New to the world of podcasting? You may 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 which 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 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 a particularly widespread type of media that’s rising shortly. The primary podcasts have been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by corporations, information retailers, and different organizations. Podcasting has develop into massive 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, akin to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You’ll be able to consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you can too 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 children’ content material. When you’ve got 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 possibility so that you can begin your personal podcast on that matter!
Podcasts are sometimes 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 have been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast continues to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to be taught podcasting the sensible approach?
The All-Entry Cross has the sources you want.
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 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 subsequent few years, and in 2004 the time period “podcasting” emerged to explain this new approach 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 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 study a given matter—and/or be entertained!—in a approach 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 could 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 just 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 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 recent content material akin 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 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 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, akin 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 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 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 alternative.
Fortunately, you’ve gotten loads of choices to select from relating to podcast hosts. Our really helpful platform is Fusebox, because of its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different widespread 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 may be considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host can even seek advice from 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. 😉
Sorts of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed here are a few of the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A number invitations a number of friends to debate a given matter. This present format requires analysis and outreach to search out friends 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 might 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 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 sometimes has a narrator, and might 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 Each 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 workforce 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 might embody discovering friends, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.
Find out how 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, pc, or pill with an web connection.
- A podcast app
You’ll want an internet-connected system, akin to a smartphone, pc, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this submit, I’m guessing you’ve obtained this one coated. 😉
Whether or not you’re trying to find a selected podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will come in useful. Listed here are a few of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps could be downloaded to your system or accessed by way of the net.
So which one do you have to select? To be trustworthy, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly in case you’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
When you’re a Mac/iOS consumer, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and in case you use an Android cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the best 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 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 set up 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 possibly can both stream it or obtain it to your system to pay attention later. Your podcast app must also permit you to “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 instantly on their web site by way of 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:
Find out how to begin a podcast
When you’re fascinated by find out how to begin a podcast, you’re in the precise place! At SPI, now we have a ton of sources for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).
So as to begin a podcast, you want a couple of key components:
That’s not all, although, and if you’d like the total scoop, try our “Find out how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It consists of 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 “Find out how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast simple and doable so 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 you don’t miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet offers you all of the steps you want to begin your present.
What’s a podcast FAQ
Listed here 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 unique transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some folks have additionally urged “transportable 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 plenty of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in plenty 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 reveals sometimes must be listened to dwell. 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 dwell.
- Most radio content material is geared toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material could be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio reveals have to fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes could be any size.
- Radio reveals sometimes have increased manufacturing prices, in order that they include commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embody adverts 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?
Among the best 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 extra paid content material for his or her subscribers. These paid podcasts have gotten more and more widespread, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more frequent.
What’s a podcast community?
A podcast community is a group of podcasts below 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 homeowners and are an important 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 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 widespread 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 could assist expose your present to a wider viewers via platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What gear do you want to begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “Find out how to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of apparatus you’ll want to start out your personal present. Nevertheless, there are a couple of 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, akin to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do podcasters generate income from their reveals?
They positively can, and plenty of of them do!
The commonest approach podcasts generate income 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 — out there completely to our group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their reveals whereas additionally decreasing manufacturing time.
Are you prepared to start out 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 develop into a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nevertheless, it’s vital to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.
Execs and cons of beginning a podcast
The advantages of getting a podcast could be quite a few. A podcast will help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new folks
- Develop new revenue streams
- Broaden your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and sources to start out and keep a podcast. To achieve success, you want to produce a high-quality present and publish it commonly.
Extra sources 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 obtained plenty of useful sources in case you’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.
When you’re fascinated by beginning your personal podcast, our Find out how to Begin a Podcast Information offers you sensible subsequent steps.
However in case you’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined approach 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 our All-Entry Cross — membership will get you all our programs and the help of a vibrant studying group to information and encourage you in direction of podcasting success.
You may also discover The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to be taught podcasting the sensible approach?
The All-Entry Cross group has the programs, sources, help, and accountability you want.
