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24 September 2024

How to Use Dial-a-Podcast’s Audio Feed Podcasts: Reaching Audiences in Unique Circumstances

If you're looking to share audio content but don't run a traditional podcast with a podcast feed, then Dial-a-Podcast's Audio Feed Podcasts feature is for you. By directly uploading your audio files, you can cater to listeners with unique circumstances—such as limited technology access or unfamiliarity with podcast platforms—when you publish content directly via a phone-based system.

Part 1: Create Your Audio Feed Podcast

Note: If you've already started using Dial-a-Podcast and uploaded your first audio file, skip this section and continue with Part 2 to learn how to add a new episode.

Caution: Do not create a new Audio Feed Podcast if you just want to add and upload a new episode. Instead, follow the the steps in Part 2!

Screenshot of a podcast creation form. Fields include "Podcast Title," a checkbox to enable multi-episode podcasts, a "Podcast Pre-roll" audio file option, "Episode Title," "Episode Audio File" (with an MP3 selected), and "Episode Publication Date and Time." The form includes a green "Upload" button at the bottom.

If you didn't setup your Audio Feed Podcast using the wizard when you initially signed up, or if you want to add another Audio Feed Podcast, then:

  1. Select "Add Audio File"
  2. Enter the Podcast Title for your Audio Feed Podcast. This title will help callers identify your organization and podcast.
  3. Check the "Enable Podcast Multi-Episode" option if you plan to release a series of audio recordings that you want callers to be able to select from (you can have up to 10).
  4. Title your first episode to help listeners know what to expect. (You'll be able to add more episodes later, don't worry!)
  5. Select the audio file of your first episode to upload.
  6. Set the desired publication date and time.
    1. Note: This is the date of the episode that will be announced to the listener. Dates in the future will automatically be published to listeners at the time specified.
  7. Click "Upload" and you're done!

Part 2: Upload New Episode to an Existing Audio Feed Podcast

  1. Select "Edit" next to your Podcast to get to the Update Podcast page.

    Screenshot of a podcast dashboard showing a list of available podcasts. The podcast titled "My Awesome Podcast by Andrew Ferguson" is listed with details including a code, feed status, episode status, and listener minutes. An "Edit" button is highlighted in the far right column.

  2. Select "Add new Episode" to add your next episode.

    Screenshot of the "Update Podcast" screen for "My Awesome Podcast by Andrew Ferguson." Options include enabling multi-episode functionality, adding a podcast pre-roll, and editing available episodes. A green button is shown for updating the podcast, along with an option to delete the podcast. Below, there is an "Add New Episode" button highlighted in green.

  3. Enter a title for your new episode. This will help callers know if what they're listening to is a new episode or one they've heard.

    Screenshot showing the "Add Episode" form. The fields include "Episode Title" with the input "Episode 2: Attack of the Podcast," an episode audio file upload section with "ep2.mp3" selected, and an "Episode Publication Date and Time" with the date set to September 21, 2024, at 6:16 PM. A green "Upload and Add Episode" button is shown at the bottom.

  4. Select the audio file of your episode to upload.
  5. Set the desired publication date and time.
    1. Note: This is the date of the episode that will be announced to the listener. Dates in the future will automatically be published to listeners at the time specified.

If you don't want to use Podcast Multi-Episode support, you still don't need to create a new audio feed for each new episode. You'll still add a new episode as described above. Only the first episode will have an episode number, and all older episodes are marked as N/A and will not be available to callers.

Screenshot of the "Available Episodes" list showing two episodes. The first item is listed as Episode 1, meaning that it is first to play. The episode is titled "Episode 2: Attack of the Podcast" with a publication date of September 21, 2024, at 6:16 PM, and it is marked with a green check, indicating that the episode file has been successfully processed. The second item is listed as Episode 2 and is titled "Episode 1: The Phantom Podcast," with a publication date of September 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM, also marked with a green check for successful processing. Both episodes have an "Edit" button. There is an "Add new Episode" button below the list. The note at the bottom mentions that only the most recent episode is kept, and older episodes are automatically deleted.How multiple episodes will appear as if Podcast Multi-Episode support is enabled

Similar screenshot of the previous "Available Episodes" image, showing two episodes. With Multi-Episode support disabled, the second episode is marked as "N/A" under the episode numbering.How multiple episodes will appear as if Podcast Multi-Episode support is not enabled

Screenshot of a "Future Episodes" list showing one episode titled "Episode 2: Attack of the Podcast" with a publication date of September 30, 2024, at 6:16 PM. The episode status is marked as scheduled, and an "Edit" button is visible next to the entry.How multiple episodes will appear if the next episode is schedule in the future

Part 3: Manage Your Audio Feed Podcast and Episodes

Dial-a-Podcast allows you to keep up to the 10 most recent episodes available, making it easy for your audience to stay updated with your latest content. In addition to adding new epsidoes (as covered in Part 2 above), here's what you can do in the Podcast Ddit screen:

  • Change the Podcast Title of your Audio Feed Podcast.
  • Enable or disable Podcast Multi-Episode support anytime you want, and learn more about it here.
  • Select a Podcast Pre-roll (if your plan allows it)
  • Use the 'Available Episodes' section to edit episode details as needed.
    • This is great if you made a mistake in the title or release date
    • Don't use this to upload a new episode. Follow the steps in Part 2 above to add a new epsidoe!
  • No need to delete old episodes, they will be deleted automatically once you have more than 10 episodes.

Why Choose Dial-a-Podcast for Your Audio Feed Podcasts?

Dial-a-Podcast isn't just for traditional podcasters. We offer a vital service for content creators who need to reach audiences in situations where typical digital consumption isn't possible. Our phone-based access makes your audio content available to those without internet access, sophisticated devices, or familiarity with digital audio platforms.

Start your Audio Feed Podcast on Dial-a-Podcast today and ensure your voice reaches everyone, everywhere, no matter their circumstances!