Guide to Podcast Post-Production

Checklist 1 min
Follow this checklist after recording a podcast to ensure you've completed the final steps for delivery.

Now that you've prepared for and recorded your podcast, it's time to polish it up for your audience. Use this guide to make sure your final product is the best it can be.

Remember, podcasts are recurring media, so once you wrap one, it's time to get to work on the next episode. Consider scheduling a debrief with other hosts and guests to discuss what worked well and what could be improved.

  • Ensure you have all the recorded media you need to start editing
    • Use music/FX/SFX only from authorized websites. Check with your unit to verify from where you are authorized to get production elements.
  • Clean up audio, adjust levels and remove any unwanted noise
  • Review your drafted podcast with an eye toward quality
    • Get plenty of feedback before presenting the first draft
    • Prepare metadata (write short episode description and create tags)
    • Conduct internal review with team lead/supervisor
  • Deliver the reviewed draft electronically to point-of-contact/customer
    • Include metadata
    • Export all files (h.264 MP4 file with graphic or MP3 file)
  • Collect and implement feedback, incorporating requested changes
  • Repeat draft process until final approval is received
  • Finalize the podcast files for distribution and archiving
    • Send final podcast files to customer
    • Distribute final podcast to appropriate channels
    • Upload final podcast to DVIDS
    • Remove and/or archive drafts and previous versions
    • Archive final version of podcast
  • Promote the podcast
    • Create graphics and promotion thumbnails
    • Create video previews to promote podcast episodes (one-three highlights, 30-60 seconds in length)
    • Coordinate release with social media team
  • Conduct a hot wash and review lessons learned

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