1. Video podcasts

Remember when video killed the radio star? Well, now it’s coming for podcasts too. Audio-only shows still reign supreme, but video podcasts are gaining serious traction. In fact, 17% of podcasters are already adding video to their content, and that number is expected to grow as platforms like YouTube make it easier to integrate. Adding a visual element makes your content more engaging and super shareable on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Look at “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Adding video took his podcast to the next level, racking up millions of views per episode on YouTube. It’s a smart move, with viewers spending 20-30% more time on content that has a visual component.

2. Interactive podcast: what would you choose?

Imagine listening to a podcast where you’re not just sitting back and absorbing the content, but actually shaping it. That’s the magic of interactive podcasts. We’re seeing a 150% boost in listener engagement for shows that make the audience a part of the action. Think of it like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, but in audio form. Platforms like Spotify are even testing out interactive ads, which could seriously up the engagement game.

So, picture this: a true crime podcast that lets you vote on which leads the hosts should investigate next. It’s like being part of the investigation yourself!

3. AI generated content

Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s making waves in podcasting too. AI-generated voices and content are getting so good that by 2025, experts predict 20% of all podcast content could be AI-generated. This opens up a whole new world for podcasters, from generating scripts to creating entire episodes, making it easier to produce content at scale. The question is, is it good content?

Why does it matter? This tech lets podcasters focus on being creative while AI takes care of the heavy lifting. Plus, it makes podcasting more accessible for those who might not have the time or resources to consistently produce high-quality content.  Rather have help from real professionals? Get in touch with SmartPodcasting and they do it for you. 

4. Micro podcasts – short sweet and to the point

Who says a podcast needs to be an hour long to make an impact? Micro-podcastst—episodes that are 10 minutes or less—are becoming a big deal. Listener numbers for these bite-sized shows are growing by 32% year over year. They’re perfect for today’s busy listeners who want quick, value-packed content they can enjoy on the go.

Trend Insight: Whether it’s daily news updates, quick tips, or a burst of inspiration, these short episodes are ideal for listeners who don’t have time for longer content.

5. Nice content is king

As the podcasting world keeps growing, so does the variety of content out there. More than 73% of listeners now say they prefer podcasts that cater to specific interests and communities. So whether it’s a deep dive into 18th-century naval history or a show all about vegan cooking, there’s something for everyone.

Have you heard about “Wine and Crime”? It mixes true crime with a love of wine, and it’s built a dedicated following by serving up a unique blend of content that really speaks to its audience. The success of niche podcasts shows just how important it is to find and cater to your unique listeners.

The rise of podcast networks

The podcasting industry is maturing, and with that comes the rise of podcast networks. These networks are a big deal—they provide creators with resources, cross-promotion opportunities, and better ways to make money. In 2023, 60% of the top 100 podcasts were part of a network, which shows just how influential they’re becoming. For listeners, it means easier access to a bunch of great content all in one place.

Spotify’s Podcast Network for example, is massive. With big names like “Armchair Expert” and “The Michelle Obama Podcast.” By joining a network, podcasters can tap into shared audiences and marketing power, boosting their reach and revenue.

7. Monetisation gets smarter

Making money from podcasts is evolving beyond the typical ads. Subscription models, premium content, and listener donations are all on the rise. In fact, 40% of podcasters are now earning revenue through listener support and exclusive content. Creators are also exploring branded content and partnerships as new ways to bring in cash.

Look at Patreon. A game-changer for podcasters, letting them offer exclusive content to subscribers. This not only brings in steady income but also helps build a more engaged community.

8. Globalisation of content

Podcasting is going global, and it’s happening fast. More creators are producing content in multiple languages, and listeners are tuning in from all over the world. Over the past year, the number of non-English podcasts has shot up by 25%, breaking down geographical barriers and helping podcasts connect with a diverse, international audience.

Wonderbly just published a tone of their english content on the German market with great results. Or imagine a podcast about global politics that offers episodes in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. It’s a great way to reach a broader audience, spead the message and create a more inclusive listening experience, isn’t?

9. Sustainability and ethics

More people become conscious consumers.  They’re paying closer attention to the ethics behind the content they consume. Podcasts that focus on sustainability, social justice, and ethical storytelling are growing in popularity. With a 45% increase in listener interest for shows that take a clear ethical sides. Plus, creators are being more transparent about their production processes, sponsorships, and the impact of their content.

“How to Save a Planet” is all about climate solutions, and it walks the talk by using sustainable production practices. Aabsolutely somthing for listeners who care. 

Conclusion

The podcasting landscape at the moment is full of potential. Also thanks to trends like video podcasts, interactive content, and niche shows. If you want to push your brand and start a podcast, now’s the time. See which of these trends suits you and stay ahead of the curve. If you need help with your podcast or don’t know where to start get in touch with us, we can help with concepting to production and post production. 

For more tips and insights on how to elevate your podcast, keep it locked on SmartPodcasting.com – your go-to source for all things podcasting.

The post Podcast trends: What’s hot in 2025? appeared first on Voicebooking.

Research your guest

Duh, I know this person, but do you really? Take the time to research your guest thoroughly before the interview. Learn about their background, expertise, accomplishments, and any relevant projects they’ve worked on. This will help you ask the right questions and show that you value their expertise.

Prepare questions

Set up a list of questions or topics you want to cover during the interview. Start with broad, open-ended questions to establish a base and dive deeper into more specific areas as the conversation progresses. Keep room for flexibility? Absolutely. Stay open and willing to drift off from your prepared questions based on the flow of the conversation.

Listen actively

Be in the moment and actively listen to your guest’s responses. If you pay attention to their body language, tone of voice, and any cues they give that indicate they want to elaborate on a specific point, you get a way more intensive and interesting vibe to your conversation. Try to not interrupt your guest and allow them to finish their thoughts before responding or moving on to the next question.

Ask follow-up questions

Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand on your guest’s responses. This shows your genuine interest in the conversation and encourages deeper exploration of the topic.

Balance talking time

Try to keep a balance between talking time for you and your guest. It absolutely is important to guide the conversation and provide context. However, it is also important to ensure that your guest has enough opportunity to share their insights and perspectives without feeling overshadowed.

Create a comfortable environment

Help your guest feel comfortable and at ease during the interview by establishing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. A little chit chat before the mic usually does the trick. Over snacks or some beverages beforehand. Once you are rolling, begin with some casual conversation to break the ice before diving into more substantive topics.

Be respectful and professional

Treat your guest with respect and professionalism throughout the interview. Avoid asking overly personal or sensitive questions unless they have explicitly agreed to discuss those topics. Keep a professional demeanor and stay away from making inappropriate comments or jokes.

Embrace silence

Don’t feel the need to fill every moment of silence with chatter. Embrace pauses in the conversation. This can give both you and your guest time to gather your thoughts and reflect on the discussion.

Stay curious

Approach each interview with genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn from your guest. Ask questions that you genuinely want to know the answers to. And let your curiosity drive the conversation forward.

Show gratitude

Finally, thank your guest for their time and contributions at the end of the interview. Express your appreciation for their insights and let them know how much you enjoyed the conversation.

To wrap it up:

Mastering the art of podcast interviewing takes practice, patience, and a genuine interest in your guests’ stories. By implementing these tips, you can create engaging, insightful, and memorable episodes that resonate with your audience. Remember, the key to a great interview lies in preparation, active listening, and feeding a natural conversation flow. Keep working your technique, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun with the process. Happy podcasting!

The post How to interview in a podcast appeared first on Voicebooking.

Let’s go through how some of the big Hollywood studios produce their sound effects, with videos to show you how to do so yourself with a studio and microphone. 

Action-related sound effects 

Firstly, we’ll go through some of the more commonly used sound effects that you’d hear in action movies. So whenever you hear a slap, punch, or broken bone, this is likely how they did it. 

Slap sound effect

Are you filming a drama show? Maybe you just want a slapstick-like sound effect for an engaging advert of some sort. 

All you need to produce the same result are:

• A plate
• A large piece of meat

Next, you will place the meat on the plate, position your microphone above it, then slap away! Get a few in and see which sound works best, and there you have it, an original slap sound effect. 

Check out our YouTube short on how to create a slap sound effect

Body blows sound effect

For intense action shots where you’re filming a fight scene or something similar, you’ll find this one handy. 

To create the body blow sound effect, you’ll need:

• A pillow

When you get into your studio setup, bring your pillow, and hit it – Literally. So if you’re creating a short film and want some genuine sound effects, you can produce it yourself without relying on other commonly used sounds.

Squelch sound effect

Are you the next Tarantino? Maybe you want to create a Kill-Bill-Esque movie where the main character gauges someone’s eye out, or steps into a zombie’s corpse… Maybe something less sinister, like a footstep into unknown alien territory. 

For an effective squelching sound effect, all you need is:

• A tomato

Now you can up your indie film’s special effects budget, with an everyday household vegetable – well, technically it’s a fruit…

Here’s what it sounds like…

Breaking bone sound effect

Ever wanted to incorporate a broken bone in your production? One for the horror movie enthusiasts, the classical bone breaking sound effect is one that also doesn’t take too much effort to create. In fact, it’s much harder to depict a bone breaking through visual effects than it is through sound. 

To recreate the snapping sound of a broken bone, all you’ll need is:

• A celery stick

To create this effect, all you need to do is position your microphone above a celery stick, then snap it. With that you’d get a perfect, detailed snapping sound effect. It’s literally that simple, and you’ll never want to chop your celery normally when cooking again!

DIY atmospheric sound effects

Now that you’ve got to grips with how to create effective sound effects for action scenes, let’s go through how to create homemade sound effects to help set the atmosphere, or better yet, set the scene. 

The sound of walking in snow

The ambience of snow, whether you’re setting up a winter wonderland scene, or working on a Christmas ad, you can help set a better scene by creating some sound effects that imitate walking through snow. 

It’s also easier than you think, all you need is:

• A thick tea towel
• Cornflour/cornstarch
• Walking boots

Now that you’ve got everything together, you will now need to capture two separate sounds. 

The first is going to be the regular sound of footsteps, for this you can lower your mic and simply trod up and down on the spot in a rhythmic fashion, until you have enough to loop (around 4-7 steps should do). 

Next, add a decent amount of cornstarch to the teatowel, fold, so as to block all gaps, and squeeze, to mimic the sound of crushing snow. 

Lastly, combine the footstep sound effect to the snow crushing sound in an editing tool such as Logic or Ableton, then you’ve got yourself a stepping through snow sound effect. 

The sound of a crackling fire

Want to create a cosy scene of ambience? Perhaps you have a short film with a scene of a family around a fireplace, or even want to encapsulate the crackling sound of a campfire. 

This sound effect is surprisingly easy to produce, all you need is:

• Bag of chips/crisps

Firstly, empty the bag of chips and dispose of them how you deem best, you’ll only need the empty bag for this. 

Next, softly squeeze the empty chip bag to create the ambient sound effect of gentle fire crackles. Then, add some firmer squeezes for a few of the harder snap sound effects. 

Lastly, gently blow into the microphone to add somewhat of a white noise sound effect to the mix. And there you have it, a homemade fireplace sound effect. 

The sound of rain (and thunder)

The sound of rain is key for sad scenes, or even to create an ambience of being in a rainforest. The thunder sound is a bit more tricky, but we’ll take you through. 

You will need:

• A rainstick 
• A sheet of aluminium foil

The rainstick is the easy part, all you have to do is flip it and vary between heavier and softer rainfall sounds, to create a rainfall ambience. 

Next, with the aluminium foil sheet, ensure it’s rolled out flat, place it on top of the mic, and gently press it whilst on the microphone until you capture some sounds that mimic the sound of thunder. 

This part is a bit more tricky, so we recommend getting a good few takes in before stopping. To create an even more realistic thunder-mimicking sound, play with the reverb in your audio editing tool, to create a truly realistic thunderous sound. 

For those on a low budget, with access to a studio, here are 7 sound effects that you can do yourself. Alternatively you can speak to our sound design team and they can design unique sound effects that can be used for any type of production!

We hope you enjoyed this post and learned something of value today. Was there anything here that surprised you? Let us know in the comments below!

The post DIY sound effects for your videos appeared first on Voicebooking.

What are the key differences between mixing and mastering?

When mixing audio, you typically work with three different tracks: The voice-over, the music, and the sound effects. The main objective of the mixing process is to achieve a perfect balance between these tracks. We ensure they don’t interfere with each other. You want the voice-over to sound clear, the music to have the right energy, and the sound effects to create the desired atmosphere.

In most cases, when you simply layer these tracks together, you will not hear the voice-over clearly. But you cannot simply pull down the music volumes, it will affect the overall feel of the track. You need to pay close attention to detail. For example, music can be lowered when there is a voice over, and heightened when there is no voice over. That’s the main idea behind mixing.

Mastering on the other hand is the final step in audio production. It’s the process where we, the audio engineers, fine-tune and prepare a final mix. We make sure the sound is perfect for the platform where it is distributed. This process involves applying equalisation, compression, and other processing techniques to enhance the sound and ensure consistency across all tracks.

The goal of mastering is to optimise the audio for its intended listening environment and format, such as streaming platforms, TV, or radio. 

How important is mixing and mastering in content production?

Mixing and mastering are crucial in content production. They highly impact the audio quality of the final product. Without these processes, the audio may be imbalanced, or it can be challenging to understand the voice-over. The music can either be too overpowering, or too low, this may lead to a poor audio experience. To achieve a high-quality end product, audio must be well-mixed and mastered.

Simply placing audio elements under each other will not make a balanced audio mix, oftentimes, the voice-over may be overpowered. This is against the main goal of every mixing and mastering project, achieving a clear voice-over audio in the end.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in mixing and mastering?

One common mistake in audio mixing is setting the music volume either too loud or too low. As I mentioned earlier, this can ruin the overall audio balance.

Another mistake is mastering a track at an inappropriate level. It’s important to consider the platform the production will be played on. Each platform has its own recommended mastering level. Tracks for web platforms like YouTube or Spotify for example should be mastered to -14 LUFS, while -23 LUFS is recommended for TV.

If a video is mastered too loud at -9 LUFS, YouTube will automatically reduce the volume to -14 LUFS. The volume of the video will be lowered to match their standard of -14 LUFS. Remember to avoid this mistake to produce a high-quality video.

What tools and techniques do you use to achieve a balanced audio mix? 

Our main software for audio production is Pro Tools. There, we use a compression plugin to enhance the dynamics of both voiceover and music. Spoken words have varying volumes, so we boost the low parts and reduce the high-pitched ones to maintain balance.

We also use an equaliser plugin to adjust the frequencies in voice overs. Lower frequencies result in a warmer voice, while higher frequencies produce crystal-clear sound. The optimal frequency range for voiceover intelligibility is between two and five kilohertz (kHz). By decreasing this range in the music and boosting it in the voiceover, we make the voiceover stand out.

To reduce noise, we utilise iZotope and an AI tool. So after completing noise reduction, we import the tracks into Pro Tools for further editing.

How do you work with producers to understand their vision and how do you ensure to meet their expectations? 

At the beginning of a project, we typically hold a briefing session where we ask our clients a few simple questions. It helps us better understand their requirements. For instance, if the project involves creating music, we ask about the genre they prefer and request examples of their previous productions. This allows us to align our creative approach with their style and preferences.

We also ask about the purpose of the production. Different projects require different mixing and mastering processes. For example, audio for commercials may need to be boosted higher to make it sound more impactful and attention-grabbing, while audio for a documentary needs a more balanced approach. By understanding the intended use of the production, we can adjust our approach to ensure the best results for our clients.

What is the most rewarding mixing and mastering project you have done at Voicebooking?

We produced five video episodes for Museumkaart during Museum Week 2022. We had a lot of fun working on this project. Although working with many different audio components was a challenge, we were able to turn it into something great. We are very happy with the final outcome!

How do you measure success in your work as an audio engineer?

We always ask for feedback after production is finished. My goal is always to make the client as happy as possible – that’s the most important thing for me. If we don’t receive any feedback, I usually contact them to know what the client thinks about the project. 

I am proud of the work we did every time we receive good feedback. Otherwise, I am always open to any constructive remarks. As humans, we make mistakes. It’s important to learn from that as well. I mostly learn by doing, and sometimes clients’ feedback can be insightful to the learning process.

What inspired you to become an audio engineer, and how did you get started in the field?

I began my journey in the music industry as a drummer, playing for various bands. Over time, my interest in other musical instruments grew. So I started creating music from different instruments and using it for various projects (videos, films, and commercials). I created a recording studio in my hometown of Haarlem, where I began my career as an audio engineer. Recording music also involves processing, mixing, and mastering to ensure quality.

Later, I attended an audio engineering school in Amsterdam to refine my skills. But it was my work experience that allowed me to master my craft. Today, I am an expert in composing music, as well as editing, mixing, and mastering audio. I have also mastered skills in sound design.

What advice do you have for aspiring audio engineers looking to improve their mixing and mastering skills?

First of all, trust your ears. As a voice over, your voice is your instrument. As an audio engineer, your ears are your vital tools! The quality of the audio people will hear is determined by how well you listen. Pay attention to the volume, and check if the music is interfering with the voice-over. There’s no perfect volume for each track. Your ears can tell you what works best.

Secondly, invest in good studio monitors. They are where you hear what you are doing. I recommend using studio monitors instead of headphones as they are more objective. It’s also important to export the project and listen to it on different platforms like your phone, PC speaker, and even with headphones. This way, you can ensure that the audio quality is good across different devices.

Lastly, take a break! When working on a project for hours, your can ears get tired. You may lose your objectivity. 

It doesn’t have to be a long break. Just step away for a coffee or do something else to clear your head. Then come back with a fresh set of ears. You may realise that some changes need to be made. 

The post A sound engineer’s insights into mixing and mastering appeared first on Voicebooking.

Tip 1: Mention other podcasts in your own podcast

When your listeners subscribe to podcasts you mention in yours, your podcast appears as a related podcast in the podcast app. More people will see your podcast and therefore you will get new listeners.

Tip 2: Be a guest in other podcasts

To make your podcast better known and reach a wider audience, try to be a guest on as many podcasts as possible. You probably know people in your network who already have a podcast. If so, ask them to include a link to your podcast in their show notes. The endorsement by hosts of other podcasts, give your podcast more credibility. Listeners become familiar with your voice and the knowledge and inspiration you have to offer.

Tip 3: Find out what else your listeners are listening to

Knowing and understanding your target audience is key for any podcast. In the podcast app, scroll down to see related podcasts. This will help you better understand your audience’s interests. That way you can collaborate with other podcasts because you have a shared audience.

Tip 4: Analyse

Of course, you want to know if your business podcast is successful. So look at the development of the number of downloads, which topics score well and whether your podcast is listened to until the end. Analyse and learn. That way, your podcast will get better and better. And get more listeners.

Tip 5: Burst

A burst is a way to get more listeners in a short time. You put a number of (shorter) podcasts live at high frequency. Preferably with topical subjects and with a call to action your listener can do something with. 

A quiz, a poll, a giveaway. Think of a theme week and choose 5 matching topics. Such a burst gives your podcast (renewed) attention and is guaranteed to bring you extra listeners.

We also advise exploring opportunities to be a guest on various podcasts, as that will significantly expand the reach of your own podcast to a broader audience.

Tip 6: Connect your listener in the right way

Not everything fits into your podcast. Many listeners listen to podcasts on the go. But sometimes you want to refer your listener to a video, an article, a website, etc. Make sure these links are easy to find in the show notes, in your socials, or on your site. These are all extensions of your podcast. It keeps your listener’s attention longer and also attracts new followers.

Tip 7: Build an e-mail list

Building an email list is the best way to understand who your audience is. It also allows you to send updates when a new podcast is live. Or to offer newsletters, e-books or videos as an extension of your podcast. However, people don’t give away their e-mail address easily, so there has to be something in return. A perk, a gift, a privilege. But try it because it enriches the dialogue with your listener.

Tip 8: Engage your audience

Try to engage with your listeners. Get them into your podcast. Ask questions about what they like about the show, what they do in daily life, whether they have any great tips for your listeners. This, of course, is what many radio programmes also do. Because it works. Take advantage of it.

Tip 9: Not there for a while? No problem

Sometimes, as a podcaster, you need to take a break. Maybe you’re too busy or just want to go on holiday. Some podcast producers record episodes in advance. But if you can’t, give yourself that break and come back strong. Such a relaunch after a short absence can actually bring back new listeners.

Tip 10: Sell through your podcast?

Essentially, podcasts are about sharing information and inspiration through engaging conversations. This is how you build reputation and authority as a host. But it is certainly not impossible to turn your podcast into a sales channel. Do it subtly, though. Let your guests tell their success story and refer to your service or product at the end of your podcast. Then also provide a nice offer that only applies to podcast listeners. With that mechanism, you extend your reach. 

Tip 11: Add video

More and more radio programmes can be viewed with images. Adding video to your podcast could work well for you, too. After all, people like to see who is talking. Then you can add YouTube as a distribution channel. That means quite a bit of extra reach. And you can also edit those images into nice promos for your socials.

Tip 12: Take interview lessons

Especially if you are starting out, but also if you have been at it for a while, a few interview or presentation technique lessons can be very valuable. What questions do you ask? How do you keep asking? When should you get bogged down in a subject? Find an experienced professional and take lessons. It can be a lot of fun too. It will make you a better host and better hosts attract more listeners.

Tip 13: Create a community

One of the problems with podcasting is that there is no physical place for podcast listeners. No studio, no venue, no meeting room. This is a shame, because it means you miss the opportunity for a shared experience. A community feel. So if you want your listeners to connect with each other, consider creating a community. For example, a LinkedIn group. Or a live, online or hybrid event once in a while. It’s one more way to grow your listener base.

Tip 14: Recap your podcasts

Not every podcast episode is great. Nor do they need to be. But a few times a year you have a blast, with extra listeners and reactions. Take advantage of this by compiling these highlights into a ‘the best of’ episode at the end of the season or year. Guaranteed success and new listeners.

Tip 15: Send your podcast to forums, groups and communities

Chances are there are forums, groups and communities that are related to the topic of your podcast. Don’t hesitate to drop links to your podcast on these platforms. You will increase your reach in one fell swoop. First interview the owner or founder of the forum, group or community. Chances are your podcasts will then be warmly welcomed.

Share your podcast on forums, groups, communities

Tip 16: Use your socials

Both before and after an episode of your podcast, social media are very important. Beforehand, of course, for the teaser, trailer or promo. Afterwards for the reviews and reactions. This is where great dialogues with your target audience are created. Online conversations that might lead to physical appointments and, who knows, new customers. Your socials are also a perfect way to do market research. Regularly post a poll about what your listeners find interesting. Really, socials boost awareness of your podcast enormously.

Tip 17: Find a media partner

You put your podcasts on your own site, of course. You promote them via your socials. You also write blogs about them. Still, that may not be enough reach. Simply because you only reach your own network. Want more listeners fast? Then see if you can find a media partner. For example, a trade platform that links up with your topics. You offer them valuable content, they offer you a platform with which you can reach potential new followers.

Tip 18: Lists work

Whether newspapers, magazines, TV or radio programmes: ‘the best of’ lists just work. The bestseller list of books. The top 40 pop songs. The biggest blockbusters of all time. We feast on them. And so it’s a guaranteed success for your podcast if you include them. Come up with a top 5, top 10 or top so many topics and explain your choice, alone or together with a guest. Just like the blog you are currently reading…

Tip 19: Design! Because the eye wants something too

Podcasts are, of course, about listening. But you must first stand out within podcast apps or on socials. Your podcast is a brand. And so its design, along with the title, is one of the first things people see. So make sure it stands out, even in a small format. An important way to reach more people.

Tip 20: Have fun!

You might have business goals with your podcast and you might get frustrated if you don’t achieve them or don’t achieve them fast enough. But remember that, above all, it should be fun. You will get to talk to people you might not otherwise talk to so easily. You hear cool stories. You gain new insights. Your pleasure is that of the listener! And if it does not turn out to be the commercial success you dreamed of, at least you will have had a great time.

Want to know some more tips? Then read our e-book 40 tips to make your business podcast a success.

The post Podcast hacks: these are the tricks to get more listeners appeared first on Voicebooking.

MP3 & WAV differences

here are many differences between the MP3 and WAV audio formats, but the key difference is that MP3s are “compressed” and WAV files are – yes, that’s right – “uncompressed”.

That means that MP3s are smaller (around 1/10th of the file’s original size). So MP3s are easy to send around and they load quickly on a webpage, to name just two advantages. The disadvantage is that in the compression process they’ve lost 90% of the original audio! MP3s are considered a “lossy” audio file type. 

WAV files are uncompressed. So the file contains all of the original elements. This means WAV files are “lossless” because you don’t lose any part of your audio when you create one. So WAV files are a more accurate audio clip and they provide objectively better quality. But, the downside is that they’re bigger, so they’re not as easy to work with, host, or distribute.

So size and quality are the main differences between WAV and MP3s.

Do wav files lose quality?

When WAV files are encoded they aren’t compressed, so they contain all the original audio info. Now, it’s true that not all of this information can be heard by the human ear. But still, from a quality perspective, it’s better to have more data than you need, rather than not having enough. 

An easy parallel for this is two versions of the same photo. One high-quality gorgeous image that you can zoom in on, and the other, a grainy, pixelated version of the same photo. 

When you see them from far away, they look almost the same. But if you really get in close you can see one is grainy and distorted. That’s the MP3. The other is much more vivid and maintains it’s quality even when inspected closely. That vivid image is the equivalent of the WAV version. 

Is WAV or MP3 better quality?

WAV is better quality than MP3, that’s clear. But still, the MP3 has its place. With the compressed MP3s you can fit lots of content into less space. Because they’re smaller, they can be sent around more easily. And if you’re paying for hosting or storage, smaller file sizes can often mean smaller cost. 

Another advantage of MP3s is their compatibility. MP3 files work on a whole range of software platforms. But if the question is simply “Is WAV or MP3 better quality?” The answer is definitely WAV.

Is WAV vs MP3 the better format for voiceover 

The answer to the question “which is the better format?” is “it depends on what you’re using it for.”

When you’re working with the files, like mixing and adding sounds and music, you want to use the lossless WAV. Keep the highest sound quality as long as you can. 

And when you output it, here is which one you should choose. MP3s are best for auditions, demos and any situation where you’re emailing or sharing files around. In fact, some audio engineers even ignore auditions and samples that have been sent as anything other than an MP3, because it means the person probably isn’t a professional.

But – and this is a big but – for final deliverables and anything that will be mixed down, it’s WAV all the way. The MP3 is fine for warm-ups, but it’s always WAV for the main event.

Why is WAV the best audio format?

WAV is the best audio format when it comes to publishing audio for commercials, TV, film, radio… anywhere where sound quality matters. WAV is the gold standard. 

And there’s another reason why WAV is the best audio format: WAV, as an uncompressed audio file, can always be compressed later. Let’s say you want to share a sample of your voiceover with some friends. You can take the high-quality WAV file, output it as an MP3 and share that in your group chat. Just remember to keep that WAV file to use for the final product!

Because once that compression algorithm has stripped all that extra info out of a WAV file to make it into an MP3, it can’t go the other way. You can’t turn an MP3 into a WAV file and hope to restore that audio quality. It’s gone. 

The MP3 vs WAV: Final decision

So there you have it: The lossless, uncompressed nature of the WAV means superior sound quality. And the fact that a WAV can always be compressed and converted into a lighter MP3 for sharing, means that WAV is the file format to work with. 

The MP3 of course has its uses, but it’s a format of convenience, not one for creating professional work. So always work with the WAV, and save the MP3 for rough drafts and casual sharing.

The post MP3 vs WAV for voice overs: Which should I use? appeared first on Voicebooking.

At Voicebooking we offer four services:

The first three audio services are successive steps in the audio process. The first service, editing and mastering is the cheapest and simplest one. The third, sound design is the most comprehensive audio service, it includes the editing & mastering and mixing & mastering. The fourth service, studio hire is separate from the other three services.

Service 1: Editing & mastering

When a voice over has been recorded, you will receive the recording in a raw audio file. This means that you will still need to edit out certain parts, such as the ‘ehms’, ‘eeh’, and sighs. If you want, we can edit the audio for you. We can remove all the unwanted sounds from the recording.

Besides ‘ehms’, think of breathing and clicking sounds. Besides cleaning up the sound, we process the recording to make the audio file suitable for all devices. We call this process mastering. Editing & mastering costs €75,00 per hour. In one hour we can edit and master up to 1000 words.

Service 2: Mixing & mastering

If you want, we can go a step further. Besides editing and mastering, we will also mix the audio with music. We find the right stock music and add this to the mastered voice over recording. We make sure there is a proper balance between the voice over and the music, so that it adds a magic touch while the voice remains clear.

For a web video of up to 3 minutes, this service costs €119,00. That fee includes service 1 (editing & mastering), but finding the right stock music and mixing it with the voice over recording is what makes this service stand out.

Service 3: Sound design

Sound design is the third step in the audio process. It combines both service 1 and 2, but includes the addition of great sound effects. These effects help bring animations to life. With the right sound effects we can amplify the movements in the animation. Timing is an essential aspect of this.

That means we put every sound effect in the exact right place. Is the movement going from left to right? Then so will the sound effect. Of course we also take the correct volume into account, sound effects should never drown out the voice over. 

If you book a voice over with Voicebooking, we offer the sound design service for a fee starting at €225,00 (for videos up to 90 seconds). 

Did you find your voice over somewhere else, but you still need sound design? Then prices start from €250,00 for a video up to 90 seconds. Contact us for the exact prices.

Interested in more voice over rates? See them in more detail.

Service 4: Rent a recording studio

The final service we offer is studio rental. You can use our recording studio in Amsterdam for voice over recordings and podcast recordings.

Voice over recording

Are you working with a voice over actor who doesn’t have a home studio? Or would you like to attend the recording in the studio and direct your voice over yourself? Then you can use our studio for your voice over recording.

This allows you to directly discuss with the voice over whether the recording sounds like what you had in mind. Do you also want music and sound effects added to your production? Then we take care of this right away.

Podcast recording

Our studio is also suitable for podcast recording. The studio has space for recordings with up to four people, perfect for a podcast. After recording, we can help you with post production, as well as create and add the perfect podcast jingles. This way, you walk out the door with a podcast ready for publication.

Costs for the use of our studio and sound technician are available on request. How much does it cost to rent a studio? Take a look at our audio rates. 

The post Our audio services explained appeared first on Voicebooking.

Jingles, sound logos or audio imaging

Some call it jingles, some use terms like audio imaging or sound logos and if you look at it from the perspective of a sound logo you can make a nice connection with a visual logo.

Good brands have well thought out brand logos. Good podcast requires a sort of audio logo, a good jingle that establishes the podcast as something to take really seriously like a brand on its own. 

Be recognizable

In most podcasts you have an opening jingle, a closing jingle, sometimes a few bumpers and sound elements here and there. And when it comes to the opening jingle it would be great if your listeners immediately think hey this is something really worth listening to or hey that’s my favorite podcastagain! Needless to say with podcasts people listen from the start of an episode so the opening jingle is the most important one of all right?

Okay regarding this point you can compare it with TV series blockbusters like Game of Thrones, Madman and Suits; they all have really strong opening tunes. What do good opening jingles have in common?

Well, think of it like the entrance of a nightclub, a hip nightclub you knock on a black door someone opens it you see a staircase going up and as you go up those stairs you see the light at the end and the music is getting louder and louder and you think this is going to be fun I guess. And that’s what you need, a sort of suspense in a way that fits your format. Once you have that opening jingle created, you can create extractions of it for the closing tune, the bumpers and separate sound elements. See it as a set of elements of the same breed.

Most times a voice over is part of the jingle as well. When starting a podcast series, always try to think in the perspective of a new first time listener. They are the ones that need to be convinced at most that the podcast will be worth listening to.   

The opening jingle should tell what’s in it for you.  So for example you can name the podcast and add a short tech line or even better create some kind of elevator pitch in about four to seven lines: Hey guys this is what we’re going to talk about. 

How to choose the right voice over for your podcast

Then choosing the voice over… Of course it does matter which voice you choose male, female, young, old, classic, raw. Try to find a specific tone of voice that fits in your format in an extraordinary way. 

Now the question, imagine you create a podcast for an A-brand, those big brands, the kinds of brands that have their own voice talents who do all of the commercials and voicemail recording etc etc.  

Should he or she be the voiceover for the podcast jingles? 

Well not always. Here at Voicebooking we create lots of podcast jingles and we see most podcasts are made for niche markets and maybe your brand voice is a young sounding voice exciting but the podcast is for a part of your older audience and in that case then an older voice is more logical to use. Learn more about our podcast production services today. 

And remember you’re creating branded content so in many cases you’re creating a brand of its own, which needs a tone of voice of its own.  

So, as a company you have your visual logo and for a podcast you need your audio logo. It will cost you some extra money yes sure, but do make that investment it’s worth it. Good, well creating jingles will give people the feeling that they are going to listen to something that’s worth listening to and they will set you apart from the rest. And you know getting on that top list of Itunes isn’t easy. 

I’m really curious what’s your favourite podcast? Just let me know in the comments and if you want to see more of my videos go to our youtube channel that’s  youtube.com/voicebookcom.

Here are some more interesting videos about podcast and audio:

7 Tips to make your podcast a success

Podcast tips: Should You Cut Your Podcast Interview?

How to mix sound effects with a voice over yourself

The post How to create epic podcast jingles appeared first on Voicebooking.

Even though I know of no one actually doing that, it does make you wonder how many people you really need for a proper movie production.

A lot, thinks Hollywood. The creators of Iron Man 3 answered that question with 3310 people (!), as shown listed below (source here)

How different things are in the world of online video content. There we see an increasing amount of work being done by a decreasing amount of people. If you’d ask an average content producer of web videos, explainers or e-learnings the same question, any answer being more than 10 people would be a lot.

Alright, it makes sense you don’t need 3310 people to produce a 90 second explainer video, but many content producers opt to do almost everything themselves: video editing, script writing, camera work, production, color grading, motion graphics, audio recording and post production…

Similar to a ‘one-man-band’, they put together the entire production solo.

As a sound designer, I am often called upon to help improve a production’s audio quality. Or to give workshops (for content producers, for example) explaining how to mix audio. Even those I teach in my workshops often come back to me asking to “quickly mix some audio” for them.

But it’s not like that with all productions. How come? When is it the right call as a content producer to let go of the ‘one-man-band’ principle and outsource audio post production? And when is it the right call not to?

Besides obvious factors such as budget and time, the content of a video can also help to determine whether outsourcing to an audio expert is the smart thing to do. Let’s take a closer look at this.

It’s all about the story

No matter how fun silly TikTok-like video filters and effects are, when producing a video, it should be all about the story. You want to bring your audience along for that story. To spark emotion in your viewer.

To maybe inspire or just plainly make a sale. And which tool is more qualified to spark emotion than audio? Movie scenes can change entirely in how they are perceived with a simple change of music. Even though the imagery remains the same, the story changes. In the video below you’ll see a few examples of this:

This video, by the way, would have been even better with a proper audio mix. It should cost the viewer 0% effort to understand the voice of the presenter. If it costs any more than that, the viewer’s focus shifts towards what exactly is being said.

And then they might miss other things in the video. Especially at the beginning of the video, I personally have to make more than 0% effort to understand what is being said. My guess is that the producer focused too much on the effect of the music, forgetting about the importance of the voice.

And that is also an excellent example of a reason to outsource your audio post production. An audio professional will know exactly how to turn up the music without it compromising the quality of the voice.

And without turning the music so low it loses its impact. Also, cutting and editing the music in such a way it perfectly syncs up with your story and video is an art in itself.

Some producers are perfectly capable of handling this themselves. But for big productions in which sound and music play an important role, a specialized audio editor might just be able to get a little extra out of it.

That should be the question content producers ask themselves: how important is audio for telling my story?

Use audio to direct your viewer’s attention

Music can affect or even change the content of your video, as could be seen in the video above. But you can also use it to direct your viewer’s attention. Imagine your video is building up to an important point. So important, your viewer will not miss it.

Audio can help you with that, sometimes even without the viewer noticing. Because if you make sure that, at that important point, your voice over is quiet and your music pauses, you can use a sound effect to emphasise the most important thing in your video. Since you take away all other input, the viewer has no choice but to focus on that you want them to focus on.

The art is to do so without the viewer noticing. It must feel natural. And this is one of the great things about a good audio mix. It directs the viewer’s focus to the most important parts of your story. Pixar is a master at this. In the Pixar Short below, the audio is continually being used to direct focus:

Sometimes the music cuts out, to emphasise the feeling of ‘waiting’, as seen around a minute into the video. You suddenly hear the sounds of the boat and of the sea, but nothing else. That emptiness adds to that ‘waiting feeling’ they want their viewers to become a part of. But as soon as the moon rises, the violin music perfectly supports the feeling for that scene. And because of the lack of music before, it works extra well.

A little further in, when the big star is dropping (around 4:12), the music is turned down and simultaneously the sound effects come in hard. The music is being ‘pushed out’, as it were, by the sound effects. After that, silence, except for some hissing sounds. This contract provides the tension needed in that moment. And when the men get back to work, the music picks back up as well.

Try watching without sound. The transition between scenes is much less remarkable. The attention of the viewer is less directed and the impact of the story decreases.

This is a good reason to outsource your audio post production or sound design services. Good sound designers can use audio to direct focus in any video. They help the important parts of the video get the most attention.

A better balance

Finally, a more technical reason to outsource your audio post production. I mentioned it before: it should cost the viewer 0% effort to understand a voice over, also when you are using music and sound effects. And that can be hard. An audio mix might, for example, sound fine on an iPhone.

You understand the voice over and the music sounds good. But on your TV SoundBar, you suddenly hear so much ‘boomy’ bass from your music the sound of your voice over disappears into it.

With a proper frequency balance and the right dynamic in the audio mix, you make sure your audio sounds good anywhere. Even on AirPods ?. Some content producers know exactly how to get this done. It’s a bit like learning to play an instrument: the more often you do it, the better it will sound.

If you are unsure whether you can get your audio mix to sound good anywhere, you could consider outsourcing your audio post production. Especially if you don’t know on which medium your video will be viewed.

So, it’s important to take into account the story you want to tell. In the given examples you have seen how important the role of audio can be for this purpose. Every time you’ll need to consider whether you have the necessary skills to adapt  audio to add  something extra to your production, or if you might benefit from an external sound designer.

If done right, audio can add a whole new dimension to your imagery. The Pixar video above is an excellent example of this. Audio can boost your video and help to highlight the most important parts, so they will stick in your viewer’s head. And that, of course, is always the goal, whatever sort of video you are producing.

If you’re interested in audio post production services such as mixing & mastering, we’ve got you! Take a look at all of our audio services.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. 

About the author

Giel is our go-to sound designer and (broadcast) music engineer, working from our in-house Amsterdam studio. He worked as a sound designer on productions of brands such as Disney, KPMG and Spotify and as a (broadcast) music engineer a.o. for various radio stations, mixing performances for artists such as Jason Mraz, Miss Montreal, Shawn Mendes. He gives audio workshops and writes articles/blogs about all things audio.

The post Audio post production for your video content appeared first on Voicebooking.

In this video I share a simple hack that will do the trick.

If you have any questions after watching this video, just let us know in the comments.

Explainer videos often come to life by adding some sound effects. And often they are too loud, or too soft as the case over here. How do you fix that? Hi, I’m Jente Kater from Voicebooking and in this video I’ll explain how to mix sound effects with a voice over at exactly the right level.

Mixing sound effects… Of course, it would be more convenient to leave this in the hands of a sound engineer, but in the production of video content there is often no budget for this or simply no time. So, as a video editor, how do you do it yourself? Well, the answer is really simple. This is a sound spectrum. On the left there are the bass, in the middle are the mids and no surprise here, on the right there is the high, the treble. And whether you’re playing a ship’s horn or a voice over, both use this entire sound spectrum. But there is only one difference.

If you take away the low tone from a ship’s horn, it’s more like a horn of a rubber boat. And with voices it’s not the low but the mid tones. Leave them out, and a voice over disappears in the background. To be precise: there are tones for the voice over which you need to hear, and they are between 1 and 3 kilohertz. And there lies the problem. If you have too many of those 1 to 3 k tones in sound effects, it will get in the way of understanding the voice.

What to do: Take an equalizer, put it on the voice and boost a little from 1 to 3 kilohertz. Now, take another equalizer and put that on the sound effect. And turn down exactly those tones for a good amount. And what you hear now… indeed: the sound effect is no longer in the way of understanding the voice. It doesn’t t matter what kind of sound effects you use. Find the right frequencies and get in the way and reduce them to an acceptable level, and you’re done. It’s a simple hack, but our studio engineers at Voicebooking make good use of it. Every day.

The post How to mix sound effects with a voice over yourself appeared first on Voicebooking.