom visuals. But with Firefly, you have the power to generate unique and stunning images on your own without any design experience.
Whether in product design or creating social content, Firefly gives you fast iteration and ideation with the creative freedom you've always dreamed of.
And here's a pro tip for artists with iconic styles - pay attention to what Adobe is doing.
Suppose you're a talented artist known for your signature style. You may have built a loyal following, and people love your work. But commissions can be time-consuming, and you only have so many hours daily. With Adobe's Firefly, you can create an AI tool that emulates your artistic style.
Other creatives and brands can use your AI tool to create images in your distinctive style, even if they need your artistic talent. You can sell licenses or subscriptions to use your style tool, turning your commission-based income into a passive income stream.
The AI Race - ChatGPT 4 and Google Workplace
Guys, the AI race is on! And it's not just between Google and Microsoft. ChatGPT 4 is here to revolutionize copywriting and so much more.
Indeed, we're only scratching the surface of what AI tools like ChatGPT can do for us technologically and creatively.
Companies like Adobe, Google, and Microsoft are paving the way, but there's much more to come. “It's like the early days of the electric guitar - we're still waiting for our AI Jimi Hendrix to show us what's possible,” says Josh Lorimer.
Speaking of Google, Google Workplace is getting super automated with its AI features. From email writing and proofreading in Google Docs to organization and categorization in Google Sheets, they're streamlining our workflows like never before.
And wait to get me started on the AI note-taking during Google Meets. It's like having a personal assistant jotting down all the critical points for you – cool stuff, I must say.
I can be in a Google Meet with my team, discussing ideas and plans for an upcoming marketing campaign. Someone had to take detailed notes in the past; sometimes, important points might need to be noticed or remembered. But with AI note-taking, every detail is captured, and we can focus on the conversation without worrying about taking notes.
Before we get carried away, though - we need to learn how to train and use AI effectively. The responsibility falls on us to harness the full potential of these AI tools, and that's an exciting journey in itself.
Best Practices and the First Mover Advantage
Alright, folks, it's time to talk about best practices and the first-mover advantage.
Embracing content automation trends can be a game-changer for marketing leaders. Being an early adopter can give you an edge over your competition and set the bar high for others to follow.
As a marketing leader, it's a massive win if you invest in the latest AI tools and platforms, and your marketing team becomes more efficient, productive, and creative. As a result, your brand gains a competitive edge, attracting more customers and increasing revenue.
But as we dive into the world of advanced analytics, let's remember our corporate objectives. Metrics are fantastic but must align with our marketing strategy and contribute to our broader goals.
Here’s a quick scenario to consider…
You're analyzing the advanced analytics provided by the AI tools you've implemented. You notice that one content automation tool generates a high volume of social media content. But upon closer examination, you realize this content needs to drive the desired engagement or conversions.
In this scenario, it's essential to refocus your strategy. Instead of aiming for quantity, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that aligns with your brand's values and resonates with your target audience. This strategic shift will lead to more meaningful results and a higher return on investment.
Final Words…
So there you have it, guys! The podcast and content automation is taking marketing by storm, and we're riding the wave of AI-powered goodness. Embrace these tools, experiment, and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The future is bright, and we must create a world where AI and human creativity go hand in hand.
Catch up on my chat with Josh as he drops his expert views on Podcast and Content Automation – You’ll love this, I promise!
