New to the world of podcasting? You could 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 how you can 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 you could 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 operating 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 a particularly common type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has turn out to be huge 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, corresponding to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may as well give them your full consideration if you happen to 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 most likely a podcast on the market for it! And if there isn’t, that may imply a possibility so that you can begin your individual podcast on that subject!
Podcasts are usually accessible 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 Group 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 good method?
The All-Entry Cross has the sources you want.
How podcasts began (a quick 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 known 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 under). This concept constructed steam over the following 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 earth 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 an effective way to find out about a given subject—and/or be entertained!—in a method that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for essentially the most half) and straightforward 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 could be huge. Podcasts are an effective way to construct and serve an viewers by entertaining and/or educating listeners on a given subject.
One of many key benefits of a podcast for the podcaster is that you just get to talk on to folks, utilizing your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard by 1000’s and even tens of millions of individuals, however for every listener, it’s simply you and them.
It’s been mentioned that podcasting is the easiest way 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 accessible 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 corresponding to weblog posts or, in fact, podcasts.
Right here’s how that works. The podcast creator submits their podcast’s RSS feed to a listing, which makes it accessible 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 recordsdata by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host robotically generates the RSS feed to your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, corresponding to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
You could be considering, 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.
- Provide 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 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 may save a couple of bucks, however in our opinion, the dearth of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a foul selection.
Fortunately, you might have loads of choices to select from on the subject of podcast hosts. Our beneficial platform is Fusebox, due to its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different common 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 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 could be considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host may confer with the one that is the face and voice of a podcast. (As an illustration, Pat is the host of the SPI Podcast.) Glad we cleared that up. 😉
Kinds of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many various types! Listed here are among the commonest podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A number invitations a number of visitors to debate a given subject. This present format requires analysis and outreach to search out visitors for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Professional, Recent Air)
- Solo Speaking/Storytelling: Because the identify suggests, a single host “runs the present.” The time that might 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 Group Expertise)
- Roundtable: An expanded model of a co-hosted podcast with extra hosts who have interaction in conversations and banter round a given subject. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
- Documentary: Just 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)
Observe that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating parts of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Instances’ The Each day is a cohosted podcast that includes interviews.
Who makes podcasts?
Podcasts could be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small crew to a big firm!
What’s a podcast producer?
Relating to 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 visitors, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and enhancing processes, selling the present, and extra.
The right way to 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 system, corresponding to a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this submit, I’m guessing you’ve obtained this one coated. 😉
Whether or not you’re trying to find a particular podcast or wish to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will come in useful. Listed here are among the hottest ones:
Every of those apps could be downloaded to your system 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 if you happen to’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
For those who’re a Mac/iOS person, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and if you happen to use an Android cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest choice.
Every app additionally offers a podcast listing you could search to search out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present customized suggestions primarily based on the exhibits you hearken to on the app.
If you end up turning into an avid listener of numerous podcasts, you may discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and set up numerous podcast subscriptions. However for 99 p.c of listeners, most apps will just do wonderful.
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 system to pay attention later. Your podcast app must also will let you “subscribe” to a present so that you’ll be alerted when new episodes are launched.
Some podcast creators additionally make their podcast episodes accessible instantly on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of how you can use an embedded net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
The right way to begin a podcast
For those who’re involved in how you can begin a podcast, you’re in the suitable place! At SPI, we now have a ton of sources for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).
In an effort to begin a podcast, you want a number of key substances:
That’s not all, although, and if you’d like the total scoop, try our “The right way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It contains the lowdown on issues like:
- Choosing a podcast subject you possibly can decide to
- Writing a compelling podcast description
- Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
- Recording your episodes
- And way more
The “The right way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast simple and doable so that you could construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
You may also try our video information to beginning your podcast!
A free guidelines for beginning your podcast
Be sure you don’t miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet provides you all of the steps you should begin your present.
What’s a podcast FAQ
Listed here 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 authentic transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some folks 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 a whole lot of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in a whole lot of methods. You possibly can consider podcasts as the following “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed here are among the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are often edited, whereas radio is usually reside.
- Podcasts could be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits usually must be listened to reside. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits accessible on-line, however most radio content material should be accessed when it goes reside.
- Most radio content material is aimed toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material could be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits have to fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes could be any size.
- Radio exhibits usually have larger manufacturing prices, so that they comprise commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embody advertisements as a result of the price barrier to entry for podcasting is a lot decrease than for radio.
Are podcasts free to hearken to?
Among the finest 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.
In recent times, some podcasters have begun creating extra paid content material for his or her subscribers. These paid podcasts have gotten more and more common, 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 accessible to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast homeowners and are an incredible choice to think about 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 variety of subjects. The largest podcast networks embody iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Community, and Audacy.
What’s a video podcast?
Video podcasts are an more and more common 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 usually extra work, however it will probably assist expose your present to a wider viewers by platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What tools do you should begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “The right way to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is an important piece of apparatus you’ll want to start out your individual present. Nonetheless, there are a number of different items of tech to think about:
- 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, corresponding to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do podcasters generate profits from their exhibits?
They positively can, and plenty of of them do!
The most typical method podcasts generate profits is thru promoting or sponsorships. You may also 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 — accessible completely to our group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits whereas additionally lowering manufacturing time.
Are you prepared to start out your podcasting journey?
I hope this primer on podcasts was useful! Perhaps you’re impressed to go discover a new present to subscribe to, and even turn out to be a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nevertheless, it’s essential to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.
Execs and cons of beginning a podcast
The advantages of getting a podcast could be quite a few. A podcast may also help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new folks
- Develop new revenue streams
- Develop your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting might not be for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and sources to start out and keep a podcast. To achieve success, you should produce a high-quality present and publish it repeatedly.
Extra sources 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 obtained plenty of useful sources if you happen to’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they will do that will help you develop what you are promoting and join along with your viewers.
For those who’re involved in beginning your individual podcast, our The right way to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However if you happen to’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined method 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 group to information and encourage you in direction of podcasting success.
You may also discover The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to be taught podcasting the good method?
The All-Entry Cross group has the programs, sources, assist, and accountability you want.
