What’s a Podcast? How podcasts work and methods to get began

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 methods to get began as a podcast listener or creator. Plus, I’ve a number of free sources for you on this web page that will help you get began instantly.

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 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 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 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 change into 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, 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 for those who 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. You probably 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 personal podcast on that subject! 

Podcasts are sometimes out there 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 reveals like AskPat 2.0 and The Neighborhood Expertise have been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final yr). The Good Passive Earnings Podcast continues to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.

How podcasts began (a short 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 means 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? An entire lot!

For the listener, a podcast is an effective way to find out about a given subject—and/or be entertained!—in a means 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 matters than ever earlier than.

For the podcaster, the makes use of and advantages of a podcast may be monumental. 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 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 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 out there to listeners by way of 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 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 on your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, akin to 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 brief reply is sure—however hear me out.

There are a number of advantages to utilizing a podcast host as an alternative of DIYing it. A podcast host can:

• Present storage on 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’ll be able to see how your present is rising and which episodes are the preferred.

Sure, you’ll be able to technically host your podcast’s RSS feed by yourself web site. And sure, most podcast hosts value cash, with these prices usually rising 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 alternative.

Fortunately, you’ve 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 in style 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’ll be able to enter the main points 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 pondering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host may also discuss 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. 😉

Forms of podcasts and podcast examples

As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many alternative types! Listed below are a few of 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 Good Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Professional, 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 an alternative 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 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 sometimes has a narrator, and might embody 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 Each 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 crew to a big firm!

What’s a podcast producer?

In relation 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 sometimes put on a number of hats, and their duties might embody discovering visitors, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.

The way to take heed to a podcast

How straightforward is it to take heed 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, akin to a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this publish, I’m guessing you’ve bought 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 come in useful. Listed below are a few of the hottest ones:

Every of those apps may 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 for those who’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.

When you’re a Mac/iOS consumer, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and for those who use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the best possibility.

Every app additionally supplies a podcast listing that you would be able to search to search out new reveals. Many of those apps may even present personalised suggestions primarily based on the reveals you take heed to on the app.

If you end up turning into an avid listener of numerous podcasts, you would possibly 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 do exactly nice.

When you’ve discovered the podcast you need to take heed to in your podcast app, you’ll be able to both stream it or obtain it to your machine to hear later. Your podcast app also needs to 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 out there instantly on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.

Right here’s an instance of methods to use an embedded net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:

The way to begin a podcast

When you’re concerned with methods to begin a podcast, you’re in the best place! At SPI, we’ve got a ton of sources for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).

So as to begin a podcast, you want a couple of key elements:

That’s not all, although, and in order for you the complete scoop, try our “The way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.

It contains the lowdown on issues like:

• Choosing a podcast subject you’ll be able to decide to
• Writing a compelling podcast description
• Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
• Recording your episodes
• And rather more

The “The way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast straightforward 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!

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 individuals have additionally urged “moveable on demand” as a “backronym” for the phrase “podcast.”

Podcasts vs. radio: What’s the distinction?

Are podcasts the identical as radio reveals? Whereas podcasts and radio share quite a lot of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in quite a lot 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 often dwell.
• Podcasts may be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio reveals sometimes have to be listened to dwell. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired reveals out there on-line, however most radio content material have to be accessed when it goes dwell.
• Most radio content material is aimed toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material may be extraordinarily area of interest.
• Most radio reveals must fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes may be any size.
• Radio reveals sometimes 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 advertisements as a result of the associated fee barrier to entry for podcasting is a lot decrease than for radio.

Are podcasts free to take heed to?

Top-of-the-line issues about podcasts is that they’re normally free to obtain and take heed to. Sure, you’ll want a tool to take heed 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 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 frequent.

What’s 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 out there to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast homeowners and are an incredible possibility 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 spread of matters. 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 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 often extra work, however it may assist expose your present to a wider viewers by way of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What gear do you must begin a podcast?

As talked about above in “The way to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is a very powerful piece of kit you’ll want to begin your personal present. Nevertheless, there are a couple of different items of tech to think about:

• A desktop microphone stand
• A growth 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 modifying, akin to GarageBand or Audacity
• Sound dampening supplies to cut back room echo

Do podcasters generate profits from their reveals?

They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!

The most typical means podcasts generate profits is thru promoting or sponsorships. You may also use internet affiliate 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 completely to our group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their reveals whereas additionally decreasing manufacturing time.

A free guidelines for beginning your podcast

Ensure you don’t miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet provides you all of the steps you must begin your present.

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 change into 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 may be quite a few. A podcast might help you:

• Develop your model or enterprise
• Meet new individuals
• Develop new revenue streams
• Broaden your viewers

On the similar time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and sources to begin and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, you must produce a high-quality present and publish it repeatedly.

Extra sources for the aspiring podcaster (or simply the pod-curious)

If the thought of beginning a podcast continues to be thrilling to you, nice! We’ve bought a lot of useful sources for those who’re able to continue learning about podcasts and what they’ll do that will help you develop your enterprise and join along with your viewers.

When you’re concerned with beginning your personal podcast, our The way to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.

However for those who’re prepared to begin your podcast in essentially the most streamlined means 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 the SPI Neighborhood — membership will get you all our programs and the help of a vibrant studying group to information and encourage you in the direction of podcasting success.

You may also discover The Good Passive Earnings Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.

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