New to the world of podcasting? You is perhaps 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 learn 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 you could 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 lovely, 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 shortly. 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 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 devour in varied settings, comparable to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you can even give them your full consideration when you like.
Talking of content material, podcast matters can cowl an enormous vary, from true crime to enterprise methods to parenting tricks to comedy or youngsters’ content material. If in case you 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 possibility so that you can begin your personal podcast on that matter!
Podcasts are sometimes accessible 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 Group Expertise had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to study podcasting the sensible approach?
The All-Entry Go 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 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 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 goal of a podcast? What are they good for? An entire lot!
For the listener, a podcast is a good way to find out about a given matter—and/or be entertained!—in a approach 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 will 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 individuals, 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 accessible 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, 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 by way of 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 information by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host mechanically generates the RSS feed on your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, comparable to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
You is perhaps pondering, Do I’ve to make use of a podcast host? Can I host my podcast on my web site? The quick 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 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.
- Supply built-in analytics, so you may see how your present is rising and which episodes are the preferred.
Sure, you may technically host your podcast’s RSS feed by yourself web site. And sure, most podcast hosts value cash, with these prices usually 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 would possibly save a couple of bucks, however in our opinion, the shortage of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a nasty alternative.
Fortunately, you’ve loads of choices to select from on the subject of podcast hosts. Our advisable platform is Fusebox, due to its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different fashionable internet hosting platforms embrace 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 main points of your podcast, add episodes, and discover choices for monetizing your present. Some platforms cost a month-to-month price (variable relying on how a lot content material you publish), whereas others are free.
Final however not least, you is perhaps pondering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host also can consult 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. 😉
Forms of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed below are among 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 seek out friends for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast, Armchair Professional, Recent 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 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 matter. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
- Documentary: Much 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)
Be aware 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 includes interviews.
Who makes podcasts?
Podcasts will be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small staff 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 nearly as good as it may be. They sometimes put on a number of hats, and their duties might embrace discovering friends, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.
The best 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, pc, or pill with an web connection.
- A podcast app
You’ll want an internet-connected machine, comparable to a smartphone, pc, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this publish, I’m guessing you’ve received this one lined. 😉
Whether or not you’re trying to find a selected podcast or wish to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will come in useful. Listed below are among the hottest ones:
Every of those apps will be downloaded to your machine or accessed by way of the online.
So which one must you select? To be sincere, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly when you’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
For those who’re a Mac/iOS person, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and when you use an Android telephone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest choice.
Every app additionally offers a podcast listing you could search to seek out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present customized suggestions primarily based on the exhibits you take heed 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 arrange a lot of podcast subscriptions. However for 99 p.c of listeners, most apps will just do positive.
When you’ve discovered the podcast you wish 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 straight on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of learn how to use an embedded internet participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
The best way to begin a podcast
For those who’re interested by learn how to begin a podcast, you’re in the proper place! At SPI, we now have a ton of sources for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).
In an effort to begin a podcast, you want just a few key elements:
That’s not all, although, and if you’d like the total scoop, take a look at our “The best way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It contains the lowdown on issues like:
- Choosing 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 best way to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast simple and doable with the intention to construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
You can too 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 it’s essential 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 transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals have additionally steered “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 lots of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in lots 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 normally edited, whereas radio is often stay.
- Podcasts will be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits sometimes must be listened to stay. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits accessible on-line, however most radio content material have to be accessed when it goes stay.
- Most radio content material is aimed toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material will be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits have to fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes will be any size.
- Radio exhibits sometimes have greater manufacturing prices, so 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 fee 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 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.
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 fashionable, though free podcasts are nonetheless much more frequent.
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 accessible to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast homeowners and are a terrific 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 largest podcast networks embrace 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 often extra work, however it will possibly assist expose your present to a wider viewers via platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What gear do it’s essential begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “The best way to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of kit you’ll want to begin your personal present. Nonetheless, there are just a few different items of tech to think about:
- A desktop microphone stand
- A increase 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 generate income from their exhibits?
They undoubtedly can, and plenty of of them do!
The commonest approach podcasts generate income is thru promoting or sponsorships. You can too 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 completely to our group 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! Perhaps 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 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 help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new individuals
- Develop new earnings streams
- Broaden your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting will not be for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and sources to begin and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, it’s essential produce a high-quality present and publish it frequently.
Extra sources 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 received plenty of useful sources when you’re able to continue learning about podcasts and what they’ll do that will help you develop your small business and join together with your viewers.
For those who’re interested by beginning your personal podcast, our The best way to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However when you’re prepared to begin your podcast in probably the most streamlined approach 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 assist of a vibrant studying group to information and encourage you in the direction of podcasting success.
You can too discover The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to study podcasting the sensible approach?
The All-Entry Go group has the programs, sources, assist, and accountability you want.
