How To – Start a podcast eKasi. Ideas for aspirant podcasters.

Podcasting has become an increasingly popular medium for people around the world to share their thoughts and ideas with others. We wondered if it is possible that the kasi is being left out of this trend due to a lack of resources and access to technology. But this article doesn’t provide an answer to that question, instead, in this article we share somewhat of a guide for kasi youth (mainly) to consider if you plan to create and monetise a podcast, even with limited access to the internet and expensive recording equipment.

For the record, we think that there should be more podcasts from the kasi, by the kasi, and for the kasi.

Here are some of the benefits of podcasting…

• Podcasting can be a powerful tool for individuals and communities to share their stories, ideas, and experiences with the world. In kasi communities, podcasting can provide an alternative platform to voice opinions, share information, and engage with audiences, especially if your kasi doesn’t reach a lot of people through traditional media.
• Creating a podcast can be a way to amplify local voices, highlight issues that affect the community, and bring attention to the unique experiences and perspectives of kasi residents.
• Additionally, podcasts can be a source of income for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to create quality content.

Podcasting, however, doesn’t come without challenges. And here are some you may have to overcome:

While podcasting can be a powerful tool for kasi, it is important to acknowledge the challenges that come with creating podcasts in environments that generally come with their own issues. For example:

• Limited or no access at all to the internet either due to high data prices or no high-speed internet access or blackouts.
• Lack of access to expensive recording equipment.
• According to Statistics South Africa, unemployment is at an all-time high in the country. This can make it difficult for kasi youth or anyone to find the resources and support they need to create and sustain a podcast.

However (and this is not to normalise struggling), it’s true that kasi people are no strangers to creativity and persistence. These can be major obstacles, but they are not insurmountable and can be overcome.

Here are some ideas for creating a podcast with limited resources:

Creating a podcast with limited resources may seem daunting, but it is possible with a few key tools and a little ingenuity. Here are some steps to get started:

• Find a quiet space: Look for a quiet place in your community where you can record without too much background noise. This could be a quiet room in a community center or a local library.
• Use your smartphone: Most smartphones come with a built-in voice recorder app that can be used to record audio. Alternatively, there are free or low-cost apps that can be downloaded to your phone to improve audio quality.
• Invest in a microphone: While not essential, investing in a budget-friendly microphone can greatly improve the sound quality of your podcast. There are many affordable options available online.
• Choose a topic: Think about what you want to talk about and choose a topic that you are passionate about. This will help you stay motivated and engaged in the podcasting process.
• Plan your content: Plan out your episodes in advance to ensure that you have enough content to keep your listeners engaged. Make sure to have a clear structure and format for your show.
• Publish your podcast: Once your podcast is recorded and edited, it’s time to publish it. There are many free hosting platforms available online, such as PodBea, Anchor, Spreaker, Buzzsprout, etc. that can help you get your podcast up and running.

Ideas for monetising your podcast

Let’s say you’ve managed to climb over all the mountainous challenges you were faced with; you’ve recorded your podcast, are gaining traction and have successfully created a valuable tool/medium for community engagement, and now you are thinking of using your podcast as a source of income.

Well, it’s possible and here are some ways to monetise it:

• Sponsorships and advertising: As your podcast grows in popularity, you may be able to secure sponsorships from companies that are aligned with your content and audience. You would basically go to those companies or brands and ask them to sponsor your podcast. The benefit to them could be that you are expanding their brand awareness to the audience and following you have. By promoting a brand’s product or service to your audience you can also unlock affiliate marketing and other forms of advertising to monetise your podcast.
• Merchandise: Creating merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, or stickers can be a fun way to engage with your listeners and create a new revenue stream for yourself. It is possible that your audience might want to ‘own a piece’ of the podcast by purchasing your merch.
• Donations: While in South Africa this doesn’t seem to be so popular when you look at some podcasters and YouTubers, it’s clear that there are those who rely on donations from their listeners to fund their shows. You may have seen a lot of American podcasters with a Patreon account or using other fundraising platforms. It can be an effective way to generate income. I don’t think it’s common practice but perhaps you can ask those who want to donate to eWallet-nyana or if you have a business account, use that.
• Live events: I know, I know. I’ve already mentioned slow internet speeds, etc. However, we’re working on the premise that you’ve overcome these challenges. Right? So, in addition to merchandise and advertising, live events are a great way to monetise your podcast. Live shows and events can generate additional income and offer a unique experience for your audience. You can sell tickets to your live shows, and even offer VIP packages that include special perks like meet-and-greets, signed merchandise, and exclusive access to additional content. Platforms like Zoom, YouTube Live and Facebook Live, and many others can help you host live podcasts and get your audience to see the event in real-time.

Finally…

Starting a podcast in a township or rural community may seem daunting, but it’s a great way to share your voice and ideas with the world. With limited access to the internet and expensive recording equipment, it may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By using simple, affordable equipment and software, and leveraging social media and word-of-mouth to promote your podcast, you can build a loyal audience and even monetise your content.

We’re not oblivious to the reality that there are real struggles and challenges facing many people in the township and rural communities, including unemployment and poverty. So, while we remain sensitive to these issues, we’re also saying that podcasting can offer a source of income and a platform for creative expression, especially to the young who can ultimately use their platforms to raise awareness and advocate for positive change in the kasi.

Ultimately, podcasting is a powerful tool for storytelling, education, and entertainment, and can be a great way to connect with others and share your ideas with the world. With passion, dedication, and a bit of creativity, many people can start a successful podcast and make a meaningful impact in their community and beyond.