General Questions

What is Podcasting?: Think of a podcast as a radio (audio podcast) or television show (video podcast). Each show consists of a series of individual episodes that you can listen to or watch how you want — on your PC, using your MP3 player, or with just a web browser.
You can create your own podcast with as little as a microphone, great content and encoding software to create an mp3 file. Advanced podcasters may want to dive into more elaborate audio and video podcasts. Include sponsored ads in your podcasts to supplement your costs.; [Back to Top]
Why is it called a podcast?: The name Podcast originally came from mp3's being added to the iPod MP3 player to play on the go. These "Podcasts" became so popular that they expanded outside of the iPod owner base and are now more commonly listened to on a regular computer rather than on an MP3 player.; [Back to Top]
How much does it cost?: PodStrike!™'s Starter Plan is FREE! For podcasters who need more storage capacity, we have flexible plans (Standard, Premium & Professional) to meet their needs.; [Back to Top]
What do I need to know to run a podcast?: If you are producing an audio Podcast you will need to know how to record, edit and encode your audio files. An easy solution for this is Audacity, a free audio recording and editing solution. If you are producing a video Podcast, you will need to know how to shoot, edit and encode the video. Simple edits and encoding for Podcasts can be accomplished with Apple's QuickTime Pro. If you are not producing the content and just managing the Podcast, our 5 Step Process will have your Podcast up and running in minutes with no technical knowledge. You will just need a source for the media production.; [Back to Top]
Do I need to know XML?: NO. The purpose of the PodStrike!™ Podcast Manager is to allow anyone to host a podcast without the knowledge of languages like XML. The PodStrike!™ Podcast Manger handles all this for you.; [Back to Top]
Do listeners/viewers need an iPod to subscribe to podcasts?: NO. No iPod is required. The name Podcast originated from iPod owners but most Podcasts are listened to on a normal PC.; [Back to Top]
Does podcasting only work with iTunes? What software can listeners / viewers use to subscribe to podcasts?: NO. The individual episodes are regular media files so they can be downloaded and listened to in various media players. However, iTunes has a built in Podcast engine that makes subscribing and managing your podcast subscriptions easy.; [Back to Top]
How do I get Started?: First, get your inaugural episode of audio or video produced. Next, sign up for one of our PodStrike!™ Podcast Manager Plans. Then follow the easy to use 5 step process to add your podcast.; [Back to Top]
Do I need any software to start a podcast?: You will need software to produce your media content. If you are producing an audio podcast, download Audacity, a free audio recording and editing solution. Make sure you read the instructions on downloading and installing the LAME MP3 Encoder.; [Back to Top]
I know how to create a podcast. I just need podcast hosting. Do have podcast hosting only plans?: YES. PodStrike!™ also offers podcast hosting only plans. Choose the plan that best suits your needs.; [Back to Top]
Do I have to have a web site to have a podcast?: NO. No web site is required. Your PodStrike!™ plan comes with a public profile that you can list your company / personal bio, contact information and it lists all your podcasts. Your plan also comes with individual podcast profiles so you can link directly to a podcast.; [Back to Top]
Can I have my own domain name (www.yourwebsite.com) forwarded to my PodStrike!™ Public Profile?: YES. PodStrike!™ allows your own domain name to be forwarded to your PodStrike!™ Profile Page. Also, You can register a domain for a specific podcast and have it pointed to a specific podcast profile. Having your own domain name dramatically increases your chances of people finding your podcast on the web as is a great way to market your podcast.; [Back to Top]

Technical Questions

Can I change my podcast?: YES. You can edit all the information and episodes in your podcasts.; [Back to Top]
Do I have to mark my podcast with explicit content?: YES. If your podcast has swearing or any other vulgar content, you must mark it as explicit material. Listeners / Viewers can report you to the podcast service they are subscribed to and you will run the risk of having your Podcast removed from their directory.; [Back to Top]
What do I use to record and edit an audio file to make a podcast?: If you are producing an audio podcast, download Audacity, a free audio recording and editing solution. Make sure you read the instructions on downloading and installing the LAME MP3 Encoder.; [Back to Top]
What bit rate should I use for an audio podcast?: For voice only podcasts, like a talk show, you can make your file sizes smaller by encoding them at 32kbps Mono. This will allow for much faster downloads as you do not require a high bit rate for voice only files. Music related encoding requires higher quality bit rate in order to sound decent. However, a higher bit rate adds to the file size and download speed to the end listener. Suggested bit rates are: 64kbps Stereo (Low Quality), 96kbps Stereo (Medium Quality), 128kbps Stereo (High Quality).; [Back to Top]
How do you create a video podcast?: Video podcasts require a lot more production than audio podcasts. First, you must have the video content. If someone else is producing the content and you just want to add it to your podcast, you will need to encode the video to the iPod specifications. Apple's QuickTime Pro has a built in Video Podcast encoder. Once encoded, you will add the episode just like an audio episode.; [Back to Top]
What resolution should I use for my video podcast?: The current standard resolution for video podcasts is 640 W x 480 H.; [Back to Top]
Regarding my podcast statistics, what is the difference between XML Hits and episode downloads?: Your XML file is the feed that each podcast directory and software application checks to see if there is new content available in your podcast. For example, by default iTunes checks your podcast everytime a subscriber launches the iTunes application. iTunes then checks the XML file for any new episodes. This registers as an XML hit.; [Back to Top]
Can I upload my media with my FTP Client?: YES. PodStrike!™ allows faster, more reliable file transfer with FTP upload access. Once your media is uploaded, use PodStrike!™ Podcast Manager to add your episode to your podcast. To upload media files via FTP, use the following information for your FTP Client:
FTP Address: podstrike.com
Username: Your E-Mail Address
Password: Your PodStrike!™ Password; [Back to Top]
Is there a file size limit to my podcast?: There file size limit is restricted by the space available in your plan. We have flexible plans to meet your needs.; [Back to Top]
How many podcasts can I have with your service?: You can have an unlimited number of Podcasts. You are only restricted by the amount of file space you use.; [Back to Top]
How do I register a domain name?: PodStrike!™ has a partnership with WNSGLOBAL for domain registrations. You can find more information, pricing and register your domain at WNSDOMAINS.; [Back to Top]
I want to point a domain name to my PodStrike!™ profile. What are you name servers?: ns1.wnsglobal.net
ns2.wnsglobal.net; [Back to Top]
I have pointed my domain name to PodStrike!™'s name servers, now what?: Please send a support request. Choose the Domain Name Request subject in the support form and include your domain name and the profile address you want it pointed to. We will then point the name to your specific profile.; [Back to Top]