New to the world of podcasting? You may be questioning, effectively, 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.
What’s a podcast and the way do they work?
A podcast is a digital audio “present” or program that you would be able to obtain or stream from the web in your smartphone, laptop, or pill and pay attention when it’s handy for you.
A podcast “episode” is a single occasion of a podcast, very like 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 stunning, 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 a particularly standard type of media that’s rising shortly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information retailers, and different organizations. Podcasting has turn into large enterprise, with firms 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 simple to devour in numerous settings, resembling whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you too can give them your full consideration should you like.
Talking of content material, podcast matters can cowl an enormous vary, from true crime to enterprise methods to parenting tricks to comedy or children’ content material. When you’ve got a subject in thoughts, there’s most likely 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 usually obtainable both in seasons with a set variety of episodes or in an ongoing collection. Our podcast Flops got here out with an eight-episode season in 2021, whereas different SPI Media exhibits like AskPat 2.0 and The Group Expertise had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Good Passive Earnings Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to study podcasting the sensible approach?
The All-Entry Cross has the assets you want.
How podcasts began (a short 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 recordsdata in RSS feeds (see beneath). This concept constructed steam over the following few years, and in 2004 the time period “podcasting” emerged to explain this new approach of distributing audio content material. In 2005, Apple added a podcast subscription characteristic 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 this planet proper now!
What are podcasts used for?
So what’s the purpose or objective of a podcast? What are they good for? A complete lot!
For the listener, a podcast is a good way to find out about a given matter—and/or be entertained!—in a approach that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for probably the most half) and straightforward to seek out, and given their rising recognition, cowl a wider and deeper vary of matters than ever earlier than.
For the podcaster, the makes use of and advantages of a podcast may be monumental. Podcasts are a good 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 simply get to talk on to individuals, utilizing your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard by hundreds and even thousands and thousands of individuals, however for every listener, it’s simply you and them.
It’s been mentioned that podcasting is one of the simplest ways to scale intimacy and make a direct reference to every of your listeners.
What’s a podcast host and why do you want one? (How an 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 resembling 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 routinely 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 recordsdata by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host routinely generates the RSS feed to your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, resembling Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
You may be pondering, Do I’ve to make use of a podcast host? Can I host my podcast on my web site? The quick 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 to your podcast episode recordsdata, 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 may see how your present is rising and which episodes are the preferred.
Sure, you may technically host your podcast’s RSS feed by yourself web site. And sure, most podcast hosts price cash, with these prices usually 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 foul alternative.
Fortunately, you have got loads of choices to select from on the subject 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 standard internet hosting platforms embody Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, Anchor, and Blubrry.
It’s comparatively simple to work with a podcast host. You arrange an account on their web site, the place you may enter the small print of your podcast, add episodes, and discover choices for monetizing your present. Some platforms cost a month-to-month payment (variable relying on how a lot content material you publish), whereas others are free.
Final however not least, you may be pondering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host also can consult with the one who is the face and voice of a podcast. (As an example, Pat is the host of the SPI Podcast.) Glad we cleared that up. 😉
Varieties of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed here are a few of the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A number invitations a number of friends to debate a given matter. This present format requires analysis and outreach to seek out friends for every episode. (The Good Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Skilled, Contemporary Air)
- Solo Speaking/Storytelling: Because the title suggests, a single host “runs the present.” The time that will 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 totally different personalities and views and generally humorous banter. (Stuff You Ought to Know, My Favourite Homicide, Flops, The Group 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 usually has a narrator, and may embody interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)
Notice that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating parts of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Occasions’ The Every day is a cohosted podcast that comes with interviews.
Who makes podcasts?
Podcasts may be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small group to a big firm!
What’s a podcast producer?
In terms of podcasts, a producer is somebody who works behind the scenes to ensure the present is nearly as good as it may be. They usually put on a number of hats, and their duties might embody discovering friends, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.
How one can hearken to a podcast
How simple is it to hearken to a podcast? Fairly darn simple! 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 gadget, resembling a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this put up, I’m guessing you’ve received this one lined. 😉
Whether or not you’re trying to find a selected podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will come in useful. Listed here are a few of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps may be downloaded to your gadget or accessed by way of the net.
So which one must you select? To be trustworthy, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly should you’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
In case 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 that you would be able to search to seek out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present personalised suggestions primarily based 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 manage a lot of podcast subscriptions. However for 99 % of listeners, most apps will just do advantageous.
When you’ve discovered the podcast you need to hearken to in your podcast app, you may both stream it or obtain it to your gadget to pay attention 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 straight 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:
How one can begin a podcast
In case you’re excited about learn how to begin a podcast, you’re in the fitting place! At SPI, now we have a ton of assets for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).
With a purpose to begin a podcast, you want just a few key components:
That’s not all, although, and if you would like the total scoop, try our “How one can Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It consists of the lowdown on issues like:
- Selecting a podcast matter you may decide to
- Writing a compelling podcast description
- Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
- Recording your episodes
- And rather more
The “How one can Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast simple and doable so as to construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
You can even try our video information to beginning your podcast!
A free guidelines for beginning your podcast
Ensure you don’t miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet offers you all of the steps it is advisable begin your present.
What’s a podcast FAQ
Listed here are some generally requested questions on podcasts, and our solutions!
Why are podcasts referred to as podcasts?
The phrase “podcast” is a portmanteau (mixed phrase) of “iPod,” Apple’s unique transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals have additionally prompt “transportable 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 plenty of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in plenty of methods. You possibly can consider podcasts as the following “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed here are a few of the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are normally edited, whereas radio is often reside.
- Podcasts may be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits usually have to 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 may be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits must fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes may be any size.
- Radio exhibits usually have greater manufacturing prices, in order that they include ads to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising business, many podcasts don’t embody adverts as a result of the fee barrier to entry for podcasting is a lot decrease than for radio.
Are podcasts free to hearken to?
Among the best issues about podcasts is that they’re normally 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 standard, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more widespread.
What’s a podcast community?
A podcast community is a set 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 homeowners and are a terrific possibility to contemplate as soon as your podcast has grown a bit.
Some podcast networks are centered on a single theme, whereas others settle for podcasts throughout a variety of matters. The most important podcast networks embody iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Community, and Audacy.
What’s a video podcast?
Video podcasts are an more and more standard type of podcasting. Because the title 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 could assist expose your present to a wider viewers by means of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What gear do it is advisable begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “How one can Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is a very powerful piece of kit you’ll want to begin your individual present. Nonetheless, 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 modifying, resembling GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do podcasters make cash from their exhibits?
They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!
The most typical approach podcasts make cash is thru promoting or sponsorships. You can even use online 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 solely to our neighborhood members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits whereas additionally lowering manufacturing time.
Are you prepared 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 turn into a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nevertheless, it’s necessary to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.
Professionals and cons of beginning a podcast
The advantages of getting a podcast may be quite a few. A podcast can assist you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new individuals
- Develop new earnings streams
- Develop your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to begin and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, it is advisable produce a high-quality present and publish it repeatedly.
Extra assets for the aspiring podcaster (or simply the pod-curious)
If the concept of beginning a podcast remains to be thrilling to you, nice! We’ve received numerous useful assets should you’re able to continue learning about podcasts and what they will do that can assist you develop your enterprise and join together with your viewers.
In case you’re excited about beginning your individual podcast, our How one can Begin a Podcast Information offers you sensible subsequent steps.
However should you’re prepared to begin your podcast in probably the most streamlined approach potential, 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 possibly can take the course as a part of our All-Entry Cross — membership will get you all our programs and the assist of a vibrant studying neighborhood to information and encourage you in the direction of podcasting success.
You can even discover The Good Passive Earnings Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to study podcasting the sensible approach?
The All-Entry Cross neighborhood has the programs, assets, assist, and accountability you want.