New to the world of podcasting? You could be 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 find out 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 that 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 similar to 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 fashionable 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 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 simple to devour in numerous settings, reminiscent of whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You may consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you can even 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. You probably have a subject in thoughts, there’s most likely a podcast on the market for it! And if there isn’t, that may imply a possibility so that you can begin your personal podcast on that matter!
Podcasts are usually accessible 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 yr). The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to be taught podcasting the good manner?
The All-Entry Move has the assets you want.
How podcasts began (a short 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 known 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 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 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? A complete 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 probably the most half) and straightforward 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 may 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 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 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 through a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.
An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of latest content material reminiscent of 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 through 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 through an RSS feed. The podcast host routinely generates the RSS feed to your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, reminiscent of 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 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.
- Provide built-in analytics, so you may see how your present is rising and which episodes are the most well-liked.
Sure, you may 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 hassle 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 foul selection.
Fortunately, you’ve got loads of choices to select from on the subject of 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 simple 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 could be 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. (As an example, Pat is the host of the SPI Podcast.) Glad we cleared that up. 😉
Sorts of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing info, podcasts can take many alternative varieties! Listed below are a few of the most typical 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 Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast, Armchair Knowledgeable, Contemporary Air)
- Solo Speaking/Storytelling: Because the identify 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 totally 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: 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)
Notice that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating components of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Instances’ The Every day is a cohosted podcast that comes with interviews.
Who makes podcasts?
Podcasts may be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small staff to a big firm!
What’s a podcast producer?
In terms of podcasts, a producer is somebody who works behind the scenes to verify the present is nearly as good as it may be. They usually 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.
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, reminiscent of 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 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 few of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps may be downloaded to your machine or accessed through the net.
So which one must you 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.
For those who’re a Mac/iOS person, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and if you happen to use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest possibility.
Every app additionally offers a podcast listing that you could search to seek out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present personalised suggestions primarily based on the exhibits 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 p.c of listeners, most apps will do exactly positive.
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 machine to pay attention later. Your podcast app also needs to 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 instantly on their web site through a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of find out how to use an embedded net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
The way to begin a podcast
For those who’re all in favour of find out how to begin a podcast, you’re in the precise 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…).
As a way to begin a podcast, you want a couple of key components:
That’s not all, although, and if you would like the complete scoop, try our “The way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It consists of the lowdown on issues like:
- Selecting a podcast matter you may 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 so that you could construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
You too can try our video information to beginning your podcast!
A free guidelines for beginning your podcast
Ensure you don’t miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet provides you all of the steps it is advisable to begin your present.
What’s a podcast FAQ
Listed below are some generally requested questions on podcasts, and our solutions!
Why are podcasts known as podcasts?
The phrase “podcast” is a portmanteau (mixed phrase) of “iPod,” Apple’s authentic transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some folks have additionally prompt “transportable 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 plenty of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in plenty of methods. You may consider podcasts as the following “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed below are a few of the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are often edited, whereas radio is usually stay.
- Podcasts may be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits usually must be listened to stay. 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 stay.
- 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 usually have greater manufacturing prices, in order that they include ads to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embody 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?
The most effective 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.
In recent times, 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 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 incredible 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 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 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 way of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What tools do it is advisable to begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “The way to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of kit you’ll want to begin your personal present. Nevertheless, there are a couple of different items of tech to contemplate:
- 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, reminiscent of GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do podcasters earn a living from their exhibits?
They undoubtedly can, and plenty of of them do!
The commonest manner podcasts earn a living is thru promoting or sponsorships. You too can 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 lowering manufacturing time.
Are you prepared to begin your podcasting journey?
I hope this primer on podcasts was useful! Perhaps you’re impressed to go discover a new present to subscribe to, and even turn into a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nonetheless, it’s necessary to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.
Professionals and cons of beginning a podcast
The advantages of getting a podcast may be quite a few. A podcast may help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new folks
- Develop new earnings streams
- Develop your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting will not be for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and assets to begin and keep a podcast. To achieve success, it is advisable to produce a high-quality present and publish it recurrently.
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 acquired a lot of useful assets if you happen to’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they’ll do that will help you develop your online business and join together with your viewers.
For those who’re all in favour of beginning your personal podcast, our The way to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However if you happen to’re prepared to begin your podcast in probably the most streamlined manner 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 may take the course as a part of our All-Entry Move — membership will get you all our programs and the assist of a vibrant studying group to information and encourage you in direction of podcasting success.
You too can discover The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to be taught podcasting the good manner?
The All-Entry Move group has the programs, assets, assist, and accountability you want.
