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

New to the world of podcasting? You could 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 methods to get began as a podcast listener or creator. Plus, I’ve a number of free sources for you on this web page that can assist you get began straight away.

What’s a podcast and the way do they work?

A podcast is a digital audio “present” or program you can 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 similar to 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 a particularly common type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by corporations, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has change 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 eat in numerous settings, comparable to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.

You’ll be able to consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may as well give them your full consideration if you happen to 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 in all probability a podcast on the market for it! And if there isn’t, which may imply a chance so that you can begin your personal podcast on that subject! 

Podcasts are sometimes obtainable 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 exhibits 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 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 earth proper now!

What are podcasts used for?

So what’s the purpose or function 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 method 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 could be huge. 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 tens of millions 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 obtainable to listeners through a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.

An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of latest content material comparable 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 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 to your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, comparable 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 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 to your podcast episode recordsdata, 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 possibly can see how your present is rising and which episodes are the preferred.

Sure, you possibly can technically host your podcast’s RSS feed by yourself web site. And sure, most podcast hosts value 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 price. 

You may save a couple of dollars, however in our opinion, the dearth of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a foul selection.

Fortunately, you have got loads of choices to select from relating to podcast hosts. Our really useful platform is Fusebox, because of 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 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 could be pondering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host can even check with the one who is the face and voice of a podcast. (As an illustration, 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 few of the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.

• Interview: A bunch invitations a number of company to debate a given subject. This present format requires analysis and outreach to search out company for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Professional, Contemporary 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 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 subject. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
• Documentary: Just like a TV documentary, this podcast format sometimes has a narrator, and may embody interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)

Notice that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating components of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Occasions’ The Day by day is a cohosted podcast that comes with interviews.

Who makes podcasts?

Podcasts could be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small staff to a big firm!

What’s a podcast producer?

In the case of 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 might embody discovering company, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.

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, pc, or pill with an web connection.
• A podcast app

You’ll want an internet-connected gadget, comparable to a smartphone, pc, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this submit, I’m guessing you’ve received 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 turn out to be useful. Listed here are a few of the hottest ones:

Every of those apps could be downloaded to your gadget or accessed through the net.

So which one do you have to select? To be trustworthy, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly if you happen to’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.

If you happen to’re a Mac/iOS person, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and if you happen to use an Android cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest choice.

Every app additionally supplies a podcast listing you can search to search out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present customized suggestions based mostly on the exhibits you hearken to on the app.

If you end up turning into an avid listener of numerous podcasts, you may discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and set up numerous podcast subscriptions. However for 99 p.c of listeners, most apps will do exactly fantastic.

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 gadget 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 obtainable immediately on their web site through a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.

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

begin a podcast

If you happen to’re serious about methods to begin a podcast, you’re in the suitable 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…).

As a way to begin a podcast, you want just a few key substances:

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

It consists of the lowdown on issues like:

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

The “ Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast simple and doable so as 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 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 unique moveable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some folks 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 loads of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in loads of methods. You’ll be able to 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 dwell.
• Podcasts could be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits sometimes have to be listened to dwell. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits obtainable on-line, however most radio content material have to be accessed when it goes dwell.
• Most radio content material is aimed toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material could be extraordinarily area of interest.
• Most radio exhibits must fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes could be any size.
• Radio exhibits sometimes have larger manufacturing prices, so that they comprise commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising business, many podcasts don’t embody 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 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 obtainable to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast homeowners and are an ideal choice to think about 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 matters. 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 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 assist expose your present to a wider viewers by platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

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

As talked about above in “ Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of kit you’ll want to start out your personal present. Nonetheless, there are just a few different items of tech to think about:

• A desktop microphone stand
• A growth 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, comparable to GarageBand or Audacity
• Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo

Do podcasters earn money from their exhibits?

They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!

The most typical method podcasts earn money 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 — obtainable solely to our neighborhood members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits whereas additionally decreasing 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 it’s worthwhile 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 change into 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 could be quite a few. A podcast can assist you:

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

On the identical time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and sources to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, it’s worthwhile to produce a high-quality present and publish it repeatedly.

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

If the thought of beginning a podcast continues to be thrilling to you, nice! We’ve received plenty of useful sources if you happen to’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they’ll do that can assist you develop what you are promoting and join along with your viewers.

If you happen to’re serious about beginning your personal podcast, our Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.

However if you happen to’re prepared to start out 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 the SPI Group — membership will get you all our programs and the assist of a vibrant studying neighborhood to information and inspire you in the direction of podcasting success.

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

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