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 how one can 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 straight away.

What’s a podcast and the way do they work?

A podcast is a digital audio “present” or program which you can 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 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 an especially widespread 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 develop into massive 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 devour in numerous settings, resembling whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.

You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you can even give them your full consideration in the event 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’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 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 Group Expertise have been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Good Passive Revenue Podcast remains 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 information 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 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 the 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 means 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 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 individuals, utilizing your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard by 1000’s 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’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 recent 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 information by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host routinely generates the RSS feed in your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, resembling Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.

You may 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 an alternative of DIYing it. A podcast host can:

• Present storage in 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’ll be able to see how your present is rising and which episodes are the most well-liked.

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 typically growing as your present grows.

However for many creators, internet hosting your podcast by yourself web site is far more hassle 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 alternative.

Fortunately, you might have loads of choices to select from relating to podcast hosts. Our really helpful platform is Fusebox, because of its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]

Different widespread 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’ll be able to enter the small print of your podcast, add episodes, and discover choices for monetizing your present. Some platforms cost a month-to-month price (variable relying on how a lot content material you publish), whereas others are free.

Final however not least, you may be considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host may discuss with 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. 😉

Forms of podcasts and podcast examples

As a medium for entertaining and sharing info, podcasts can take many alternative varieties! Listed here are among 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 Revenue Podcast, Armchair Skilled, Recent 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 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 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: Just like a TV documentary, this podcast format usually has a narrator, and might embrace interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)

Word that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating parts of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Occasions’ The Day by day is a cohosted podcast that comes with interviews.

Who makes podcasts?

Podcasts could be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small workforce to a big firm!

What’s a podcast producer?

In terms of 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 embrace discovering friends, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.

Tips on how 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 machine, resembling a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this publish, I’m guessing you’ve obtained this one coated. 😉

Whether or not you’re looking for a particular podcast or need 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 machine or accessed by way of the online.

So which one must you select? To be trustworthy, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly in the event 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 in the event you use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the best choice.

Every app additionally offers a podcast listing which you can search to seek 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 arrange numerous podcast subscriptions. However for 99 p.c of listeners, most apps will do exactly tremendous.

When you’ve discovered the podcast you need to hearken to in your podcast app, you’ll be able to both stream it or obtain it to your machine to pay attention later. Your podcast app must also can 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 obtainable immediately on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.

Right here’s an instance of how one can use an embedded internet participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:

Tips on how to begin a podcast

In case you’re involved in how one can begin a podcast, you’re in the precise 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…).

As a way to begin a podcast, you want a couple of key components:

That’s not all, although, and if you’d like the total scoop, try our “Tips on how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.

It consists of 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 way more

The “Tips on how 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.

It’s also possible to try our video information to beginning your podcast!

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 unique transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals have additionally recommended “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 quite a lot of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in quite a 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 normally edited, whereas radio is usually dwell.
• Podcasts could be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits usually have to be listened to dwell. 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 dwell.
• 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 increased manufacturing prices, in order that they comprise commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising business, many podcasts don’t embrace 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?

The most effective 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 further paid content material for his or her subscribers. These paid podcasts have gotten more and more widespread, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more widespread.

What’s a podcast community?

A podcast community is a set 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 a fantastic 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 matters. The most important podcast networks embrace iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Community, and Audacy.

What’s a video podcast?

Video podcasts are an more and more widespread 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 usually extra work, however it could actually assist expose your present to a wider viewers by means of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What tools do you should begin a podcast?

As talked about above in “Tips on how to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is an important piece of kit you’ll want to start out your individual 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, resembling GarageBand or Audacity
• Sound dampening supplies to cut back room echo

Do podcasters generate income from their exhibits?

They undoubtedly can, and plenty of of them do!

The most typical means podcasts generate income is thru promoting or sponsorships. It’s also possible to 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 completely to our group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits whereas additionally decreasing manufacturing time.

A free guidelines for beginning your podcast

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

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 necessary 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 will help you:

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

On the identical time, podcasting is probably not 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 frequently.

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 a number of useful sources in the event you’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.

In case you’re involved in beginning your individual podcast, our Tips on how to Begin a Podcast Information offers you sensible subsequent steps.

However in the event you’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined means 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 the SPI Group — membership will get you all our programs and the help of a vibrant studying group to information and inspire you in the direction of podcasting success.

It’s also possible to discover The Good Passive Revenue Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.

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