Podcast Transcripts and the Future of Accessible Audio - EP 78

The Podcaster's Guide to a Visible Voice

How can transcripts positively impact your podcast? Podcasts have always had an audio-first following, but as-is, audio isn’t accessible for everyone. In the wake of Apple Podcasts’ announcement to begin including transcripts with their latest update, it seems likely other platforms will begin to follow suit. This raises an important question for podcast creators: is it worth preparing transcripts for each of your episodes?

After two years of exploring transcripts for her and her clients’ productions, Mary dives into their potential to transform both creator and listener experiences. You’ll hear (or read!) about everything from SEO (search engine optimization) and AI to the proven benefits of many other accessibility initiatives. If you’ve been considering taking the leap and creating text alternatives for your episodes, or you want tips on fine-tuning your transcript process, add this episode to your queue.

Get a better grasp on how transcripts can impact your show:

• Why are platforms making the move to include transcripts?
• How can transcripts improve the podcast experience for both creators and listeners?
• What are the professionals doing to make sure their transcripts perform?

Links worth mentioning from the episode:

• Web Accessibility Laws and Policies - https://www.w3.org/WAI/policies/
• This American Life transcripts case study - https://www.3playmedia.com/why-3play/case-studies/this-american-life/
• T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History Transcription Style Guide - https://www.laseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/OH-Transcription-Guidelines.pdf
• “2.5 Million Podcast Episodes Now Have Transcripts” - https://podstandards.org/2024/04/15/2-5-million-podcast-episodes-now-have-transcripts/
• Newsroom report: “Apple introduces transcripts for Apple Podcasts” - https://www.apple.com/ca/newsroom/2024/03/apple-introduces-transcripts-for-apple-podcasts/

Connect with Mary!

• Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email [e-mail]
• Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
• Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions
• Learn more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
• Learn more secrets and the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
• To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca

Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co. https://www.artiodesignco.com