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 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, 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 in style type of media that’s rising shortly. The primary podcasts have been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by corporations, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has develop into 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 simple 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 for those who 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. If in case 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 matter! 

Podcasts are sometimes 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 exhibits 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.

How podcasts began (a quick historical past of podcasting)

Podcasts have their roots again within the 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 recordsdata in RSS feeds (see beneath). 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 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 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 manner 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 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 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 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 by way of 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, after all, 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 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 recordsdata by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host routinely generates the RSS feed in your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, corresponding to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.

You is perhaps considering, 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 in your podcast episode recordsdata, 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 most well-liked.

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 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 dollars, however in our opinion, the shortage of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a nasty alternative.

Fortunately, you will 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 in style internet hosting platforms embrace 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 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 charge (variable relying on how a lot content material you publish), whereas others are free.

Final however not least, you is perhaps considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host may also seek advice from 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. 😉

Varieties of podcasts and podcast examples

As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed below are among the commonest podcast codecs, together with examples.

• Interview: A bunch invitations a number of company to debate a given matter. This present format requires analysis and outreach to seek out company for every episode. (The Good Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Skilled, 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 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 have interaction in conversations and banter round a given matter. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
• Documentary: Just like a TV documentary, this podcast format sometimes has a narrator, and may embrace 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 Occasions’ The Every 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 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 sometimes put on a number of hats, and their duties could embrace discovering company, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.

The way to take heed to a podcast

How simple is it to take heed 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, corresponding to a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this put up, I’m guessing you’ve bought this one lined. 😉

Whether or not you’re looking for a selected podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will come in useful. Listed below are among the hottest ones:

Every of those apps might be downloaded to your machine or accessed by way of the net.

So which one must you select? To be sincere, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly for those who’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.

In case you’re a Mac/iOS consumer, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and for those who use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest possibility.

Every app additionally offers a podcast listing you could search to seek out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present customized suggestions primarily based on the exhibits you take heed 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 just do advantageous.

When you’ve discovered the podcast you need to take heed to in your podcast app, you possibly can both stream it or obtain it to your machine to pay attention later. Your podcast app must also mean you can “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 by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.

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

The way to begin a podcast

In case you’re all in favour of begin a podcast, you’re in the best place! At SPI, we have now a ton of sources 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 substances:

That’s not all, although, and if you would like the total scoop, try our “The way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.

It consists of the lowdown on issues like:

• Choosing a podcast matter you possibly can decide to
• Writing a compelling podcast description
• Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
• Recording your episodes
• And far more

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

You may as well try our video information to beginning your podcast!

What’s a podcast FAQ

Listed below 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 moveable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals have additionally prompt “moveable 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 a number of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in a number of methods. You’ll be able to consider podcasts as the following “evolution” of the radio present.

Listed below are among the key variations between podcasts and radio:

• Podcasts are normally edited, whereas radio is usually reside.
• Podcasts might be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits sometimes must be listened to reside. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits accessible on-line, however most radio content material should be accessed when it goes reside.
• Most radio content material is aimed toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material might be extraordinarily area of interest.
• Most radio exhibits have to fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes might be any size.
• Radio exhibits sometimes have greater 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 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 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 set 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 ideal possibility 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 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 in style 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 could possibly assist expose your present to a wider viewers by platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What tools do you could begin a podcast?

As talked about above in “The way to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is an important piece of kit 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 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, corresponding to GarageBand or Audacity
• Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo

Do podcasters generate income from their exhibits?

They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!

The most typical manner podcasts generate income is thru promoting or sponsorships. You may as well 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 group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits whereas additionally decreasing 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 develop into a podcaster your self!

Earlier than you leap, nonetheless, it’s essential 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 may help you:

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

On the identical time, podcasting will not be for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and sources to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, you could produce a high-quality present and publish it commonly.

Extra sources 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 sources for those who’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they will do that will help you develop your small business and join along with your viewers.

In case you’re all in favour of beginning your individual podcast, our The way to Begin a Podcast Information offers you sensible subsequent steps.

However for those who’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined manner 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’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 group to information and inspire you in direction of podcasting success.

You may as well discover The Good Passive Earnings Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.

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