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 tips on 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 which you could 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 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 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 in style type of media that’s rising shortly. The primary podcasts have been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by corporations, information retailers, and different organizations. Podcasting has grow to be large 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 eat in varied settings, comparable to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You’ll be able to consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may as well give them your full consideration in the event 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 children’ 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, which may imply a possibility so that you can begin your individual podcast on that subject!
Podcasts are usually 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 have been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to study podcasting the sensible approach?
The All-Entry Go has the sources you want.
How Podcasts Began (a Temporary Historical past of Podcasting)
Podcasts have their roots again within the Nineteen 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 information in RSS feeds (see under). This concept constructed steam over the subsequent 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 goal of a podcast? What are they good for? An entire lot!
For the listener, a podcast is a good way to study a given subject—and/or be entertained!—in a approach that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for essentially the most half) and simple to search out, and given their rising recognition, 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 a good 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 simply get to talk on to folks, 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 stated that podcasting is one of the simplest ways 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 comparable to 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 to your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, comparable to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
You could be pondering, 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 to your podcast episode information, 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 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 typically growing as your present grows.
However for many creators, internet hosting your podcast by yourself web site is far more bother than it’s value.
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 may have loads of choices to select from relating to podcast hosts. Our beneficial platform is Fusebox, because of its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different in style 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 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 could be pondering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host also can discuss with the one that 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 types! Listed here are a number of the most typical 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 Revenue Podcast, Armchair Knowledgeable, 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 totally 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 subject. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
- Documentary: Just like a TV documentary, this podcast format usually has a narrator, and may 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 Occasions’ 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 usually put on a number of hats, and their duties might embrace discovering visitors, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.
Methods to Hearken 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 system, comparable to a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this publish, I’m guessing you’ve received this one lined. 😉
Whether or not you’re looking for a selected podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will turn out to be useful. Listed here are a number of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps might 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 in the event you’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
Should you’re a Mac/iOS consumer, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and in the event you use an Android cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the best choice.
Every app additionally supplies a podcast listing which you could 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 numerous podcasts, you may discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and arrange numerous podcast subscriptions. However for 99 % of listeners, most apps will just do effective.
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 system to hear later. Your podcast app also needs to assist you to “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 tips on how to use an embedded internet participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
Methods to Begin a Podcast
Should you’re fascinated by tips on how to begin a podcast, you’re in the best 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…).
To be able to begin a podcast, you want just a few key substances:
That’s not all, although, and if you need the total scoop, take a look at our “Methods to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It consists of the lowdown on issues like:
- Choosing a podcast subject you may decide to
- Writing a compelling podcast description
- Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
- Recording your episodes
- And rather more
The “Methods 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 can too take a look at our video information to beginning your podcast!
What Is 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 unique moveable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some folks have additionally prompt “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 a number of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in a number of methods. You’ll be able to consider podcasts as the subsequent “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed here are a number of the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are normally edited, whereas radio is usually reside.
- Podcasts might be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits usually should be listened to reside. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits obtainable 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 might be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits must fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes might be any size.
- Radio exhibits usually have increased manufacturing prices, in order that they include commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embrace adverts as a result of the associated fee 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 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.
In recent times, some podcasters have begun creating further paid content material for his or her subscribers. These paid podcasts have gotten more and more in style, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more widespread.
What Is a Podcast Community?
A podcast community is a group of podcasts below 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 an excellent 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 embrace iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Community, and Audacy.
What Is a Video Podcast?
Video podcasts are an more and more in style 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 may assist expose your present to a wider viewers via platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What Tools Do You Must Begin a Podcast?
As talked about above in “Methods to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is an important piece of kit you’ll want to start out your individual present. Nevertheless, there are just a few 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 modifying, comparable to 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 approach podcasts make cash is thru promoting or sponsorships. You can too 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 grow to be a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nonetheless, it’s vital to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.
Professionals 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 folks
- Develop new earnings streams
- Develop your viewers
On the similar time, podcasting will not be for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and sources to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, you should produce a high-quality present and publish it usually.
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 received a number of useful sources in the event you’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they’ll do that will help you develop what you are promoting and join along with your viewers.
Should you’re fascinated by beginning your individual podcast, our Methods to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However in the event you’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined approach doable, 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 can too discover The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to study podcasting the sensible approach?
The All-Entry Go group has the programs, sources, help, and accountability you want.
