Should You Transcribe Your Podcast?

<p>In the 6 years since we started a podcast, there has been a total of one (1) request for a transcription of an episode. That was the <a href="https://www.soundoff.network/show/the-sound-off-podcast/natasha-gargiulo-hustle-and-heart/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>Natasha Gargiulo</u></a> episode back in 2018, and the person asking was hearing impaired. Natasha has a very large Canadian following, and I would have been more than happy to help out one of her followers. Sadly, at the time, I was largely clueless on how to do this. Today, I am happy to report that I know a little more on the topic.</p><p>At Podcast Movement last month, the Live New Media show with ToddCochrane and Rob Greenlee had Andy Bowers, Rachael King and James Cridland on as guests, and the subject of transcription came up.</p><p>I have to admit that after dabbling with the offerings from Headliner, Descript, and the Microsoft offering in my subscription, I was largely underwhelmed with its efficiency and honestly questioned its necessity. After a brief Twitter exchange, I pivoted positions; providing a transcription is the right thing to do for your show. There are some SEO benefits, and it adds a nice dimension to your website content.</p><p>But these questions were still burning:</p><p><strong>-Why is it the responsibility of the content creator to provide them?</strong></p><p><strong>-Why would I want someone reading the show when I want them listening to it? (I get paid in downloads, you know.)</strong></p><p><strong>-Why should I pay for this? It’s expensive.</strong></p><p>I think I can answer these.</p><p>Companies like Amazon, Google, Spotify, and Apple all have the technology to do this. But there is nothing in it for them. In fact, all it takes is a few mis-transcribed words to launch them into a lawsuit.</p><p>As for people reading the show rather than downloading it, that might happen- and if the person doing so is hearing impaired, that should make you feel good. But here’s a side marketing bonus you pro