New to the world of podcasting? You may be questioning, properly, what is a podcast? And the way do they work? On this article I’ll cowl what a podcast is, what they’re used for, and learn how to get began as a podcast listener or creator.
Desk of Contents
What Is a Podcast and How Do They Work?
A podcast is a digital audio “present” or program you can obtain or stream from the web in your smartphone, laptop, or pill and hear when it’s handy for you.
A podcast “episode” is a single occasion of a podcast, very similar to the episode of a TV present.
Right here’s an instance—an episode of our very personal SPI Podcast, which has been working since 2010:
For lovely, easy-to-embed podcast gamers just like the above, look no additional than Fusebox — the official podcast participant of SPI! [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Podcasts are an especially widespread type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by corporations, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has develop into massive enterprise, with corporations like Apple, Spotify, iHeartMedia, SiriusXM closely invested in podcasting.
For the listener, podcasts are a flexible medium! The audio-only format of podcasts makes them straightforward to devour in varied settings, reminiscent of whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You’ll be able to consider podcasts as “background” content material, however it’s also possible to give them your full consideration should you like.
Talking of content material, podcast subjects can cowl an enormous vary, from true crime to enterprise methods to parenting tricks to comedy or youngsters’ content material. In case you have a subject in thoughts, there’s in all probability a podcast on the market for it! And if there isn’t, that may imply a chance so that you can begin your individual podcast on that matter!
Podcasts are sometimes obtainable both in seasons with a set variety of episodes or in an ongoing sequence. Our podcast Flops got here out with an eight-episode season in 2021, whereas different SPI Media exhibits like AskPat 2.0 and The Neighborhood Expertise had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to be taught podcasting the sensible method?
The All-Entry Go has the assets you want.
How Podcasts Began (a Transient Historical past of Podcasting)
Podcasts have their roots again within the Eighties, however they didn’t take off till the early 2000s. In September 2000, the corporate i2Go launched a digital audio information and leisure service referred to as MyAudio2Go.com that allowed customers to obtain information, sports activities, leisure, climate, and music in episodic audio format. The next month, tech entrepreneur Tristan Louis proposed attaching sound and video information in RSS feeds (see beneath). This concept constructed steam over the subsequent few years, and in 2004 the time period “podcasting” emerged to explain this new method of distributing audio content material. In 2005, Apple added a podcast subscription function to iTunes 4.9 and launched a podcast listing within the iTunes Music Retailer.
Since then, the sky has been the restrict for podcasting, with someplace between 3 and 5 million podcasts on the planet proper now!
What Are Podcasts Used For?
So what’s the purpose or goal of a podcast? What are they good for? An entire lot!
For the listener, a podcast is an effective way to study a given matter—and/or be entertained!—in a method that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for probably the most half) and simple to search out, and given their rising reputation, cowl a wider and deeper vary of subjects than ever earlier than.
For the podcaster, the makes use of and advantages of a podcast might be huge. Podcasts are an effective way to construct and serve an viewers by entertaining and/or educating listeners on a given matter.
One of many key benefits of a podcast for the podcaster is that you just get to talk on to individuals, utilizing your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard by 1000’s and even hundreds of thousands of individuals, however for every listener, it’s simply you and them.
It’s been stated that podcasting is the easiest way to scale intimacy and make a direct reference to every of your listeners.
What Is a Podcast Host and Why Do You Want One? (How a RSS Feed Works)
Podcasts are made obtainable to listeners by way of a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.
An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of latest content material reminiscent of weblog posts or, after all, podcasts.
Right here’s how that works. The podcast creator submits their podcast’s RSS feed to a listing, which makes it obtainable to listeners by way of a podcast app or the creator’s web site.
A podcast listener can obtain new installments or episodes of a podcast robotically by subscribing to the podcast’s RSS feed of their chosen podcast app.
However how do you create your podcast’s RSS feed?
That’s the place a podcast internet hosting platform (or podcast host for brief) is available in.
A podcast host is a service that gives a spot to retailer and distribute your podcast’s audio information by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host robotically generates the RSS feed on your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, reminiscent of Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
You may be considering, Do I’ve to make use of a podcast host? Can I host my podcast on my web site? The brief reply is sure—however hear me out.
There are a number of advantages to utilizing a podcast host as a substitute of DIYing it. A podcast host can:
- Present storage on your podcast episode information, and permit them to be downloaded by listeners.
- Automate the creation and syndication of your RSS feed to podcast directories.
- Supply built-in analytics, so you possibly can see how your present is rising and which episodes are the preferred.
Sure, you possibly can technically host your podcast’s RSS feed by yourself web site. And sure, most podcast hosts value cash, with these prices typically growing as your present grows.
However for many creators, internet hosting your podcast by yourself web site is far more hassle than it’s price.
You would possibly save a couple of dollars, however in our opinion, the dearth of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a nasty selection.
Fortunately, you’ve got loads of choices to select from in the case of podcast hosts. Our really helpful platform is Fusebox, due to its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different widespread internet hosting platforms embrace Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, Anchor, and Blubrry.
It’s comparatively straightforward to work with a podcast host. You arrange an account on their web site, the place you possibly can enter the small print of your podcast, add episodes, and discover choices for monetizing your present. Some platforms cost a month-to-month charge (variable relying on how a lot content material you publish), whereas others are free.
Final however not least, you may be considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host also can confer with the one who is the face and voice of a podcast. (For example, Pat is the host of the SPI Podcast.) Glad we cleared that up. 😉
Sorts of Podcasts and Podcast Examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many various varieties! Listed below are among the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A number invitations a number of visitors to debate a given matter. This present format requires analysis and outreach to search out visitors for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Knowledgeable, Contemporary Air)
- Solo Speaking/Storytelling: Because the identify suggests, a single host “runs the present.” The time that may be spent on visitor analysis and outreach for an interview present is as a substitute directed towards analysis and preparation of the present’s content material. (Hardcore Historical past, Revolutions)
- Cohosted: A present with two or extra hosts who can present completely different personalities and views and typically humorous banter. (Stuff You Ought to Know, My Favourite Homicide, Flops, The Neighborhood Expertise)
- Roundtable: An expanded model of a co-hosted podcast with extra hosts who interact in conversations and banter round a given matter. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
- Documentary: Much like a TV documentary, this podcast format sometimes has a narrator, and might embrace interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)
Observe that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating components of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Instances’ The Every day is a cohosted podcast that comes with interviews.
Who Makes Podcasts?
Podcasts might be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small workforce to a big firm!
What Is a Podcast Producer?
In the case of podcasts, a producer is somebody who works behind the scenes to verify the present is nearly as good as it may be. They sometimes put on a number of hats, and their duties could embrace discovering visitors, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and enhancing processes, selling the present, and extra.
Tips on how to Take heed to a Podcast
How straightforward is it to hearken to a podcast? Fairly darn straightforward! Right here’s what you’ll want:
- A smartphone, laptop, or pill with an web connection.
- A podcast app
You’ll want an internet-connected machine, reminiscent of a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this publish, I’m guessing you’ve obtained this one lined. 😉
Whether or not you’re looking for a particular podcast or wish to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will turn out to be useful. Listed below are among the hottest ones:
Every of those apps might be downloaded to your machine or accessed by way of the net.
So which one must you select? To be sincere, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly should you’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
Should you’re a Mac/iOS person, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and should you use an Android cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the best possibility.
Every app additionally offers a podcast listing you can search to search out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present customized suggestions based mostly on the exhibits you hearken to on the app.
If you end up turning into an avid listener of a lot of podcasts, you would possibly discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and arrange a lot of podcast subscriptions. However for 99 % of listeners, most apps will just do advantageous.
When you’ve discovered the podcast you wish to hearken to in your podcast app, you possibly can both stream it or obtain it to your machine to hear later. Your podcast app must also mean you can “subscribe” to a present so that you’ll be alerted when new episodes are launched.
Some podcast creators additionally make their podcast episodes obtainable instantly on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of learn how to use an embedded net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
Tips on how to Begin a Podcast
Should you’re concerned about learn how to begin a podcast, you’re in the fitting place! At SPI, we’ve a ton of assets for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).
With the intention to begin a podcast, you want just a few key substances:
That’s not all, although, and if you’d like the total scoop, take a look at our “Tips on how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It consists of the lowdown on issues like:
- Choosing a podcast matter you possibly can decide to
- Writing a compelling podcast description
- Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
- Recording your episodes
- And rather more
The “Tips on how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast straightforward and doable in an effort to construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
You may as well take a look at our video information to beginning your podcast!
What Is a Podcast FAQ
Listed below are some generally requested questions on podcasts, and our solutions!
Why Are Podcasts Known as Podcasts?
The phrase “podcast” is a portmanteau (mixed phrase) of “iPod,” Apple’s unique moveable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals have additionally advised “moveable on demand” as a “backronym” for the phrase “podcast.”
Podcasts vs. Radio: What’s the Distinction?
Are podcasts the identical as radio exhibits? Whereas podcasts and radio share loads of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in loads of methods. You’ll be able to consider podcasts as the subsequent “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed below are among the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are often edited, whereas radio is often reside.
- Podcasts might be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits sometimes should be listened to reside. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits obtainable on-line, however most radio content material have to be accessed when it goes reside.
- Most radio content material is geared toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material might be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits must fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes might be any size.
- Radio exhibits sometimes have greater manufacturing prices, in order that they include ads to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embrace adverts as a result of the price barrier to entry for podcasting is a lot decrease than for radio.
Are Podcasts Free?
Top-of-the-line issues about podcasts is that they’re often free to obtain and hearken to. Sure, you’ll want a tool to hearken to them and an web connection to obtain them, however the content material itself is mostly freed from cost.
Lately, some podcasters have begun creating extra paid content material for his or her subscribers. These paid podcasts have gotten more and more widespread, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more widespread.
What Is a Podcast Community?
A podcast community is a group of podcasts underneath the umbrella of a single firm, which produces, distributes, and/or makes these podcasts obtainable to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast house owners and are an awesome possibility to contemplate as soon as your podcast has grown a bit.
Some podcast networks are targeted on a single theme, whereas others settle for podcasts throughout a spread of subjects. The largest podcast networks embrace iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Community, and Audacy.
What Is a Video Podcast?
Video podcasts are an more and more widespread type of podcasting. Because the identify suggests, they incorporate video and audio, permitting listeners to see and listen to your content material. Including video to your podcast is often extra work, however it will possibly assist expose your present to a wider viewers by means of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What Gear Do You Must Begin a Podcast?
As talked about above in “Tips on how to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of apparatus you’ll want to begin your individual present. Nevertheless, there are just a few different items of tech to contemplate:
- A desktop microphone stand
- A increase arm and shock mount to scale back undesirable vibrations
- A pop filter to scale back plosives (harsh sounds from sure syllables) in your recordings
- Software program for recording and enhancing, reminiscent of GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do Podcasters Make Cash from Their Reveals?
They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!
The commonest method podcasts earn a living is thru promoting or sponsorships. You may as well use affiliate internet marketing to advertise merchandise in your present and earn a fee when somebody purchases them utilizing your hyperlink.
Our Amp’d Up Podcasting course — obtainable completely to our group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits whereas additionally decreasing manufacturing time.
Are You Able to Begin Your Podcasting Journey?
I hope this primer on podcasts was useful! Possibly you’re impressed to go discover a new present to subscribe to, and even develop into a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nonetheless, it’s essential to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.
Execs and Cons of Beginning a Podcast
The advantages of getting a podcast might be quite a few. A podcast will help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new individuals
- Develop new earnings streams
- Broaden your viewers
On the similar time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and assets to begin and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, that you must produce a high-quality present and publish it frequently.
Extra Sources for the Aspiring Podcaster (or simply the Pod-Curious)
If the thought of beginning a podcast remains to be thrilling to you, nice! We’ve obtained plenty of useful assets should you’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they’ll do that can assist you develop your small business and join along with your viewers.
Should you’re concerned about beginning your individual podcast, our Tips on how to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However should you’re prepared to begin your podcast in probably the most streamlined method attainable, our Energy-Up Podcasting® 2.0 course is for you. It’s a step-by-step information to launching a profitable podcast that will get discovered and grows your on-line model. You’ll be able to take the course as a part of our All-Entry Go — membership will get you all our programs and the help of a vibrant studying group to information and encourage you in direction of podcasting success.
You may as well discover The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to be taught podcasting the sensible method?
The All-Entry Go group has the programs, assets, help, and accountability you want.
