New to the world of podcasting? You may be 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 you 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 which 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 well-liked 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 turn 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 straightforward to eat in varied settings, corresponding to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.

You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however it’s also possible to 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 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 subject! 

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 Neighborhood Expertise have been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final yr). The Sensible Passive Revenue 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 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 means 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 this planet proper now!

What are podcasts used for?

So what’s the purpose or objective 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 means that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for essentially the most half) and simple to seek 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 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 folks, utilizing your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard by hundreds and even hundreds of thousands of individuals, however for every listener, it’s simply you and them.

It’s been stated 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, 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 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 to your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, corresponding to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.

You may be 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 an alternative 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.
• Supply 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 value cash, with these prices usually 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 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 foul alternative.

Fortunately, you’ve gotten loads of choices to select from relating to podcast hosts. Our really helpful platform is Fusebox, due to its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]

Different well-liked internet hosting platforms embrace 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 payment (variable relying on how a lot content material you publish), whereas others are free.

Final however not least, you may be considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host may also check with the one who is the face and voice of a podcast. (For example, Pat is the host of the SPI Podcast.) Glad we cleared that up. 😉

Forms of podcasts and podcast examples

As a medium for entertaining and sharing info, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed below are a number of the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.

• Interview: A number invitations a number of visitors to debate a given subject. This present format requires analysis and outreach to seek out visitors for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast, Armchair Skilled, Recent 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 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 completely different personalities and views and generally 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 have interaction 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 embrace 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 Day by day is a cohosted podcast that includes interviews.

Who makes podcasts?

Podcasts will be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small group 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 could embrace discovering visitors, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.

How one can 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, laptop, or pill with an web connection.
• A podcast app

You’ll want an internet-connected gadget, corresponding to a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this put up, I’m guessing you’ve received 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 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 do you have to 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.

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

Every app additionally gives a podcast listing which you could search to seek out new reveals. Many of those apps may even present personalised suggestions based mostly on the reveals you take heed to on the app.

If you end up turning into an avid listener of numerous podcasts, you would possibly discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and manage numerous podcast subscriptions. However for 99 % of listeners, most apps will just do nice.

When you’ve discovered the podcast you need to take heed to in your podcast app, you may both stream it or obtain it to your gadget to pay attention 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 accessible straight on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.

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

How one can begin a podcast

When you’re curious about how you can begin a podcast, you’re in the correct 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…).

In an effort to begin a podcast, you want a couple of key elements:

That’s not all, although, and in order for you the total scoop, try our “How one can Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.

It contains the lowdown on issues like:

• Selecting a podcast subject you may decide to
• Writing a compelling podcast description
• Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
• Recording your episodes
• And rather more

The “How one can 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 can too 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 unique moveable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some folks have additionally instructed “moveable 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 number of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in a number of methods. You possibly can consider podcasts as the subsequent “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 stay.
• Podcasts will be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio reveals usually should be listened to stay. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired reveals accessible on-line, however most radio content material have to be accessed when it goes stay.
• Most radio content material is aimed 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, so that they comprise commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embrace 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 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 well-liked, 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 accessible to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast house owners and are an excellent 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 embrace iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Community, and Audacy.

What’s a video podcast?

Video podcasts are an more and more well-liked 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 might assist expose your present to a wider viewers by way of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What gear do you should begin a podcast?

As talked about above in “How one can Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is an important piece of kit you’ll want to begin your personal present. Nonetheless, there are a couple of different items of tech to contemplate:

• A desktop microphone stand
• A growth 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 modifying, corresponding to GarageBand or Audacity
• Sound dampening supplies to cut back room echo

Do podcasters earn money from their reveals?

They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!

The most typical means podcasts earn money is thru promoting or sponsorships. You can too use online 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 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 into a podcaster your self!

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

Professionals and cons of beginning a podcast

The advantages of getting a podcast will be quite a few. A podcast can assist you:

• Develop your model or enterprise
• Meet new folks
• Develop new earnings streams
• Develop your viewers

On the similar time, podcasting will not be for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and assets to begin and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, you should 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 received numerous useful assets for those who’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they’ll do that will help you develop your enterprise and join along with your viewers.

When you’re curious about beginning your personal podcast, our How one can Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.

However for those who’re prepared to begin your podcast in essentially the most streamlined means potential, 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 neighborhood to information and encourage you in direction of podcasting success.

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

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