New to the world of podcasting? You could be questioning, nicely, 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 one 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 which you could obtain or stream from the web in your smartphone, pc, 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 operating 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 have been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has develop into 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 straightforward to eat in varied settings, akin to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You may consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may also give them your full consideration when 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 youngsters’ content material. When 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 personal podcast on that subject!
Podcasts are usually out there 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 have been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final yr). The Good 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 assets you want.
How podcasts began (a quick 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 recordsdata 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 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 this planet proper now!
What are podcasts used for?
So what’s the purpose or objective of a podcast? What are they good for? An entire lot!
For the listener, a podcast is an effective way to study 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 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 will 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 simply get to talk on to folks, utilizing your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard by hundreds 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’s a podcast host and why do you want one? (How an RSS feed works)
Podcasts are made out there to listeners through a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.
An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of recent content material akin 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 out there to listeners through a podcast app or the creator’s web site.
A podcast listener can obtain new installments or episodes of a podcast mechanically 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 through an RSS feed. The podcast host mechanically generates the RSS feed to your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, akin 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 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 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 may see how your present is rising and which episodes are the most well-liked.
Sure, you may technically host your podcast’s RSS feed by yourself web site. And sure, most podcast hosts value 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 bother than it’s value.
You may save a couple of dollars, however in our opinion, the shortage of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a nasty alternative.
Fortunately, you will have loads of choices to select from on the subject of podcast hosts. Our advisable 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 straightforward to work with a podcast host. You arrange an account on their web site, the place you may enter the main points 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 considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host also can seek advice from the one that is the face and voice of a podcast. (For 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 varieties! Listed below are a few of the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A bunch invitations a number of friends to debate a given subject. This present format requires analysis and outreach to seek out friends for every episode. (The Good Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Professional, Contemporary 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 interact in conversations and banter round a given subject. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
- Documentary: Much like a TV documentary, this podcast format usually has a narrator, and might embody interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)
Notice 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 will be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small staff to a big firm!
What’s a podcast producer?
With regards to podcasts, a producer is somebody who works behind the scenes to verify the present is pretty much as good as it may be. They usually put on a number of hats, and their duties could embody discovering friends, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and enhancing processes, selling the present, and extra.
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, pc, or pill with an web connection.
- A podcast app
You’ll want an internet-connected system, akin to a smartphone, pc, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this put up, I’m guessing you’ve acquired 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 a few of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps will be downloaded to your system or accessed through the online.
So which one do you have to select? To be trustworthy, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly when you’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
In the event you’re a Mac/iOS consumer, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and when you use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the best possibility.
Every app additionally supplies a podcast listing which you could 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 may discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and manage a lot of podcast subscriptions. However for 99 p.c of listeners, most apps will just do effective.
When you’ve discovered the podcast you wish to hearken to in your podcast app, you may both stream it or obtain it to your system to hear later. Your podcast app must also help you “subscribe” to a present so that you’ll be alerted when new episodes are launched.
Some podcast creators additionally make their podcast episodes out there instantly on their web site through a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of how one can use an embedded net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
begin a podcast
In the event you’re fascinated by how one can begin a podcast, you’re in the appropriate place! At SPI, we now have 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 a number of key components:
That’s not all, although, and if you would like the total scoop, take a look at our “ Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It contains 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 way more
The “ Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast straightforward and doable so as to construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
You may also take a look at our video information to beginning your podcast!
A free guidelines for beginning your podcast
Be sure to 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 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 authentic moveable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some folks have additionally instructed “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 lots of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in lots of methods. You may consider podcasts as the subsequent “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed below are a few of the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are normally edited, whereas radio is usually stay.
- Podcasts will be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits usually must be listened to stay. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits out there on-line, however most radio content material have to be accessed when it goes stay.
- Most radio content material is aimed toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material will be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits have to fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes will be any size.
- Radio exhibits usually have larger manufacturing prices, so that they include ads to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embody advertisements as a result of the fee barrier to entry for podcasting is a lot decrease than for radio.
Are podcasts free to hearken to?
Probably the greatest 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 usually 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 standard, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more frequent.
What’s a podcast community?
A podcast community is a set of podcasts beneath the umbrella of a single firm, which produces, distributes, and/or makes these podcasts out there to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast house owners and are an ideal 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 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 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 it is advisable begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “ Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is an important piece of kit you’ll want to start out your personal present. Nevertheless, there are a number of different items of tech to contemplate:
- A desktop microphone stand
- A increase arm and shock mount to cut back undesirable vibrations
- A pop filter to cut back plosives (harsh sounds from sure syllables) in your recordings
- Software program for recording and enhancing, akin to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to cut back room echo
Do podcasters generate income from their exhibits?
They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!
The commonest method podcasts generate income 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 — out there solely to our group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits whereas additionally decreasing manufacturing time.
Are you prepared to start out 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, nevertheless, it’s vital to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.
Execs and cons of beginning a podcast
The advantages of getting a podcast will be quite a few. A podcast may also help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new folks
- Develop new revenue streams
- Increase your viewers
On the similar time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, it is advisable produce a high-quality present and publish it usually.
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 acquired plenty of useful assets when you’re able to continue learning about podcasts and what they will do that can assist you develop your corporation and join along with your viewers.
In the event you’re fascinated by beginning your personal podcast, our Begin a Podcast Information offers you sensible subsequent steps.
However when you’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined method 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 may 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 inspire you in direction of podcasting success.
You may also discover The Good Passive Earnings Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to be taught podcasting the good method?
The All-Entry Cross group has the programs, assets, assist, and accountability you want.
