A New Studio
Digital publishing platform Substack has launched the Substack Recording Studio, a video production tool that works within the Substack platform. In addition to pre-recording, new tools are included which enable live production. This is a desktop-only tool. The recording studio dramatically expands the service from its previous live-only operation. Additionally, users can brand their production with a logo or wordmark, and choose where it appears in the frame. Substack calls this “the first step toward giving every show on Substack its own distinct look and feel.”
Sing Along With Zip
The ever resourceful Fred Jacobs writes about an interesting branding ploy currently being produced by employment marketplace and job search resource ZipRecruiter: The company has started a band. Called the ZipRecrooners, they are a five-voice a capella group singing the benefits of their service. Promotion around this gambit calls the music “an original hiring anthem [bringing] musical magic to the hiring experience.” It’s a TV spot, also running across audio platforms and social media. Watch it HERE.
Audio = Trust
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that “people feel significantly more connected through voice-based communication” than text-based communication. The study observes that people tend to overestimate the potential awkwardness of voice calls, which don’t allow as much time for thinking before speaking. In that perspective, text feels safer and less intrusive. But the research advises overcoming those nerves, and establishes that the human voice, tone, and pacing create stronger bonds.
School Season
Podcast website builder Podpage has acquired School of Podcasting (SoP) in a deal that closed yesterday. Dave Jackson, founder of SoP in 2005, will continue as Head of Podcasting, the role he has served for nearly two years. Operationally, the SoP will introduce a new free tier that includes access, some live events, and some courses. As part of the acquisition, the course catalog is being revised to offer practical learnings to a full range of the creator experience, from beginner to advanced.