New to the world of podcasting? You could be questioning, properly, 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 how one can 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 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 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 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 in style type of media that’s rising rapidly. The primary podcasts have been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by firms, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has change into 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 straightforward to devour in varied settings, akin to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You may consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you may as well give them your full consideration in case 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 youngsters’ content material. When 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 start your own 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 shows like AskPat 2.0 and The Community Experience have 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 study podcasting the sensible manner?
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 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 subsequent 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 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 function 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 manner that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for probably the most half) and simple 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 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 mentioned that podcasting is one of the simplest 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 by way of a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.
An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of latest 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 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 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 recordsdata 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 could be considering, 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 an alternative of DIYing it. A podcast host can:
- Present storage to 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 possibly can see how your present is rising and which episodes are the most well-liked.
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 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 foul alternative.
Fortunately, you have got loads of choices to select from in terms of 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 in style internet hosting platforms embrace Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, Anchor, and Blubrry.
It’s comparatively straightforward to work with a podcast host. You arrange an account on their web site, the place you possibly can enter the small print 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 could be considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host also can check with the one that is the face and voice of a podcast. (As an illustration, 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 data, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed here are a few of the commonest podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A bunch 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 Skilled, Recent 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 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: Just 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)
Notice 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 comes with 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 usually put on a number of hats, and their duties might embrace discovering friends, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and enhancing processes, selling the present, and extra.
Find out how to take heed to a podcast
How straightforward is it to take heed to a podcast? Fairly darn straightforward! 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 publish, I’m guessing you’ve received 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 here are a few of the hottest ones:
Every of those apps will be downloaded to your system or accessed by way of the online.
So which one must you 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.
In the event you’re a Mac/iOS consumer, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and in case 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 seek out new exhibits. Many of those apps may even present personalised suggestions based mostly 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 set up a lot of 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 possibly can both stream it or obtain it to your system to pay attention later. Your podcast app also needs to 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 accessible immediately on their web site by way of a web-based podcast participant like Fusebox.
Right here’s an instance of how one can use an embedded net participant like Fusebox to play a podcast episode proper on a webpage:
Find out how to begin a podcast
In the event you’re enthusiastic about how to start a podcast, you’re in the fitting 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…).
To be able to begin a podcast, you want just a few key substances:
That’s not all, although, and in order for you the complete scoop, try our “How to Start a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It consists of the lowdown on issues like:
- Choosing a podcast topic you possibly can 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 straightforward and doable to be able 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
Ensure you don’t miss a step! The Podcast Cheat Sheet offers you all of the steps it’s good to begin your present.
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 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 may 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 often reside.
- Podcasts will 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 accessible 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 will be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio exhibits must fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes will be any size.
- Radio exhibits usually have increased manufacturing prices, in order that they comprise commercials to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t embrace 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.
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 in style, 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 awesome choice to contemplate 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 matters. 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 in style 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 good to begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “Find out how to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is a very powerful piece of kit you’ll want to start out your individual present. Nonetheless, there are just a few 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 enhancing, akin to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do podcasters earn money from their exhibits?
They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!
The most typical manner podcasts earn money is thru promoting or sponsorships. You may also 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 neighborhood members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their exhibits 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 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 revenue streams
- Broaden your viewers
On the similar time, podcasting might not be for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and sources to start out and preserve a podcast. To achieve success, it’s good to produce a high-quality present and publish it repeatedly.
Extra sources 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 received numerous useful sources in case you’re able to continue to learn about podcasts and what they will do that will help you develop what you are promoting and join along with your viewers.
In the event you’re enthusiastic about beginning your individual podcast, our How to Start a Podcast Guide offers you sensible subsequent steps.
However in case you’re prepared to start out your podcast in probably the most streamlined manner 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 may 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 neighborhood to information and encourage you in direction of podcasting success.
You may also discover The Smart Passive Income Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the blog.
Able to study podcasting the sensible manner?
The All-Entry Cross neighborhood has the programs, sources, assist, and accountability you want.
