New to the world of podcasting? You is perhaps 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 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 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 a particularly widespread type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by corporations, information shops, 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 numerous settings, similar to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you too can give them your full consideration if you happen to 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 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 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 Group Expertise had 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 approach?
The All-Entry Move has the assets you want.
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 approach 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 function of a podcast? What are they good for? A complete lot!
For the listener, a podcast is a good way to find out about 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 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 monumental. 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 individuals, 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 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 similar 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 on your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, similar to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
You is perhaps 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 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 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 typically rising 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 have got loads of choices to select from in terms of podcast hosts. Our really useful platform is Fusebox, due to its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different widespread 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 possibly can enter the main points 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 is perhaps pondering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host can even consult 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 alternative varieties! Listed below are a number of the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A number 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 Knowledgeable, 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 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 may embody interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)
Word 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 includes interviews.
Who makes podcasts?
Podcasts will be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small crew to a big firm!
What’s a podcast producer?
On the subject of podcasts, a producer is somebody who works behind the scenes to ensure the present is pretty much as good as it may be. They usually put on a number of hats, and their duties might embody discovering friends, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying 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 gadget, similar to a smartphone, pc, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this put up, I’m guessing you’ve received 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 number of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps will be downloaded to your gadget 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 if you happen to’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
For those who’re a Mac/iOS consumer, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and if you happen to use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest possibility.
Every app additionally gives a podcast listing you could search to seek out new reveals. Many of those apps may even present personalised suggestions based mostly on the reveals 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 set up a lot of podcast subscriptions. However for 99 % of listeners, most apps will do exactly high quality.
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 gadget to hear 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 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 net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
begin a podcast
For those who’re all for how one can begin a podcast, you’re in the best place! At SPI, we’ve a ton of assets 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 couple of key components:
That’s not all, although, and in order for you the total scoop, try our “ 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 “ Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast straightforward and doable so to construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
You can even 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 offers you all of the steps it’s essential 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 transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals have additionally urged “transportable 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 a variety of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in a variety of methods. You possibly can consider podcasts as the following “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed below are a number of the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are normally edited, whereas radio is usually reside.
- Podcasts will be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio reveals usually should be listened to reside. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired reveals obtainable on-line, however most radio content material have to be accessed when it goes reside.
- Most radio content material is geared toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material will be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio reveals have to fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes will be any size.
- Radio reveals usually have greater manufacturing prices, in order that they comprise commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embody adverts as a result of the associated fee barrier to entry for podcasting is a lot decrease than for radio.
Are podcasts free to hearken to?
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 usually freed from cost.
Lately, some podcasters have begun creating extra paid content material for his or her subscribers. These paid podcasts have gotten more and more widespread, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more frequent.
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 obtainable to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast homeowners and are an excellent 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 variety 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 widespread 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 possibly assist expose your present to a wider viewers by way of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What tools do it’s essential 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 individual present. Nevertheless, there are a couple of different items of tech to contemplate:
- A desktop microphone stand
- A growth 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, similar to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do podcasters earn cash from their reveals?
They positively can, and lots of of them do!
The most typical approach podcasts earn cash is thru promoting or sponsorships. You can even 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 reveals whereas additionally lowering 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 grow to be a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nonetheless, it’s necessary 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 individuals
- Develop new revenue streams
- Develop your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting might not be for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, it’s essential produce a high-quality present and publish it usually.
Extra assets 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 lot of useful assets if you happen to’re able to continue learning about podcasts and what they will do that will help you develop your online business and join together with your viewers.
For those who’re all for beginning your individual podcast, our Begin a Podcast Information offers you sensible subsequent steps.
However if you happen to’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 possibly can take the course as a part of our All-Entry Move — 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.
You can even discover The Good Passive Earnings Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to be taught podcasting the good approach?
The All-Entry Move group has the programs, assets, help, and accountability you want.