yes! it's simply a "pinned comment" for your article to spark conversation. when I'm doing my articles my AI now always includes a pinned comment with each article it helps me with. you should do it!! 🐐
Back when I worked i really enjoyed doing our podcast with my then business partner. Ours was always with a guest. Each series has a certain focus. And all the guests really seemed to enjoy it too. It’s fun.
Thank you so much for the great work here! The voiceover is a really cool addition!
I actually had a podcast already but stopped publishing episodes because I really struggle with the time it had taken to create and record. I had a great introduction recorded by a professional on Fiverr... lol.... sounds like an FM radio station announcer. 😎
If I could figure out a way to carve time out of my days, I would consider continuing... 🤦🏽
Thank you! I'm very much liking how easy Substack can make this. I've spent a good amount of time building my long form content and while I am not sure I'm the ‘interview/chat with a guest‘ type, building episodes based on my articles seems like it would be much quicker!
yeah dont over complicate it and you can still have guests whenever you want. you are in control. your podcast could be you reading your articles, how simple is that.. you already did the word, its just in audio format.
hey, i've been meaning to record my stories for some time and the only thing that was holding me back was recording on my phone and transferring it to laptop to upload. reading this, i feel like recording on substack directly will be an easier option and i should be doing that!! thank you bec it has cleared the air!
I recommend you just do it directly in substack. the process is so seamless. maybe it seems seamless now because I just wrote the guide on it haha.
but you can record yourself on your laptop directly in a post or episode.
I record all my articles..I do the voice over option, then I download the audio and post it to Spotify manually but if you do it through substack you just post a podcast episode like a normal post and it publishes like a podcast on Spotify, apple, etc. I highly recommend it for your Stories.
oh yes, i want it to go on all platforms all at once, i tried it last night but it's a learning curve. will be publishing soon hopefully. thanks againn tho
The creators who grow the fastest aren't creating more—they're getting more mileage from the ideas they already have.
One thoughtful article becoming a podcast, Notes, a live discussion, and future conversations is exactly how sustainable content is built. That's leverage, not repetition.
I love this article! I don't like being on lives or doing videos, so a podcast will allow me to share what I want to without sharing my face. Watch this space. My podcast would be about women who are done performing growth and are ready to do the real, unglamorous work of healing themselves.
As a former podcaster, I totally approve this message! Substack is a great place to do a podcast, because of the built-in discovery (which you don't really have *as much* on other podcasting platforms). Great post. I especially like the part where you say "pick a format". It can be much easier if you choose one and you gave some good examples outside just "solo or interview" which is so cool. :)
i’m glad you approve, Tracy!! that means a lot to me. its literally a no-brainer to do it through substack..they even publish it to all the podcast platforms automatically which is huge!
yeah the most important thing is to not over complicate the podcast. its just another extension of your content in a different format. and I think its cool how you can do solo lives or podcasts, create a show, invite guests, or simply just do voice overs of your articles so people can listen in a familiar voice. substack is really the best to be!!!
Completely agree! Ooh and side note - hosting your podcast here with all its benefits is also FREE. I used to pay between $8-$15 a month for 6 years. So if you're all-in that's a big deal... and then on here you can get paid! Win-Win-Win!
Definitely rethink on it for a bit. You clearly have an edge with helping people with podcasts already so you could easily use those skills on substack I’m sure!
yeah its literally crazy how simple and easy it is to make one through substack. I can't believe you used to pay! Ive had my podcast on Spotify and ive never paid but it's only been a year. you must be the OG podcaster GOAT!!
Thank you! It was in a tiny niche but really I learned so much and it became someone successful in the space. It was a great project! Maybe I should write more about it now that Substack podcasts are becoming more popular! 🤗 thanks for that suggestion, Jess!
This is such a great resource and will share to pass on to others who need it!
I actually did one episode of a podcast in December before becoming active on Substack in January...I did it on Zoom, but had tech issues (for whatever reason it didn't record, but luckily they decided to record on their end and so it wasn't lost) Then thought fixed things and when did a second one was completely lost. So I cancelled other interviews had scheduled to ensure all tech issues were fixed first. Just before summer did test with a friend and think now ok! But now I am happy can record right here on Substack...so I think now want to do thru here (especially with those on Substack, but might be good to do a test run for first one in case something goes wrong) For those not here, can do on Zoom.
Now I am extra busy with summer work hours and staying with my mom til September, so think better I do once back home after the summer.
You’re very welcome, Sharon! Let me know if you need any help! Can’t wait to see what you create! Thank you for the kind and motivating words, I appreciate you!
Jess, great guide to podcasting on Substack. I used to have a podcast in the early days before it was really a thing and iPods still existed :)
Question for you - because of AI I don't want my actual voice on the internet anymore. I know Substack lets you pick a different voice (I assume AI generated which I am not wild about either) if you just want to add a listening option for your work to your posts. Have you ever experimented with it or worked with anyone who did? Curious if it's better not to have it at all than have an artificial voice? Or is there a way to modulate your voice so it is not exactly yours but closer to a human?
Hi Melanie! thank you for complimenting my guide. that's wild you had a podcast back when iPods existed! 🐐 very cool!
I'm pretty sure on the substack app anyone can listen to any article by pressing "listen" in the top right corner of the article. substack automatically assigns an AI voice to read your articles, but in the publication settings you can choose between a few different voices for your articles to be read in.
If you do a voice over, the reader will have the option to play your voice over for the audio of the article.
I've been doing voice overs on all of my articles for over a year now. I have gotten positive feedback that the voice over is a nice touch, people like hearing a familiar voice rather than the AI voice, and it makes the article more personable and relatable. I hope this helps!
Thanks Jess. I actually didn't realize the listen feature existed if someone chose it already.
I definitely get that my own voice would be best but I don't want actual samples of my voice out there. I'll consider the possibility of some kind of way to modulate it so it sounds human but not my exact voiceprint.
Right now I'm focused on writing but when I get some time I'll research. Thanks for getting me thinking about it.
Thanks for reading!
I’d love to make the comments as valuable as the article itself.
If you started a podcast tomorrow, what would it be about?
Or, if you’re not ready yet, what’s the biggest thing holding you back?
I’ll be hanging out in the comments today and would love to help you think it through.
omg this is such a great idea to get in the comments and lead the convo... I might have to copy this genius idea!
yes! it's simply a "pinned comment" for your article to spark conversation. when I'm doing my articles my AI now always includes a pinned comment with each article it helps me with. you should do it!! 🐐
this article is pure gold!
Back when I worked i really enjoyed doing our podcast with my then business partner. Ours was always with a guest. Each series has a certain focus. And all the guests really seemed to enjoy it too. It’s fun.
That’s awesome! Podcasting is fun and even more of a blast when there’s a different guest and topic each time! It’s usually a great conversation!
Thank you so much for the great work here! The voiceover is a really cool addition!
I actually had a podcast already but stopped publishing episodes because I really struggle with the time it had taken to create and record. I had a great introduction recorded by a professional on Fiverr... lol.... sounds like an FM radio station announcer. 😎
If I could figure out a way to carve time out of my days, I would consider continuing... 🤦🏽
Hi Coach DJ!! thank you for letting me know you liked the voice over and complimenting on my work!
I hope my article helps you possibly get your podcast going again! it sounds like you have the half the battle done already.
you just need to use the content your posting on substack and repurpose it into a quick episode!
Thank you! I'm very much liking how easy Substack can make this. I've spent a good amount of time building my long form content and while I am not sure I'm the ‘interview/chat with a guest‘ type, building episodes based on my articles seems like it would be much quicker!
yeah dont over complicate it and you can still have guests whenever you want. you are in control. your podcast could be you reading your articles, how simple is that.. you already did the word, its just in audio format.
TY! How do you add the article voiceover? Is that web interface only? I'm not finding it on mobile. 😎
yes web only!!
to add audio, on the desktop, in the top click the headphones and choose VoiceOver
Ok, thank you!!
hey, i've been meaning to record my stories for some time and the only thing that was holding me back was recording on my phone and transferring it to laptop to upload. reading this, i feel like recording on substack directly will be an easier option and i should be doing that!! thank you bec it has cleared the air!
hi, Kinza!
I recommend you just do it directly in substack. the process is so seamless. maybe it seems seamless now because I just wrote the guide on it haha.
but you can record yourself on your laptop directly in a post or episode.
I record all my articles..I do the voice over option, then I download the audio and post it to Spotify manually but if you do it through substack you just post a podcast episode like a normal post and it publishes like a podcast on Spotify, apple, etc. I highly recommend it for your Stories.
oh yes, i want it to go on all platforms all at once, i tried it last night but it's a learning curve. will be publishing soon hopefully. thanks againn tho
Thank you - this is very helpful
I’m glad it was helpful, Bestie! Thank you for reading!
This is such an important mindset shift.
The creators who grow the fastest aren't creating more—they're getting more mileage from the ideas they already have.
One thoughtful article becoming a podcast, Notes, a live discussion, and future conversations is exactly how sustainable content is built. That's leverage, not repetition.
you hit the nail on the head!!
I love this article! I don't like being on lives or doing videos, so a podcast will allow me to share what I want to without sharing my face. Watch this space. My podcast would be about women who are done performing growth and are ready to do the real, unglamorous work of healing themselves.
I love this, Hattie!! This is exactly why I wanted to write this guide.
Podcasting gives creators another way to share their ideas without feeling like they have to be on camera. I can't wait to see what you create. 🙌🫶
As a former podcaster, I totally approve this message! Substack is a great place to do a podcast, because of the built-in discovery (which you don't really have *as much* on other podcasting platforms). Great post. I especially like the part where you say "pick a format". It can be much easier if you choose one and you gave some good examples outside just "solo or interview" which is so cool. :)
i’m glad you approve, Tracy!! that means a lot to me. its literally a no-brainer to do it through substack..they even publish it to all the podcast platforms automatically which is huge!
yeah the most important thing is to not over complicate the podcast. its just another extension of your content in a different format. and I think its cool how you can do solo lives or podcasts, create a show, invite guests, or simply just do voice overs of your articles so people can listen in a familiar voice. substack is really the best to be!!!
Completely agree! Ooh and side note - hosting your podcast here with all its benefits is also FREE. I used to pay between $8-$15 a month for 6 years. So if you're all-in that's a big deal... and then on here you can get paid! Win-Win-Win!
Definitely rethink on it for a bit. You clearly have an edge with helping people with podcasts already so you could easily use those skills on substack I’m sure!
yeah its literally crazy how simple and easy it is to make one through substack. I can't believe you used to pay! Ive had my podcast on Spotify and ive never paid but it's only been a year. you must be the OG podcaster GOAT!!
hahaha I started it in 2016! Substack wasn’t born yet 😆
You’re the podcast GOAT and rockstar that’s for sure!!
Maybe write an article about your podcast tips or how to have a successful podcast?? 🧐
Thank you! It was in a tiny niche but really I learned so much and it became someone successful in the space. It was a great project! Maybe I should write more about it now that Substack podcasts are becoming more popular! 🤗 thanks for that suggestion, Jess!
This is such a great resource and will share to pass on to others who need it!
I actually did one episode of a podcast in December before becoming active on Substack in January...I did it on Zoom, but had tech issues (for whatever reason it didn't record, but luckily they decided to record on their end and so it wasn't lost) Then thought fixed things and when did a second one was completely lost. So I cancelled other interviews had scheduled to ensure all tech issues were fixed first. Just before summer did test with a friend and think now ok! But now I am happy can record right here on Substack...so I think now want to do thru here (especially with those on Substack, but might be good to do a test run for first one in case something goes wrong) For those not here, can do on Zoom.
Now I am extra busy with summer work hours and staying with my mom til September, so think better I do once back home after the summer.
hi, Jess! i’m so honored you found this article great and you’re going to pass it on. I really appreciate you.
if you already have podcasting experience, the substack podcast is a total no-brainer.
Btw,the podcast is linked to my secondary publication, Talent Spotlight Showcase.
What an incredible resource, Jess. Thank you!
Thank you so much, David!!! I’m glad you found it useful. You’re very welcome!
Thank you! This was so clear and helpful. I’ve been thinking about it and now feel I have the steps to achieve it. 🥰
You’re very welcome!! I’m glad it was helpful and easy to follow! You should definitely start your podcast!! If I can do it you definitely can!
Just an amazing resource as always Jess!
Thank you so much, Chris! I appreciate that!!
Thank you Jess, sitting with this. Will make you proud. You're a great mentor
You’re very welcome, Sharon! Let me know if you need any help! Can’t wait to see what you create! Thank you for the kind and motivating words, I appreciate you!
#podcaster
If you could improve one thing about your podcast today, what would it be?
More downloads?
Better rankings?
More loyal listeners?
Hi, David! Jess here.
I just started my podcast on sunday and had my first one yesterday night.
I would say I need to get better at the intro and outro of introducing the guest and closing it out better.
Hi,
I help podcast creators grow their downloads and visibility organically on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
I came across your show and feel it has strong potential for wider reach. My focus is long-term audience growth — not artificial streams.
If you’re open to a quick conversation, I’d be happy to explain how I support podcasters like you.
hi, David thank you so much for reaching out!
i’m pumped you think my show has potential.
i’m open top a conversation, i’ll DM you!
I am waiting for your message
just messaged you!
Jess, great guide to podcasting on Substack. I used to have a podcast in the early days before it was really a thing and iPods still existed :)
Question for you - because of AI I don't want my actual voice on the internet anymore. I know Substack lets you pick a different voice (I assume AI generated which I am not wild about either) if you just want to add a listening option for your work to your posts. Have you ever experimented with it or worked with anyone who did? Curious if it's better not to have it at all than have an artificial voice? Or is there a way to modulate your voice so it is not exactly yours but closer to a human?
Thanks for any insights.
Hi Melanie! thank you for complimenting my guide. that's wild you had a podcast back when iPods existed! 🐐 very cool!
I'm pretty sure on the substack app anyone can listen to any article by pressing "listen" in the top right corner of the article. substack automatically assigns an AI voice to read your articles, but in the publication settings you can choose between a few different voices for your articles to be read in.
If you do a voice over, the reader will have the option to play your voice over for the audio of the article.
I've been doing voice overs on all of my articles for over a year now. I have gotten positive feedback that the voice over is a nice touch, people like hearing a familiar voice rather than the AI voice, and it makes the article more personable and relatable. I hope this helps!
Thanks Jess. I actually didn't realize the listen feature existed if someone chose it already.
I definitely get that my own voice would be best but I don't want actual samples of my voice out there. I'll consider the possibility of some kind of way to modulate it so it sounds human but not my exact voiceprint.
Right now I'm focused on writing but when I get some time I'll research. Thanks for getting me thinking about it.