PodMov Daily: Tuesday, November 16

Episode 540: Testing, One Two-sday

Spotify’s Greenroom Adds No-Login Listening

Spotify’s Greenroom now lets anyone listen live with no login required. The feature was quietly announced yesterday alongside a new slate of Greenroom shows. Those who don’t have logins can listen (but not participate) on their phones or web browsers anywhere the app is available, covering over 135 markets.

This move puts Greenroom in line with Twitter Spaces, which introduced the ability to listen without a login less than two weeks ago. As TechCrunch’s Aisha Malik wrote at the time, the expansion gave Spaces “an edge over rivals like Clubhouse and Facebook’s Live Audio Rooms.” Enter Spotify, ever quick to claim an edge.

Also like Twitter Spaces, Greenroom hosts can only share room recordings on the original platform (Anchor, in Spotify’s case, which will never direct users elsewhere). Meanwhile the login-only Clubhouse has rolled out Replay, letting hosts and moderators record, download, and edit audio for use without restriction.

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Sound Design Should Never Be Done for Free

As someone who regularly produces podcasts, Newt Schottelkotte is “very familiar with volunteer work.” However, there’s one job they cannot justify taking on without pay: sound design. “A good sound designer is not just worth a place in your budget, they should be one of the first things you budget for.”

Underpaying (or not paying) for sound design is far too common, Schottelkotte writes. “While anyone can theoretically hop into Audacity and place clips in a sequence, a professional is going to offer you a verifiable product that you should compensate them for” — podcasting is a competition in quality.

This goes for all types of podcasts. Schottelkotte specializes in audio drama, where volunteer work is “extremely common.” While trading and favors are an essential part of independent podcasting, every creator should be aware of the time, skills, and resources that go into a polished audio landscape. Plan ahead.

uCast: Secure Podcast Advertising, Made Easy

uCast is a marketplace for podcasters and advertisers to find each other and create successful ad campaigns. Smarter matching helps both sides find the right fit quickly — without the risk. On uCast, secure deal management and strong campaigns go hand-in-hand.

Podcasts and businesses of any size are welcome. Simply create a profile, list your podcast, and review ad offers as they come in. If you’re an advertiser, just start a campaign, input your parameters, and send offers to the podcasts you like. In-app communication and contracts mean everyone moves forward with confidence.

Now launched in beta, uCast is offering three months completely free. The feedback you share will help make the experience even better. Ready to meet the Fiverr of podcast advertising? Your next great campaign is a signup away.

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Here's what else is going on:

• Stay classy: “Podcasting and Higher Ed: A Two-Way Street” is this Thursday at 3:00 pm ET. Lisa Bartfai and Jenna Spinelle will lead an interactive discussion about how universities and podcasters can interact in ways that benefit the organizations, producers, and listeners. Free RSVP.

• Open doors: The Charlotte Podcast Festival Pop-Up event is coming up November 30 – December 4. This year’s virtual event is entirely free, featuring speakers like award-winning NPR journalist Kelly McEvers. All topics are on the table, from gear to monetization. Registration required.

• Cocktail hour: Video podcasting studios are popping up left and right. Upload Studios launches Monday in Edinburgh, Scotland, offering green screen, voiceover recording, and photography as well. Meanwhile a St. Paul, Minnesota liquor store plans to open a fully equipped studio in May.

• Volume up: Futuro Media and WDET, Detroit’s NPR station, have teamed up to host an intensive podcast lab for people of color. Eight of 90 community-focused applicants were selected for the 15-week program, which will provide hands-on training and experience in storytelling and editing.