One of the biggest trends of recent years is undoubtedly the Podcast, which is experiencing increasing growth.
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Most of us have listened to Podcasts that interest us, either because we are inspired by their subject matter or because we like the creator. However, for those who are not familiar with the concept of a Podcast, below we will analyze what it is, what types exist and how we can create our own.
A podcast is a digital audio program that you can download or stream from the Internet to smartphone, computer, or tablet and listen to whenever you want. The word “podcast” comes from the combination of “iPod”, Apple’s original portable music player, and “broadcast”.
The first podcasts were initially produced by individuals, but are now also produced by companies, news agencies and other organizations. Podcasting has become big business, with companies such as Apple, Spotify, iHeartMedia, SiriusXM investing heavily in it.
For the listener, podcasts are a particularly flexible medium. Their audio-only format makes them easy to listen to at various times, such as when commuting, cooking, traveling, or working. You can listen to a podcast in the background while doing other tasks, but you can also give them your full attention if you want.
When it comes to content, podcast topics can cover a huge range, from business strategies to parenting advice and from comedy to children's content. If you're interested in a topic, there's probably a podcast out there for it! And if there isn't, this could be an opportunity for you to start your own podcast on that topic. Podcasts are usually available either in seasons with a set number of episodes or in an ongoing series.
At this point you may be wondering, what is the point or purpose of a podcast?
For the listener, a podcast is a great way to stay informed on a topic in a way that is convenient for them. Most podcasts are free and easy to find, while covering a wider and deeper range of topics.
For the podcaster, the uses and benefits of a podcast can be enormous. Podcasts are a great way to build and serve an audience by entertaining and/or educating their listeners on a given topic. One of the key advantages of a podcast for the podcaster is that they can speak directly to people. A podcast episode may be watched by thousands or even millions of people, but for each listener, there is only the creator and themselves.
Podcasts are made available to listeners via a Really Simple Syndication (RSS). An RSS feed allows content creators to post notifications about new content, such as blog posts or, of course, podcasts.
First, the podcast creator submits their podcast's RSS feed to a directory, which makes it available to listeners through a podcast app or the creator's website. A podcast listener can automatically receive new episodes of a podcast by subscribing to the podcast's RSS feed in the chosen app.
See also: Apple delays the launch of its Podcasts Subscriptions service
But how do you create your podcast RSS feed? This is where the podcast host comes in.
A podcast host is a service that provides a place to store and distribute your podcast audio files via an RSS feed. A podcast host automatically creates the RSS feed for your podcast and then submits it to directories such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify , and others.
Many may wonder if it is necessary to use a podcast host or if they can host their podcast on their own website? The answer is yes, you can technically host your podcast's RSS feed on your own website. And yes, most podcast hosts are paid, with the cost generally increasing as your show grows.
But for most creators, hosting a podcast on their own website is more trouble than it’s worth. You might save a little money, but the lack of analytics makes hosting your podcast on your own website a poor choice. Luckily, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to podcast hosts.
Another question you may have about podcastsis how many types are there. As a medium for entertainment and information sharing, podcasts can take many different forms!
Some of the most common forms are the following:
- Interview
- Solo Talking/Storytelling
- Cohosted
- Round table
- Documentary
It's also important to know that many podcasts are hybrid, incorporating elements of multiple formats. For example, The Community Experience is a condensed podcast that incorporates interviews.
See also: Spotify: You can share podcast episodes with a timestamp
It's easy to watch a podcast, as the only things you need are:
A smartphone, computer or tablet with an internet connection.
A podcast app
You'll need an internet-connected device , such as a smartphone, computer , or tablet, to access podcasts. Whether you're looking for a specific podcast or want to search for a new one, a podcast app will come in handy. Some of the most popular are Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and Stitcher. Each of these apps can be downloaded to your device or used via the web. If you're a Mac/iOS user, then Apple Podcasts is the one for you, while if you're using an Android phone , then the Google Play Music app is the easiest option. Each app also provides a podcast directory that you can search to find new shows. Many of these apps can even provide personalized recommendations based on the shows you listen to on the app.
Now that we've covered the basic concepts of podcasts, it's time to see how you create one.
If you're interested in how to start your own podcast, you're in the right place!
First you need a few basic ingredients:
1stAn idea for your show of course!
2nd A microphone for podcasting
3rdRSS feed
4thPodcast artwork
Start simply by choosing a Podcast topic that you like and will keep your interest undiminished for as long as the episodes last.
Choose a name for your podcast that reflects its content and is catchy enough to grab listeners' attention.
Write a compelling description of your Podcast to grab people's interest so they want to listen to what you have to say.
Decide what format your podcast will take, whether you will be alone or interview other people.
Create music and art for your podcast to make it more enticing for your listeners.
Make sure to publish podcasts frequently and make sure their duration is sufficient to cover your content, without too many unnecessary details that can be tiring. Finally, don't forget to announce each podcast you release, either through your social networks, through relatives and friends, or even by telling groups of people you may not know.
