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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 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 which you can obtain or stream from the web in your smartphone, laptop, or pill and hear 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 well-liked type of media that’s rising shortly. The primary podcasts had been produced by people, however now they’re additionally made by corporations, information retailers, and different organizations. Podcasting has turn out to be 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 eat in varied settings, akin to whereas commuting, cooking, touring, or working.
You’ll be able to consider podcasts as “background” content material, however you can even give them your full consideration for those who like.
Talking of content material, podcast subjects can cowl an enormous vary, from true crime to enterprise methods to parenting tricks to comedy or youngsters’ content material. You probably 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 sometimes 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 reveals like AskPat 2.0 and The Neighborhood Expertise had been launched weekly (till being sunsetted final yr). The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast remains to be launched each week on an ongoing foundation.
Able to study podcasting the good means?
The All-Entry Cross 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 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 means 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 function 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 means that’s handy to them. Podcasts are free (for essentially the most half) and straightforward to seek 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 might 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 mentioned 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 out there to listeners through a Actually Easy Syndication (RSS) feed.
An RSS feed permits content material creators to publish notifications of recent content material akin 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 out there to listeners through 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 through an RSS feed. The podcast host robotically generates the RSS feed on your podcast, after which submits it to podcast directories, akin 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 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 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 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 growing as your present grows.
However for many creators, internet hosting your podcast by yourself web site is far more hassle than it’s value.
You would possibly save a couple of bucks, however in our opinion, the dearth of analytics alone makes internet hosting your podcast in your web site a nasty selection.
Fortunately, you’ve gotten loads of choices to select from on the subject of podcast hosts. Our really useful platform is Fusebox, because of its ease of use and useful options. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]
Different well-liked 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 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 payment (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 may also check with 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. 😉
Forms of podcasts and podcast examples
As a medium for entertaining and sharing info, podcasts can take many various kinds! Listed here are among the commonest podcast codecs, together with examples.
- Interview: A number invitations a number of company to debate a given matter. This present format requires analysis and outreach to seek out company for every episode. (The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast, Armchair Skilled, Recent Air)
- Solo Speaking/Storytelling: Because the title 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 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 sometimes has a narrator, and may embrace interview segments, sound results/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)
Word 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 might be created by nearly anybody, from a person to a small crew to a big firm!
What’s a podcast producer?
With regards to podcasts, a producer is somebody who works behind the scenes to ensure the present is nearly as good as it may be. They sometimes put on a number of hats, and their duties might embrace discovering company, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and modifying processes, selling the present, and extra.
Learn 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 machine, akin to a smartphone, laptop, or pill to entry podcasts. Because you’re already studying this put up, I’m guessing you’ve received this one coated. 😉
Whether or not you’re looking for a particular podcast or need to seek for a brand new one, a podcast app will turn out to be useful. Listed here are among the hottest ones:
Every of those apps might be downloaded to your machine or accessed through the net.
So which one must you select? To be sincere, there’s not a ton of distinction between them, particularly for those who’re simply getting began as a podcast listener.
In the event you’re a Mac/iOS person, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and for those who use an Android cellphone, then the Google Play Music app is the simplest choice.
Every app additionally supplies a podcast listing which you can search to seek out new reveals. Many of those apps may even present customized suggestions primarily based on the reveals 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 manage numerous podcast subscriptions. However for 99 p.c of listeners, most apps will just do effective.
When you’ve discovered the podcast you need to hearken to in your podcast app, you possibly can both stream it or obtain it to your machine to hear 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 instantly on their web site through 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:
Learn how to begin a podcast
In the event you’re thinking about how one can begin a podcast, you’re in the precise place! At SPI, now we have a ton of assets for first-time podcasters (and extra superior podcasters too, however let’s not get forward of ourselves…).
With a purpose to begin a podcast, you want a number of key elements:
That’s not all, although, and if you’d like the total scoop, take a look at our “Learn how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information.
It consists of the lowdown on issues like:
- Selecting a podcast matter you possibly can decide to
- Writing a compelling podcast description
- Selecting a podcast internet hosting service
- Recording your episodes
- And way more
The “Learn how to Begin a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” information makes beginning your podcast simple and doable so that you could construct your viewers—and even begin and scale a enterprise with the assistance of your new present.
It’s also possible to 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 worthwhile 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 urged “transportable on demand” as a “backronym” for the phrase “podcast.”
Podcasts vs. radio: What’s the distinction?
Are podcasts the identical as radio reveals? Whereas podcasts and radio share loads of similarities, since they’re each audio codecs, podcasts are extra versatile in loads of methods. You’ll be able to consider podcasts as the subsequent “evolution” of the radio present.
Listed here are among the key variations between podcasts and radio:
- Podcasts are often edited, whereas radio is often dwell.
- Podcasts might be streamed or downloaded on demand, whereas radio reveals sometimes must be listened to dwell. Radio stations are more and more making their beforehand aired reveals out there on-line, however most radio content material should be accessed when it goes dwell.
- Most radio content material is geared toward a broad viewers, whereas podcast content material might be extraordinarily area of interest.
- Most radio reveals have to fill a particular time block, whereas podcast episodes might be any size.
- Radio reveals sometimes have larger manufacturing prices, so that they include ads to assist offset these prices. Whereas podcast promoting is a rising business, 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 hearken to?
The most effective 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 well-liked, 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 an important choice to contemplate 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 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 well-liked 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 gear do it’s worthwhile to begin a podcast?
As talked about above in “Learn how to Begin a Podcast,” a microphone is crucial piece of apparatus you’ll want to start out your individual present. Nonetheless, there are a number of different items of tech to contemplate:
- 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, akin to GarageBand or Audacity
- Sound dampening supplies to scale back room echo
Do podcasters generate profits from their reveals?
They undoubtedly can, and lots of of them do!
The most typical means podcasts generate profits is thru promoting or sponsorships. It’s also possible to use affiliate marketing online 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 completely to our neighborhood members — is designed to assist podcasters develop and higher monetize their reveals whereas additionally lowering 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 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 might be quite a few. A podcast may help you:
- Develop your model or enterprise
- Meet new individuals
- Develop new earnings streams
- Increase your viewers
On the identical time, podcasting is probably not for everybody. It takes time, vitality, dedication, and assets to start out and keep a podcast. To achieve success, it’s worthwhile to produce a high-quality present and publish it repeatedly.
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 received plenty of useful assets for those who’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.
In the event you’re thinking about beginning your individual podcast, our Learn how to Begin a Podcast Information provides you sensible subsequent steps.
However for those who’re prepared to start out your podcast in essentially the most streamlined means 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’ll be able to take the course as a part of our All-Entry Cross — membership will get you all our programs and the help of a vibrant studying neighborhood to information and encourage you in direction of podcasting success.
It’s also possible to discover The Sensible Passive Revenue Podcast and skim extra about podcasting on the weblog.
Able to study podcasting the good means?
The All-Entry Cross neighborhood has the programs, assets, help, and accountability you want.
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Ray Sylvester
2024-06-06 08:00:00
Source :https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/weblog/what-is-a-podcast-and-how-do-they-work/
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