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 easy methods to get began as a podcast listener or creator. Plus, I’ve a number of free assets for you on this web page that can assist you get began straight away.
What’s a podcast and the way do they work?
A podcast is a digital audio “present” or program that you would be able to 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 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 an especially widespread type of media that’s rising shortly. The primary podcasts have been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information retailers, and different organizations. Podcasting has turn out to be huge 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 devour in numerous settings, similar to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You possibly can consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may also give them your full consideration when 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 have a subject in thoughts, there’s in all probability a podcast on the market for it! And if there isn’t, that may imply a chance so that you can begin your individual podcast on that matter!
Podcasts are usually obtainable 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 Neighborhood Expertise have been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
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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 recordsdata in RSS feeds (see under). This concept constructed steam over the following 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 study a given matter—and/or be entertained!—in a method that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for probably 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 may 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 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 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 obtainable to listeners through a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.
An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of recent content material similar 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 obtainable to listeners through 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 recordsdata through an RSS feed. The podcast host mechanically generates the RSS feed in your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, similar to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.
You may be pondering, 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 in your podcast episode recordsdata, 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 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 growing 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 nasty alternative.
Fortunately, you’ve gotten loads of choices to select from in relation 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 widespread 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 charge (variable relying on how a lot content material you publish), whereas others are free.
Final however not least, you may be pondering, 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. 😉
Kinds of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing info, podcasts can take many alternative types! Listed here are a number of 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 search out visitors for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast, Armchair Knowledgeable, Recent 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 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 components of a number of codecs. For instance, the New York Occasions’ The Each day is a cohosted podcast that includes interviews.
Who makes podcasts?
Podcasts may be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small workforce 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 pretty much as good as it may be. They usually put on a number of hats, and their duties might embrace 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 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 gadget, similar to a smartphone, pc, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this submit, I’m guessing you’ve obtained 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 here are a number of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps may be downloaded to your gadget or accessed through the online.
So which one do you have to 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 that you would be able to search to search 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 a lot of podcasts, you may discover profit from utilizing an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and set up a lot of podcast subscriptions. However for 99 p.c of listeners, most apps will just do nice.
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 gadget 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 obtainable immediately on their web site through a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of easy methods to use an embedded internet participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
Methods to begin a podcast
For those who’re taken with easy methods to begin a podcast, you’re in the best 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…).
So as to begin a podcast, you want a number of key components:
That’s not all, although, and if you need the total scoop, try our “Methods to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It contains 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 way more
The “Methods to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast simple and doable to be able to construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
It’s also possible to try our video information to beginning your podcast!
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Our free podcasting tutorial
What’s a podcast FAQ
Listed here 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 unique 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 following “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed here are a number of the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are normally edited, whereas radio is usually reside.
- Podcasts may 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 obtainable 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 may be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits have to fill a selected time block, whereas podcast episodes may be any size.
- Radio exhibits usually have larger manufacturing prices, so that they include ads to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embrace adverts as a result of the associated 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.
Lately, some podcasters have begun creating further 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 set of podcasts below the umbrella of a single firm, which produces, distributes, and/or makes these podcasts obtainable to advertisers. Podcast networks can present publicity and income for podcast homeowners and are an ideal 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 subjects. 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 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 may well assist expose your present to a wider viewers by means of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
What tools do it is advisable begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “Methods to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is a very powerful piece of kit you’ll want to begin your individual present. Nonetheless, there are a number of 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 make cash from their exhibits?
They positively can, and lots of of them do!
The commonest method podcasts make cash is thru promoting or sponsorships. It’s also possible to 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 — obtainable solely to our group members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits whereas additionally lowering manufacturing time.
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 is advisable begin your present.
Are you prepared to begin 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, 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 may be quite a few. A podcast may also help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new individuals
- Develop new earnings streams
- Develop your viewers
On the similar time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and assets to begin and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, it is advisable produce a high-quality present and publish it recurrently.
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 obtained numerous useful assets when you’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they’ll do that can assist you develop your enterprise and join along with your viewers.
For those who’re taken with beginning your individual podcast, our Methods to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However when you’re prepared to begin your podcast in probably the most streamlined method 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 possibly can take the course as a part of the SPI Neighborhood — membership will get you all our programs and the help of a vibrant studying group to information and inspire you in direction of podcasting success.
It’s also possible to discover The Sensible Passive Earnings Podcast and browse extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to study podcasting the good method?
The SPI Neighborhood has the assets you want.
