What’s a Podcast? How podcasts paintings and learn how to get began

New to the arena of podcasting? You could be questioning, neatly, what is a podcast? And the way do they paintings? On this article I’ll duvet what a podcast is, what they’re used for, and learn how to get began as a podcast listener or writer. Plus, I’ve a number of unfastened assets for you in this web page that can assist you get began immediately.

What’s a podcast and the way do they paintings?

A podcast is a virtual audio “display” or program that you’ll be able to obtain or flow from the information superhighway for your smartphone, pc, or pill and pay attention when it’s handy for you.

A podcast “episode” is a unmarried example of a podcast, just like the episode of a TV display.

Right here’s an instance—an episode of our very personal SPI Podcast, which has been working since 2010:

For gorgeous, easy-to-embed podcast gamers just like the above, glance no additional than Fusebox — the legitimate podcast participant of SPI! [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]

Podcasts are an highly regarded type of media that’s rising temporarily. The primary podcasts had been produced via people, however now they’re additionally made via corporations, information shops, and different organizations. Podcasting has develop into large trade, with corporations like Apple, Spotify, iHeartMedia, SiriusXM closely invested in podcasting.

For the listener, podcasts are a flexible medium! The audio-only structure of podcasts makes them clean to eat in quite a lot of settings, akin to whilst commuting, cooking, touring, or operating.

You’ll be able to call to mind podcasts as “background” content material, however you’ll be able to additionally give them your complete consideration in the event you like.

Talking of content material, podcast subjects can duvet an enormous vary, from true crime to trade methods to parenting tricks to comedy or children’ content material. You probably have a subject matter in thoughts, there’s most probably a podcast in the market for it! And if there isn’t, that would possibly imply a chance so that you can get started your individual podcast on that subject! 

Podcasts are in most cases to be had both in seasons with a suite choice of episodes or in an ongoing sequence. Our podcast Flops got here out with an eight-episode season in 2021, whilst different SPI Media presentations like AskPat 2.0 and The Neighborhood Enjoy had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final 12 months). The Good Passive Source of revenue Podcast continues to be launched each and every week on an ongoing foundation.

How podcasts began (a temporary 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 presented a virtual audio information and leisure provider referred to as MyAudio2Go.com that allowed customers to obtain information, sports activities, leisure, climate, and track in episodic audio structure. The next month, tech entrepreneur Tristan Louis proposed attaching sound and video recordsdata in RSS feeds (see underneath). This concept constructed steam over the following 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 introduced a podcast listing within the iTunes Track Retailer.

Since then, the sky has been the prohibit for podcasting, with someplace between 3 and 5 million podcasts on this planet at this time!

What are podcasts used for?

So what’s the purpose or function of a podcast? What are they just right for? A complete lot!

For the listener, a podcast is an effective way to be informed a couple of given subject—and/or be entertained!—in some way that’s handy to them. Podcasts are unfastened (for probably the most phase) and clean to search out, and given their rising recognition, duvet a much wider and deeper vary of subjects than ever sooner than.

For the podcaster, the makes use of and advantages of a podcast can also be huge. Podcasts are an effective way to construct and serve an target audience via entertaining and/or teaching listeners on a given subject.

One of the most key benefits of a podcast for the podcaster is that you simply get to talk without delay to folks, the use of your voice. Your podcast episode could also be heard via 1000’s and even thousands and thousands of folks, 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 right away 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 to be had to listeners by the use of a Truly Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.

An RSS feed lets in content material creators to put up notifications of latest content material akin to weblog posts or, in fact, podcasts.

Right here’s how that works. The podcast writer submits their podcast’s RSS feed to a listing, which makes it to be had to listeners by the use of a podcast app or the writer’s web page.

A podcast listener can obtain new installments or episodes of a podcast mechanically via subscribing to the podcast’s RSS feed of their selected 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 provider that gives a spot to retailer and distribute your podcast’s audio recordsdata by the use of an RSS feed. The podcast host mechanically 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 page? The fast resolution is sure—however pay attention me out.

There are a number of advantages to the use of a podcast host as a substitute of DIYing it. A podcast host can:

• Supply garage to your podcast episode recordsdata, and make allowance them to be downloaded via listeners.
• Automate the advent and syndication of your RSS feed to podcast directories.
• Be offering integrated analytics, so you’ll be able to see how your display is rising and which episodes are the most well liked.

Sure, you’ll be able to technically host your podcast’s RSS feed by yourself web page. And sure, maximum podcast hosts value cash, with the ones prices usually expanding as your display grows.

However for many creators, internet hosting your podcast by yourself web page is far more bother than it’s price. 

Chances are you’ll save a couple of greenbacks, however in our opinion, the loss of analytics by myself makes internet hosting your podcast for your web page a nasty selection.

Fortunately, you might have quite a few choices to choose between 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 well-liked internet hosting platforms come with Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, Anchor, and Blubrry.

It’s moderately clean to paintings with a podcast host. You put up an account on their web page, the place you’ll be able to input the main points of your podcast, add episodes, and discover choices for monetizing your display. Some platforms rate a per thirty days charge (variable relying on how a lot content material you put up), whilst others are unfastened.

Final however now not least, you could be considering, Isn’t a podcast host additionally an individual? Sure! A podcast host too can check with the one who is the face and voice of a podcast. (For example, Pat is the host of the SPI Podcast.) Happy we cleared that up. 😉

Sorts of podcasts and podcast examples

As a medium for entertaining and sharing data, podcasts can take many various bureaucracy! Listed here are one of the vital maximum commonplace podcast codecs, at the side of examples.

• Interview: A bunch invitations a number of visitors to talk about a given subject. This display structure calls for analysis and outreach to search out visitors for every episode. (The Good Passive Source of revenue Podcast, Armchair Skilled, Contemporary Air)
• Solo Speaking/Storytelling: Because the title suggests, a unmarried host “runs the display.” The time that will be spent on visitor analysis and outreach for an interview display is as a substitute directed towards analysis and preparation of the display’s content material. (Hardcore Historical past, Revolutions)
• Cohosted: A display with two or extra hosts who may give other personalities and views and infrequently funny banter.  (Stuff You Must Know, My Favourite Homicide, Flops, The Neighborhood Enjoy)
• Roundtable: An expanded model of a co-hosted podcast with extra hosts who have interaction in conversations and banter round a given subject. (SmartLess, Pod Save The usa)
• Documentary: Very similar to a TV documentary, this podcast structure in most cases has a narrator, and will come with interview segments, sound results/track, or even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)

Word that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating parts of a couple of codecs. For instance, the New York Instances’ The Day by day is a cohosted podcast that comprises interviews.

Who makes podcasts?

Podcasts can also be created via on the subject of someone, from a person to a small group to a big corporate!

What’s a podcast manufacturer?

On the subject of podcasts, a manufacturer is somebody who works in the back of the scenes to ensure the display is as just right as it may be. They in most cases put on a number of hats, and their tasks would possibly come with discovering visitors, organizing the episode agenda, overseeing the recording and enhancing processes, selling the display, and extra.

How one can pay attention to a podcast

How clean is it to hear a podcast? Lovely darn clean! Right here’s what you’ll want:

• A smartphone, pc, or pill with an information superhighway connection.
• A podcast app

You’ll want an internet-connected instrument, akin to a smartphone, pc, or pill to get admission to podcasts. Because you’re already studying this publish, I’m guessing you’ve were given this one coated. 😉

Whether or not you’re in search of a particular podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will come in useful. Listed here are one of the vital hottest ones:

Each and every of those apps can also be downloaded on your instrument or accessed by the use of the internet.

So which one must you select? To be truthful, there’s now 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 telephone, then the Google Play Track app is the perfect choice.

Each and every app additionally supplies a podcast listing that you’ll be able to seek to search out new presentations. Many of those apps may also supply personalised suggestions in line with the presentations you pay attention to at the app.

When you are changing into an avid listener of numerous podcasts, chances are you’ll in finding get pleasure from the use of an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to clear out and arrange numerous podcast subscriptions. However for 99 % of listeners, maximum apps will do exactly superb.

If you’ve discovered the podcast you wish to have to hear to your podcast app, you’ll be able to both flow it or obtain it on your instrument to pay attention later. Your podcast app must additionally can help you “subscribe” to a display so that you’ll be alerted when new episodes are launched.

Some podcast creators additionally make their podcast episodes to be had without delay on their web page by the use 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:

How one can get started a podcast

If you happen to’re desirous about learn how to get started a podcast, you’re in the best position! At SPI, we’ve a ton of assets for first-time podcasters (and extra complicated podcasters too, however let’s now not get forward of ourselves…).

With the intention to get started a podcast, you want a couple of key substances:

That’s now not all, even though, and if you wish to have the total scoop, take a look at our “How one can Get started a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.

It contains the lowdown on such things as:

• Choosing a podcast subject you’ll be able to decide to
• Writing a compelling podcast description
• Opting for a podcast internet hosting provider
• Recording your episodes
• And a lot more

The “How one can Get started a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast clean and attainable so to construct your target audience—or even get started and scale a trade with the assistance of your new display.

You’ll be able to additionally take a look at our video information to beginning your podcast!

What’s a podcast FAQ

Listed here are some recurrently requested questions on podcasts, and our solutions!

Why are podcasts referred to as podcasts?

The phrase “podcast” is a portmanteau (blended phrase) of “iPod,” Apple’s authentic moveable track participant, and “broadcast.” Some folks have additionally recommended “moveable on call for” as a “backronym” for the phrase “podcast.”

Podcasts vs. radio: What’s the adaptation?

Are podcasts the similar as radio presentations? Whilst podcasts and radio percentage a large number of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra flexible in a large number of techniques. You’ll be able to call to mind podcasts as the following “evolution” of the radio display.

Listed here are one of the vital key variations between podcasts and radio:

• Podcasts are in most cases edited, whilst radio is in most cases reside.
• Podcasts can also be streamed or downloaded on call for, whilst radio presentations in most cases wish to be listened to reside. Radio stations are more and more making their prior to now aired presentations to be had on-line, however maximum radio content material should be accessed when it is going reside.
• Maximum radio content material is aimed toward a vast target audience, whilst podcast content material can also be extraordinarily area of interest.
• Maximum radio presentations wish to fill a particular time block, while podcast episodes can also be any duration.
• Radio presentations in most cases have upper manufacturing prices, in order that they include commercials to lend a hand offset those prices. Whilst podcast promoting is a rising trade, many podcasts don’t come with commercials since the value barrier to access for podcasting is such a lot not up to for radio.

Are podcasts unfastened to hear?

One of the most easiest issues about podcasts is that they’re in most cases unfastened to obtain and pay attention to. Sure, you’ll want a instrument to hear them and an information superhighway connection to obtain them, however the content material itself is usually without cost.

In recent times, some podcasters have begun growing further paid content material for his or her subscribers. Those paid podcasts are turning into more and more well-liked, even though unfastened podcasts are nonetheless much more commonplace.

What’s a podcast community?

A podcast community is a selection of podcasts beneath the umbrella of a unmarried corporate, which produces, distributes, and/or makes the ones podcasts to be had to advertisers. Podcast networks may give publicity and income for podcast homeowners and are an ideal strategy to believe as soon as your podcast has grown a little bit.

Some podcast networks are serious about a unmarried theme, whilst others settle for podcasts throughout a variety of subjects. The largest podcast networks come with iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Community, and Audacy.

What’s a video podcast?

Video podcasts are an more and more well-liked type of podcasting. Because the title suggests, they incorporate video and audio, permitting listeners to look and listen to your content material. Including video on your podcast is in most cases extra paintings, however it will possibly lend a hand disclose your display to a much broader target audience thru platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What apparatus do you want to start out a podcast?

As discussed above in “How one can Get started a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of apparatus you’ll wish to get started your individual display. Alternatively, there are a couple of different items of tech to believe:

• A desktop microphone stand
• A increase arm and surprise mount to scale back undesirable vibrations
• A pop clear out to scale back plosives (harsh sounds from sure syllables) to your recordings
• Tool for recording and enhancing, akin to GarageBand or Audacity
• Sound dampening fabrics to scale back room echo

Do podcasters earn money from their presentations?

They unquestionably can, and lots of of them do!

The commonest manner podcasts earn money is thru promoting or sponsorships. You’ll be able to additionally use internet online affiliate marketing to advertise merchandise for your display and earn a fee when somebody purchases them the use of your hyperlink.

Our Amp’d Up Podcasting direction — to be had completely to our neighborhood participants — is designed to lend a hand podcasters develop and higher monetize their presentations whilst additionally decreasing manufacturing time.

Are you in a position to start out your podcasting adventure?

I’m hoping this primer on podcasts was once useful! Perhaps you’re impressed to head discover a new display to subscribe to, and even develop into a podcaster your self!

Ahead of you bounce, alternatively, it’s vital to weigh the professionals and cons of podcasting.

Execs and cons of beginning a podcast

The advantages of having a podcast can also be a large number of. A podcast permit you to:

• Develop your logo or trade
• Meet new folks
• Expand new source of revenue streams
• Make bigger your target audience

On the identical time, podcasting might not be for everybody. It takes time, power, dedication, and assets to start out and deal with a podcast. To achieve success, you want to provide a fine quality display and put up it frequently.

Extra assets for the aspiring podcaster (or simply the pod-curious)

If the speculation of beginning a podcast continues to be thrilling to you, nice! We’ve were given numerous useful assets in the event you’re in a position to continue to learn about podcasts and what they may be able to do that can assist you develop your online business and attach together with your target audience.

If you happen to’re desirous about beginning your individual podcast, our How one can Get started a Podcast Information will provide you with sensible subsequent steps.

However in the event you’re in a position to start out your podcast in probably the most streamlined manner conceivable, our Energy-Up Podcasting® 2.0 direction is for you. It’s a step by step information to launching a a hit podcast that will get discovered and grows your on-line logo. You’ll be able to take the direction as a part of the SPI Neighborhood — club will get you all our lessons and the beef up of a colourful studying neighborhood to lead and inspire you against podcasting good fortune.

You’ll be able to additionally discover The Good Passive Source of revenue Podcast and browse extra about podcasting at the weblog.

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