New to the world of podcasting? You is perhaps questioning, effectively, 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 the way to 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 that you would be able to 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 an especially common type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by corporations, information retailers, and different organizations. Podcasting has change into huge 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, akin to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You’ll be able to consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you can even give them your full consideration in case 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 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, which may imply a possibility so that you can begin your individual podcast on that subject!
Podcasts are sometimes 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 reveals like AskPat 2.0 and The Neighborhood Expertise had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final yr). The Good Passive Revenue Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to be taught podcasting the sensible manner?
The All-Entry Cross 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 referred to 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 manner 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 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 an effective way to find out about a given subject—and/or be entertained!—in a manner 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 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 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 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 latest 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 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 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 information by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host mechanically generates the RSS feed on your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, akin 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 a substitute 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.
- Supply 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 rising as your present grows.
However for many creators, internet hosting your podcast by yourself web site is far more bother than it’s price.
You may save a couple of dollars, however in our opinion, the dearth of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a foul selection.
Fortunately, you will have loads of choices to select from in terms 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 common 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 payment (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 also can check 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. 😉
Kinds of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many various types! Listed here are a few of the commonest 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 Revenue Podcast, Armchair Knowledgeable, Contemporary Air)
- Solo Speaking/Storytelling: Because the title suggests, a single host “runs the present.” The time that may 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 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)
Word that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating parts of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Instances’ The Each day is a cohosted podcast that includes interviews.
Who makes podcasts?
Podcasts will 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 ensure the present is nearly as good as it may be. They sometimes 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.
Tips on how 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, pc, or pill with an web connection.
- A podcast app
You’ll want an internet-connected gadget, akin to a smartphone, pc, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this publish, I’m guessing you’ve bought this one coated. 😉
Whether or not you’re trying to find a particular podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will come in useful. Listed here are a few of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps will be downloaded to your gadget or accessed by way of the net.
So which one must you select? To be trustworthy, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly in case you’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
In the event you’re a Mac/iOS person, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and in case you use an Android cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest possibility.
Every app additionally offers a podcast listing that you would be able to search to seek out new reveals. Many of those apps may even present customized suggestions primarily based on the reveals you take heed 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 arrange a lot of podcast subscriptions. However for 99 % of listeners, most apps will do exactly fantastic.
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 gadget to hear later. Your podcast app also needs to 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 straight on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of the way to use an embedded net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
Tips on how to begin a podcast
In the event you’re interested by the way to begin a podcast, you’re in the correct 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…).
With a view to begin a podcast, you want a couple of key elements:
That’s not all, although, and in order for you the total scoop, take a look at our “Tips on how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It consists of the lowdown on issues like:
- Selecting 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 far more
The “Tips on how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast straightforward and doable to be able 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 provides you all of the steps it’s good to begin your present.
What’s a podcast FAQ
Listed here are some generally requested questions on podcasts, and our solutions!
Why are podcasts referred to as podcasts?
The phrase “podcast” is a portmanteau (mixed phrase) of “iPod,” Apple’s unique 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 whole lot of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in a whole lot of methods. You’ll be able to consider podcasts as the subsequent “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed here are a few of the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are normally edited, whereas radio is often stay.
- Podcasts will be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio reveals sometimes must be listened to stay. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired reveals obtainable on-line, however most radio content material should be accessed when it goes stay.
- 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 sometimes have increased manufacturing prices, so that they comprise commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising business, many podcasts don’t embody adverts as a result of the fee barrier to entry for podcasting is a lot decrease than for radio.
Are podcasts free to take heed to?
Probably the greatest 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 extra paid content material for his or her subscribers. These paid podcasts have gotten more and more common, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more frequent.
What’s a podcast community?
A podcast community is a group 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 important possibility to think about as soon as your podcast has grown a bit.
Some podcast networks are centered on a single theme, whereas others settle for podcasts throughout a variety 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 common 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 often extra work, however it might probably assist expose your present to a wider viewers by means of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What gear do it’s good to begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “Tips on how to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of apparatus you’ll want to start out your individual present. Nonetheless, there are a couple of different items of tech to think about:
- 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 become profitable from their reveals?
They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!
The most typical manner podcasts become profitable is thru promoting or sponsorships. You may also use internet online 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 — obtainable solely to our neighborhood 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! Perhaps you’re impressed to go discover a new present to subscribe to, and even change into 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 help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new individuals
- Develop new earnings streams
- Increase your viewers
On the similar time, podcasting will not be for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, it’s good to 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 bought numerous useful assets in case you’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they will do that can assist you develop your small business and join along with your viewers.
In the event you’re interested by beginning your individual podcast, our Tips on how to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However in case you’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined manner attainable, 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 Cross — membership will get you all our programs and the assist of a vibrant studying neighborhood to information and inspire you in the direction of podcasting success.
You may also discover The Good Passive Revenue Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to be taught podcasting the sensible manner?
The All-Entry Cross neighborhood has the programs, assets, assist, and accountability you want.