What Is a Podcast? How Podcasts Work and Easy methods to Get Began

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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 will 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 that you would be able to obtain or stream from the web in your smartphone, laptop, 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 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 common type of media that’s rising shortly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has develop into massive 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 straightforward to devour in numerous settings, equivalent to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.

You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may as well give them your full consideration in the event you 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. In case you have a subject in thoughts, there’s most likely a podcast on the market for it! And if there is not, that may imply a chance so that you can begin your personal podcast on that matter! 

Podcasts are sometimes obtainable 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 Neighborhood Expertise had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final yr). The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast continues to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.

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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 under). This concept constructed steam over the subsequent 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 the 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 an effective way to study a given matter—and/or be entertained!—in a method that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for probably the most half) and straightforward to seek 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 huge. Podcasts are an effective 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 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 the easiest way 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 through a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.

An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of latest content material equivalent to weblog posts or, in fact, podcasts.

This is how that works. The podcast creator submits their podcast’s RSS feed to a listing, which makes it obtainable 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 recordsdata through an RSS feed. The podcast host mechanically generates the RSS feed in your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, equivalent to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.

You could 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 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 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 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 foul selection.

Fortunately, you may have loads of choices to select from relating 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 common 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 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 payment (variable relying on how a lot content material you publish), whereas others are free.

Final however not least, you could be considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host also can confer with 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.

Kinds of podcasts and podcast examples

As a medium for entertaining and sharing info, 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 visitors to debate a given matter. 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 title suggests, a single host “runs the present.” The time that will 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 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 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 might embrace interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)

Notice that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating parts of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Occasions’ 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 crew to a big firm!

What’s a podcast producer?

With regards to podcasts, a producer is somebody who works behind the scenes to verify 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 visitors, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and enhancing processes, selling the present, and extra.

Easy methods 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, laptop, or pill with an web connection.
• A podcast app

You’ll want an internet-connected system, equivalent to a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this submit, I’m guessing you’ve bought this one coated.

Whether or not you’re looking for 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 few of the hottest ones:

• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube Music (previously Google Podcasts)
• Spotify
• Audible
• SiriusXM (previously Stitcher)
• TuneIn Radio
• Pocket Casts

Every of those apps may be downloaded to your system or accessed through the online.

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 consumer, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and in the event you use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the best possibility.

Every app additionally gives a podcast listing that you would be able to search to seek out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present personalised suggestions based mostly on the exhibits 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 do exactly wonderful.

When you’ve discovered the podcast you need to hearken to in your podcast app, you possibly can both stream it or obtain it to your system to hear later. Your podcast app must also 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 through 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:

Easy methods to begin a podcast

In case you’re excited about 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…).

With a purpose to begin a podcast, you want a couple of key components:

• An thought in your present, in fact!
• A podcasting microphone
• A podcast host to retailer and distribute your RSS feed
• Podcast art work

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

It consists of the lowdown on issues like:

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

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

You may also try our video information to beginning your podcast!

A free guidelines for beginning your podcast

Be sure to do not miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet provides you all of the steps it’s worthwhile 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 authentic moveable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals 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 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 possibly can 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 usually reside.
• Podcasts may be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits sometimes have to be listened to reside. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits obtainable 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 may be extraordinarily area of interest.
• Most radio exhibits have to fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes may 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 associated fee barrier to entry for podcasting is a lot decrease than for radio.

Are podcasts free to hearken to?

Among the finest 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 mostly 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 set of podcasts below 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 house owners and are an awesome possibility to contemplate 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 subjects. 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 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 usually extra work, however it could possibly assist expose your present to a wider viewers via platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What tools do it’s worthwhile to begin a podcast?

As talked about above in “Easy methods to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of apparatus 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 enhancing, equivalent to GarageBand or Audacity
• Sound dampening supplies to cut back room echo

Do podcasters become profitable from their exhibits?

They undoubtedly can, and plenty of of them do!

The most typical method podcasts become profitable is thru promoting or sponsorships. You may also use affiliate marketing online to advertise merchandise in your present and earn a fee when somebody purchases them utilizing your hyperlink.

Our Amp’d Up Podcasting course — obtainable completely to our neighborhood members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits 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 develop into a podcaster your self!

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

Execs and cons of beginning a podcast

The advantages of getting a podcast may be quite a few. A podcast might help you:

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

On the identical time, podcasting will not be for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to begin and keep a podcast. To achieve success, it’s worthwhile 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 bought numerous useful assets in the event you’re able to continue learning about podcasts and what they’ll do that can assist you develop your corporation and join along with your viewers.

In case you’re excited about beginning your personal podcast, our Easy methods to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.

However in the event you’re prepared to begin your podcast in probably the most streamlined method doable, our Energy-Up Podcasting® 2.0 course is for you. It is 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 Cross — membership will get you all our programs and the assist of a vibrant studying neighborhood to information and encourage you in direction of podcasting success.

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

Able to study podcasting the good method?

The All-Entry Cross neighborhood has the programs, assets, assist, and accountability you want.

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