New to the world of podcasting? You is perhaps 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 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 may obtain or stream from the web in your smartphone, pc, 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 working 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 common 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 turn out to be 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 devour in varied settings, corresponding to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You’ll be able to consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may also give them your full consideration if you happen to like.
Talking of content material, podcast subjects can cowl an enormous vary, from true crime to enterprise methods to parenting tricks to comedy or children’ 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 chance so that you can begin your individual podcast on that matter!
Podcasts are usually accessible 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 Group Expertise have been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Good Passive Earnings Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to study podcasting the good method?
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 method 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 goal of a podcast? What are they good for? An entire lot!
For the listener, a podcast is a good way to find out about a given matter—and/or be entertained!—in a method that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for essentially the most half) and straightforward to search out, and given their rising recognition, cowl a wider and deeper vary of subjects than ever earlier than.
For the podcaster, the makes use of and advantages of a podcast may be monumental. Podcasts are a good way to construct and serve an viewers by entertaining and/or educating listeners on a given matter.
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 best 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 accessible to listeners through a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.
An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of latest content material corresponding 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 accessible to listeners through 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 through an RSS feed. The podcast host routinely generates the RSS feed to your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, corresponding 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 quick 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 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 may see how your present is rising and which episodes are the preferred.
Sure, you may technically host your podcast’s RSS feed by yourself web site. And sure, most podcast hosts price 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 would possibly save a couple of bucks, however in our opinion, the shortage of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a nasty selection.
Fortunately, you will have loads of choices to select from relating to 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 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 may enter the small print 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 is perhaps pondering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host can even consult 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 varieties! Listed here are a number of the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A bunch invitations a number of friends to debate a given matter. This present format requires analysis and outreach to search 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 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 Group Expertise)
- Roundtable: An expanded model of a co-hosted podcast with extra hosts who interact in conversations and banter round a given matter. (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)
Be aware 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 may be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small workforce 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 nearly 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.
The best way 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, pc, or pill with an web connection.
- A podcast app
You’ll want an internet-connected system, corresponding to a smartphone, pc, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this submit, I’m guessing you’ve acquired this one lined. 😉
Whether or not you’re trying to find a particular podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will turn out to be useful. Listed here are a number of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps may be downloaded to your system or accessed through the net.
So which one do you have to select? To be sincere, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly if you happen to’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
In case you’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 best choice.
Every app additionally supplies a podcast listing that you may search to search out new reveals. Many of those apps may even present personalised suggestions primarily based on the reveals you hearken to on the app.
If you end up turning into an avid listener of a lot of podcasts, you would possibly discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and manage a lot of podcast subscriptions. However for 99 % of listeners, most apps will just do positive.
When you’ve discovered the podcast you need to hearken to in your podcast app, you may both stream it or obtain it to your system to pay attention later. Your podcast app also needs to assist you to “subscribe” to a present so that you’ll be alerted when new episodes are launched.
Some podcast creators additionally make their podcast episodes accessible immediately on their web site through 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:
The best way to begin a podcast
In case you’re curious about the way to begin a podcast, you’re in the best place! At SPI, we’ve got 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 just a few key elements:
That’s not all, although, and in order for you the total scoop, take a look at our “The best way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It contains the lowdown on issues like:
- Choosing a podcast matter you may decide to
- Writing a compelling podcast description
- Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
- Recording your episodes
- And rather more
The “The best way to 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 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 you’ll want to begin your present.
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 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 lots of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in lots of methods. You’ll be able to consider podcasts as the following “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed here are a number of the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are often edited, whereas radio is usually dwell.
- Podcasts may be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio reveals usually have to be listened to dwell. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired reveals accessible on-line, however most radio content material should 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 have to fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes may be any size.
- Radio reveals usually have greater manufacturing prices, so that they include commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising business, many podcasts don’t embody 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?
Among the best issues about podcasts is that they’re often 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 common, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more widespread.
What’s a podcast community?
A podcast community is a group of podcasts beneath the umbrella of a single firm, which produces, distributes, and/or makes these podcasts accessible to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast homeowners and are an amazing 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 spread of subjects. 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 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 gear do you’ll want to begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “The best way to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is an important piece of kit you’ll want to begin your individual present. Nonetheless, there are just a few different items of tech to think about:
- A desktop microphone stand
- A increase 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 enhancing, corresponding to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do podcasters become profitable from their reveals?
They positively can, and lots of of them do!
The most typical method 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 — accessible completely to our neighborhood members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their reveals whereas additionally decreasing manufacturing time.
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 turn out to be a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nonetheless, it’s vital to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.
Professionals and cons of beginning a podcast
The advantages of getting a podcast may be quite a few. A podcast may also help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new individuals
- Develop new revenue streams
- Broaden your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting might not be for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to begin and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, you’ll want to produce a high-quality present and publish it frequently.
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 acquired a lot of useful assets if you happen to’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they’ll do that can assist you develop your enterprise and join together with your viewers.
In case you’re curious about beginning your individual podcast, our The best way to Begin a Podcast Information offers you sensible subsequent steps.
However if you happen to’re prepared to begin your podcast in essentially the most streamlined method 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 Move — membership will get you all our programs and the help of a vibrant studying neighborhood to information and inspire you in the direction of podcasting success.
You may also discover The Good Passive Earnings Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to study podcasting the good method?
The All-Entry Move neighborhood has the programs, assets, help, and accountability you want.
