How to Create an Audio Version of Your Substack

I combine an audio version with my written posts for those who prefer listening instead of reading

Why include an audio version?

It started when my daughter told me she likes to listen to podcasts when she goes for her early morning hikes. That’s when I got thinking that there are a lot of people that are either too busy to do much extracurricular reading, or that may get eyestrain if they do too much reading, or that are used to using their smartphones for just about everything but find that it’s awkward to read lengthy aricles on such small screens, so they get most of their info by listening.

Young folks and busy working folks that are constantly on the go aren’t likely to carry a pc around with them, although some will have an ipad. So a very high percentage of people might listen to an article or essay rather than take the time to read it.

Listening is perfect for multi-taskers who can be doing some kind of repetitive action, like walking or running or waiting for a bus or an Uber, the kind of thing that leaves the mind free.

How to record and add audio to a substack post

I ordered an external mic. Then I found out that I have an app called “Sound Recorder” already installed with my Windows 11.

In the Sound Recorder settings, I set the output mode to MP3. While recording, I use the touch screen function instead of the mouse to scroll down through the text as I’m narrating it. (Using the mouse caused problems.)

Of course, you could ask someone who is a good reader and has a good voice to narrate it for you if you want to be more professional. But some of my friends have told me that they like to hear my own voice - it’s more personal.

After recording, and in the editing mode of the post, I set the curser where I want to insert the recording - usually close to the top. Then, on the top line of the editing screen, click on the icon that looks like headphones:

Then click on “audio embed” and then “select file” (it’s in blue type).

Find the file in Sound Recorder and open it. It will be loaded and processed in a few minutes. Finally, click on “Insert”, and it will appear where your cursor was placed in your draft.