New to the world of podcasting? You is perhaps 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 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 like 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 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 standard type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information retailers, and different organizations. Podcasting has develop into large 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 simple to eat in varied settings, similar to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may as well give them your full consideration in the event you like.
Talking of content material, podcast topics 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 most likely a podcast on the market for it! And if there isn’t, which may imply a possibility so that you can start your own podcast on that matter!
Podcasts are usually out there 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 shows like AskPat 2.0 and The Community Experience had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final yr). The Smart Passive Income Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to be taught podcasting the good approach?
The All-Entry Move has the assets you want.
How podcasts began (a quick 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 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 recordsdata 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 approach of distributing audio content material. In 2005, Apple added a podcast subscription function 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 a good 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 seek out, and given their rising reputation, 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 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 just get to talk on to individuals, utilizing your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard by 1000’s and even hundreds of thousands of individuals, however for every listener, it’s simply you and them.
It’s been stated 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 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 similar 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 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 recordsdata by way of an RSS feed. The podcast host routinely generates the RSS feed on your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, similar 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 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 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 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 price.
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 will have loads of choices to select from in relation to podcast hosts. Our beneficial platform is Fusebox, due to its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different standard 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 small print 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 seek advice from the one that is the face and voice of a podcast. (For example, Pat is the host of the SPI Podcast.) Glad we cleared that up. 😉
Varieties of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing info, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed below are among the most typical podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A bunch invitations a number of visitors to debate a given matter. This present format requires analysis and outreach to seek out visitors for every episode. (The Good Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Professional, Recent 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 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 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 might embrace interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)
Observe that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating parts 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 crew to a big firm!
What’s a podcast producer?
In the case of podcasts, a producer is somebody who works behind the scenes to ensure the present is nearly as good as it may be. They usually put on a number of hats, and their duties could embrace discovering visitors, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and enhancing processes, selling the present, and extra.
Find out how to 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, laptop, or pill with an web connection.
- A podcast app
You’ll want an internet-connected gadget, similar to a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this submit, I’m guessing you’ve bought this one lined. 😉
Whether or not you’re trying to find a particular podcast or wish 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 could be downloaded to your gadget or accessed by way of the online.
So which one do you have to select? To be trustworthy, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly in the event you’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 in the event you use an Android cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the best choice.
Every app additionally offers a podcast listing which you could search to seek out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present personalised 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 would possibly discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and arrange numerous podcast subscriptions. However for 99 p.c of listeners, most apps will do exactly positive.
When you’ve discovered the podcast you wish to hearken to in your podcast app, you may both stream it or obtain it to your gadget 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 out there immediately 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
If you happen to’re all for how to start a podcast, you’re in the correct place! At SPI, we now have a ton of assets for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).
With the intention to begin a podcast, you want just a few key elements:
That’s not all, although, and in order for you the complete scoop, take a look at our “How to Start a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It contains the lowdown on issues like:
- Choosing a podcast topic you may decide to
- Writing a compelling podcast description
- Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
- Recording your episodes
- And rather more
The “How to Start 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 too can take a look at our video information to beginning your podcast!
A free guidelines for beginning your podcast
Be sure to don’t miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet offers you all of the steps you might 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 known as podcasts?
The phrase “podcast” is a portmanteau (mixed phrase) of “iPod,” Apple’s authentic transportable music participant, and “broadcast.” Some individuals have additionally recommended “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 a variety of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in a variety of methods. You possibly can consider podcasts as the following “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed below are among the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are often edited, whereas radio is often reside.
- Podcasts could be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio exhibits usually should be listened to reside. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired exhibits out there on-line, however most radio content material should be accessed when it goes reside.
- Most radio content material is geared toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material could be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits must fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes could be any size.
- Radio exhibits usually have increased manufacturing prices, in order that they comprise ads 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 hearken to?
Among the best issues about podcasts is that they’re often 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.
Lately, some podcasters have begun creating extra paid content material for his or her subscribers. These paid podcasts have gotten more and more standard, 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 a fantastic choice 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 spread of subjects. The most important podcast networks embrace iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Community, and Audacy.
What’s a video podcast?
Video podcasts are an more and more standard 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 often extra work, however it might probably assist expose your present to a wider viewers by means of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What tools do you might 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 begin 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 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, similar to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to cut back room echo
Do podcasters generate profits from their exhibits?
They positively can, and lots of of them do!
The commonest approach podcasts generate profits is thru promoting or sponsorships. You too can 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 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 develop into a podcaster your self!
Earlier than you leap, nevertheless, it’s necessary 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 may also help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new individuals
- Develop new revenue streams
- Develop your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to begin and keep a podcast. To achieve success, you might want to produce a high-quality present and publish it frequently.
Extra assets for the aspiring podcaster (or simply the pod-curious)
If the concept of beginning a podcast remains to be thrilling to you, nice! We’ve bought plenty of useful assets in the event you’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they will do that can assist you develop your corporation and join together with your viewers.
If you happen to’re all for beginning your personal podcast, our How to Start a Podcast Guide offers you sensible subsequent steps.
However in the event you’re prepared to begin your podcast in essentially the most streamlined approach doable, 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-Access Pass — membership will get you all our programs and the assist of a vibrant studying group to information and inspire you in the direction of podcasting success.
You too can discover The Smart Passive Income Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the blog.
Able to be taught podcasting the good approach?
The All-Entry Move group has the programs, assets, assist, and accountability you want.
