How to Host a Podcast on DVIDS

How To 4 min
You've finished recording and editing a podcast; now what? You will need to figure out how and where to host it. Fortunately, the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) offers FREE podcast hosting services.

DVIDS works as both a hosting site and a distributor that can push audio and video podcast episodes to Apple, Spotify and other popular listening platforms. They also provide some analytics tracking.

Make sure you have all your channel and episode information ready and check off your final steps using the Guide to Podcast Post-Production.

Follow the steps below to create a podcast channel and upload your episode(s) to DVIDS. Remember that your process doesn't stop there! Make sure to promote your podcast and continually track each episode's engagement once it's released. For more detailed analytic requests from DVIDS, email dvidsservicedesk@dvidshub.net.

Attention!
Check with your unit to ensure there are no further local policies or guidelines for this task.

In order to upload media to DVIDS, you must first have a registered account as a Military Public Affairs/Combat Camera user. To do this:

  1. Go to DVIDS and click Register in the upper right corner.
  2. Enter all requested information and click Submit Registration.
Please email: dvicustomerservice@defense.gov with the information below. DVIDS support will create the podcast channel.

  • Provide cover art for your podcast channel. The final image file should be saved as a JPG file type and 1400 x 1400 pixels.
  • Provide the title and description of your podcast channel. Refer to Podcast Roadmap for Success for tips on naming and describing your podcast.
  • Provide the type (MP3, MP4), unit, subtitle and summary.

After your podcast channel has been created, it will be visible on your unit landing page on DVIDS hub.

Contact customer support at the numbers below if you need more assistance.

Customer Service Representative
Toll-free: 1-888-743-4662
Commercial: 570-615-9872

Before uploading, make sure your recorded podcast is edited, finalized and distribution ready. Follow your unit's process for media release and approval, if it is required, to make the file public.

Export the file in an appropriate format, whether it is a video or audio podcast, as an MP4 (h.264) or MP3.

When naming your file, note the importance of the naming convention. This will allow for automatic connection of the podcast episode to the channel’s varying platforms. The title of the audio/video saved in the metadata field file must match the podcast title.

FOR EXAMPLE
 

Leader's Recon - Ep. 1
Leader's Recon - Interview with X

In addition, have your episode’s title and a compelling description written.

Once your channel is established on the DVIDS hub and you have your episode’s file and information, you can now upload your podcast.

  1. Click on DVIDS Direct in the upper left corner of DVIDS.

    Screenshot of DVIDS home page (https://www.dvidshub.net/) with the DVIDS Direct button highlighted. Note this button only displays if logged in as a registered Military Public Affairs/Combat Camera user.
    Screenshot of DVIDS home page (https://www.dvidshub.net/) with the DVIDS Direct button highlighted. Note this button only displays if logged in as a registered Military Public Affairs/Combat Camera user. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION Team
    Screenshot of DVIDS home page (https://www.dvidshub.net/) with the DVIDS Direct button highlighted. Note this button only displays if logged in as a registered Military Public Affairs/Combat Camera user.
    Screenshot of DVIDS home page (https://www.dvidshub.net/) with the DVIDS Direct button highlighted. Note this button only displays if logged in as a registered Military Public Affairs/Combat Camera user.
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    Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION Team
    VIRIN: 220316-D-ZW071-0039

     
  2. Click on New Batch.

    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page with the Direct section selected. Within this section the New Batch button is highlighted.
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page with the Direct section selected. Within this section the New Batch button is highlighted. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION Team
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page with the Direct section selected. Within this section the New Batch button is highlighted.
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page with the Direct section selected. Within this section the New Batch button is highlighted.
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    Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION Team
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  3. Click on Upload a file.

    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page to create a new batch. Within the page the Upload a file button is selected. Also within the page are several information messages about a policy update, beta version of DIVIDS Direct 3.0 for images and video are now available and submission guidelines.
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page to create a new batch. Within the page the Upload a file button is selected. Also within the page are several information messages about a policy update, beta version of DIVIDS Direct 3.0 for images and video are now available and submission guidelines. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION Team
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page to create a new batch. Within the page the Upload a file button is selected. Also within the page are several information messages about a policy update, beta version of DIVIDS Direct 3.0 for images and video are now available and submission guidelines.
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page to create a new batch. Within the page the Upload a file button is selected. Also within the page are several information messages about a policy update, beta version of DIVIDS Direct 3.0 for images and video are now available and submission guidelines.
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    Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION Team
    VIRIN: 220316-D-ZW071-0041

     
  4. Navigate to your podcast file and click Open.
  5. Click on the magnifying glass under Review.

    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page with an MP4 file uploaded. Within the page the Review a file button represented by a magnifying glass icon, is selected. Also within the page are several information messages about a policy update, beta version of DIVIDS Direct 3.0 for images and video are now available and submission guidelines.
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page with an MP4 file uploaded. Within the page the Review a file button represented by a magnifying glass icon, is selected. Also within the page are several information messages about a policy update, beta version of DIVIDS Direct 3.0 for images and video are now available and submission guidelines. Photo by DINFOS PAVILION Team
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page with an MP4 file uploaded. Within the page the Review a file button represented by a magnifying glass icon, is selected. Also within the page are several information messages about a policy update, beta version of DIVIDS Direct 3.0 for images and video are now available and submission guidelines.
    Screenshot of DVIDS Direct page with an MP4 file uploaded. Within the page the Review a file button represented by a magnifying glass icon, is selected. Also within the page are several information messages about a policy update, beta version of DIVIDS Direct 3.0 for images and video are now available and submission guidelines.
    Download Image 
    Share Image:
    Photo by: DINFOS PAVILION Team
    VIRIN: 220316-D-ZW071-0042

     
  6. Enter all metadata for the file.
  7. Click Save.
  8. Click Finish.

Your podcast has now been submitted to DVIDS. DVIDS will associate the audio file with your podcast channel.

Once the audio file is public, the podcast will be automatically pushed to all platforms (Apple, Spotify, Google Podcast). Uploads to DVIDS are live within the hour and can be pushed to external platforms within 24 hours.

Now you can start on your next podcast or episode. You only need to repeat steps three through five when uploading future episodes.

Remember to follow DoDI 5040.02 regarding archival of visual information. See Visual Information (VI) submission methods and Lifecycle Management of Released VI Records for more detailed information.

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