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

New to the world of podcasting? You could 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 get began as a podcast listener or creator. Plus, I’ve a number of free assets for you on this web page that can assist 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 pay attention 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 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 in style type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information retailers, and different organizations. Podcasting has turn into huge enterprise, with firms 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 simple to eat in numerous settings, akin to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.

You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may also 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 children’ content material. In case you have a subject in thoughts, there’s most likely a podcast on the market for it! And if there isn’t, which may imply a possibility so that you can begin your personal podcast on that matter! 

Podcasts are usually accessible 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 12 months). The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast continues to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.

How podcasts began (a quick 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 following 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 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 function of a podcast? What are they good for? A complete lot!

For the listener, a podcast is a good way to study a given matter—and/or be entertained!—in a manner that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for essentially the most half) and simple 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 might 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 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 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 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 through an RSS feed. The podcast host mechanically generates the RSS feed in your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, akin to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.

You could be 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 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.
• 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 growing 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 would possibly 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 could have loads of choices to select from in relation to 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 in style internet hosting platforms embody Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, Anchor, and Blubrry.

It’s comparatively simple 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 could be pondering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host may seek advice from 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. 😉

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 matter. This present format requires analysis and outreach to search out friends for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Skilled, Contemporary Air)
• Solo Speaking/Storytelling: Because the title suggests, a single host “runs the present.” The time that might 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 totally different personalities and views and generally 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 have interaction in conversations and banter round a given matter. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
• Documentary: Much 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)

Observe that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating components of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Instances’ The Each day is a cohosted podcast that comes with interviews.

Who makes podcasts?

Podcasts might 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 might 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 simple is it to hearken to a podcast? Fairly darn simple! 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 put up, I’m guessing you’ve acquired this one lined. 😉

Whether or not you’re trying to find a selected podcast or wish 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 might be downloaded to your machine or accessed through the net.

So which one must you select? To be sincere, 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 cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the best choice.

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 customized 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 would possibly 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 tremendous.

When you’ve discovered the podcast you wish 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 accessible instantly on their web site through a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.

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

The best way to begin a podcast

In case you’re taken with begin a podcast, you’re in the appropriate place! At SPI, we have now a ton of assets for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).

To be able to begin a podcast, you want a couple of key components:

That’s not all, although, and if you’d like 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:

• Selecting a podcast matter 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 “The best way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast simple and doable so to construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.

You can too take a look at 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 referred to as podcasts?

The phrase “podcast” is a portmanteau (mixed phrase) of “iPod,” Apple’s authentic transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals have additionally advised “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 numerous similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in numerous methods. You possibly can consider podcasts as the following “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 usually dwell.
• Podcasts might be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio reveals usually must 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 geared toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material might be extraordinarily area of interest.
• Most radio reveals must fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes might be any size.
• Radio reveals usually have increased manufacturing prices, in order that they comprise ads to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, 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 hearken to?

Probably the greatest 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 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 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 house owners and are an incredible choice 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 in style 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 may assist expose your present to a wider viewers via platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What tools do you have to begin a podcast?

As talked about above in “The best way to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of apparatus you’ll want to start out your personal present. Nonetheless, there are a couple of different items of tech to contemplate:

• 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 generate profits from their reveals?

They undoubtedly can, and plenty of of them do!

The commonest manner podcasts generate profits is thru promoting or sponsorships. You can too 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 solely to our neighborhood members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their reveals whereas additionally lowering manufacturing time.

A free guidelines for beginning your podcast

Be sure you don’t miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet provides you all of the steps you have to 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 turn into a podcaster your self!

Earlier than you leap, nevertheless, it’s vital to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.

Execs and cons of beginning a podcast

The advantages of getting a podcast might be quite a few. A podcast can assist 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, vitality, dedication, and assets to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, you have to produce a high-quality present and publish it often.

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

If the concept of beginning a podcast continues to be thrilling to you, nice! We’ve acquired a number of useful assets in the event you’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they will do that can assist you develop your enterprise and join together with your viewers.

In case you’re taken with beginning your personal podcast, our The best way to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.

However in the event 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 possibly can take the course as a part of the SPI Group — membership will get you all our programs and the assist of a vibrant studying neighborhood to information and encourage you in the direction of podcasting success.

You can too discover The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.

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