Uploading and Sharing Through The Web
McMaster University has multiple platforms for sharing content with other McMaster users. These platforms are designed to be secured within McMaster University, meaning that when you use one of these platforms for uploading and sharing, they are not available to the public (unless you apply that setting).
We recommend using:
MacVideo.ca is our own video portal similar to “YouTube”. It’s a tool that McMaster uses through our Kaltura media hosting license which allows you to make video and other media available to anyone you choose online.
Echo360 is a complete video recording, hosting, and delivery platform available for free to the McMaster community. It combines all of the video capabilities you need into a single solution.
Both of these platforms allow you to upload content and share it via a link, or publicly.
If you're hoping to share it with people outside of McMaster University, you can create public links to your files on MacVideo and Echo360. You can also use platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo to reach a wider audience.
Closed Captions and Transcripts
If you are sharing a podcast, we recommend always having closed captions and a transcript available for folks who require them.
Adding a transcript and closed captions to your podcast recordings can offer several benefits:
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Accessibility: Making your podcast accessible to everyone, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensures that your content reaches a broader audience.
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Comprehension: Some listeners may prefer to read along while listening to the podcast, which can enhance their understanding and retention of the material.
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Multilingual Audience: Transcripts can be easily translated into other languages, allowing you to reach a wider audience.
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Enhanced User Experience: Offering a transcript and closed captions provides flexibility for your audience. They can choose to read, listen, or both, depending on their preferences and circumstances.
Most video platforms allow you to add a transcript file that you can then turn into closed captions, and some platforms do it automatically on upload.
That said, automatic transcription software is never error-free: person names, place names, and technical terms/jargon are often misspelled. For that reason, make sure to always carefully proof-read transcripts and correct errors before sharing online.
MacVideo & Echo360
When you upload a file to MacVideo or Echo360, an automatic transcript will be applied within a few hours, and it will also turn into closed captions. Since they are automatically generated, they may not always be 100% accurate. You are able to edit the captions, and you can also download them along with the transcript.
Microsoft Word
You can create free transcripts in Microsoft Word, either by recording directly into Word by uploading an audio file (.wav, .mp4, .m4a, .mp3). Word also has the option to include timestamps and speaker identification. See Microsoft's documentation for detailed instructions on how to Transcribe Your Recordings.
MacPod: On Campus hosting service
Coming soon!
Additional Hosting Services
| Pros | Cons |
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Established and reliable hosting service, popular among podcasters for many years. |
Some users find the interface to be a bit outdated and not very user-friendly. |
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Offers detailed analytics to track your podcast's performance. |
Limited storage and bandwidth on lower-tier plans may not be sufficient for high-volume podcasts. |
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Provides customizable website integration for hosting podcast episodes. |
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| Offers multiple pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. |
| Pros | Cons |
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Free to use, making it an attractive option for new podcasters.
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Limited control over branding and customization compared to other hosting services.
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User-friendly interface with easy-to-use tools for recording, editing, and publishing podcasts.
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Some users report issues with customer support and occasional technical glitches. |
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Provides distribution to major podcast platforms, simplifying the process for creators.
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Monetization options may not be as lucrative as other platforms for more established podcasts. |
| Offers monetization options through sponsorships and listener support. |
| Pros | Cons |
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Simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to start a podcast.
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Limited storage and bandwidth on lower-tier plans may be restrictive for high-volume podcasts. |
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Offers detailed analytics to track listener data and engagement.
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Pricing structure may become less cost-effective for larger podcasts with higher storage needs. |
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Provides tools for podcast promotion and marketing, including custom embed players.
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Some users report occasional issues with RSS feed updates and podcast distribution. |
| No contract or commitment required, allowing flexibility for podcasters. |