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 tips on how to 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 can 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 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 fashionable type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has turn out to be 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 varied settings, comparable to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you too can give them your full consideration in case 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 youngsters’ content material. You probably 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 chance so that you can begin your personal podcast on that matter!
Podcasts are usually out there 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 reveals like AskPat 2.0 and The Neighborhood Expertise had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final yr). The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast continues to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to study podcasting the sensible method?
The All-Entry Go has the assets you want.
How podcasts began (a short 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 information in RSS feeds (see beneath). 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 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 matter—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 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 will be monumental. 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 folks, utilizing your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard by 1000’s and even tens of millions 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 out there 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 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 out there 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 information by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host routinely generates the RSS feed on your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, comparable 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 on your podcast episode information, 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 value 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 value.
You may 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 with regards to podcast hosts. Our beneficial platform is Fusebox, because of its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different fashionable internet hosting platforms embody 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 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 discuss with the one who 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 info, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed below are among 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 search out visitors for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Knowledgeable, Contemporary 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 totally 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 interact 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)
Word 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 will be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small group to a big firm!
What’s a podcast producer?
In terms 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 embody discovering visitors, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and enhancing processes, selling the present, and extra.
Methods to 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 system, comparable 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 looking for a selected podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will turn out to be useful. Listed below are among the hottest ones:
Every of those apps will be downloaded to your system or accessed by way of the net.
So which one do you have to select? To be sincere, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly in case 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 case you use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest possibility.
Every app additionally offers a podcast listing which you can search to search out new reveals. Many of those apps may even present customized suggestions primarily based on the reveals you take heed 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 high quality.
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 system to hear later. Your podcast app must also 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 out there straight on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of tips on how to use an embedded net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
Methods to begin a podcast
In case you’re desirous about tips on how to begin a podcast, you’re in the precise 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…).
As a way to begin a podcast, you want just a few key substances:
That’s not all, although, and if you need the total scoop, take a look at our “Methods to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It contains 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 way more
The “Methods to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast straightforward and doable so that you could construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
You may also take a look at our video information to beginning your podcast!
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 want to begin your present.
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 folks have additionally advised “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 quite a lot of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in quite a lot of methods. You possibly can consider podcasts as the subsequent “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed below are among the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are often edited, whereas radio is usually stay.
- Podcasts will be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio reveals usually must be listened to stay. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired reveals out there on-line, however most radio content material should be accessed when it goes stay.
- Most radio content material is geared toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material will be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio reveals must fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes will be any size.
- Radio reveals usually have increased manufacturing prices, in order that they include ads to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising business, 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 take heed to?
Among the finest issues about podcasts is that they’re often 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 fashionable, 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 out there to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast house owners and are a fantastic 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 variety of subjects. 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 fashionable 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 will possibly assist expose your present to a wider viewers by means of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What tools do you want to begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “Methods to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is an important piece of apparatus you’ll want to start out your personal present. Nevertheless, there are just a few different items of tech to think about:
- 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, comparable to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to cut back room echo
Do podcasters make cash from their reveals?
They positively can, and plenty of of them do!
The most typical method podcasts make cash is thru promoting or sponsorships. You may also 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 — out there completely to our group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their reveals whereas additionally lowering 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 turn out to be a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nonetheless, it’s essential 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 may also help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new folks
- Develop new revenue streams
- Develop your viewers
On the similar time, podcasting will not be for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, you want to produce a high-quality present and publish it often.
Extra assets 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 acquired a lot of useful assets in case you’re able to continue learning about podcasts and what they will do that will help you develop what you are promoting and join along with your viewers.
In case you’re desirous about beginning your personal podcast, our Methods to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However in case you’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined method 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 Go — membership will get you all our programs and the help of a vibrant studying group to information and inspire you in the direction of podcasting success.
You may also discover The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to study podcasting the sensible method?
The All-Entry Go group has the programs, assets, help, and accountability you want.
