What is a Podcast? All You Need to Know

Over the years, the primary types of content including the likes of videos, images, and infographics have taken the Internet world by storm. While they are still in the trend, there is a huge development and enhancement in the audio landscape, that has given rise to the popularity of podcast.

This audio format features different news and stories related to education, entertainment, and many others. Thus, it is becoming a popular source of media and user engagement. In this blog post, I have covered its different aspects so that you can learn everything about this media type.

A podcast is defined as a digital audio file that is available on the Internet for live listening as well as for downloading on your laptop/PC or mobile devices. Generally, it is available as a series on different platforms. You have to subscribe to the plans to get the latest releases in the series. In this way, you can have your hands on seamless entertainment. 

If we look back to the pages of history, it can be known easily that in the early 2000s, the term podcast arose from iPod and broadcasts. In the beginning, this format did not get much popularity because of less availability of supported devices. Furthermore, people were too interested in video formats and television.

Nevertheless, recently, podcasts have evolved into one of the best formats for content creators. Unlike before, when podcasts are accessible only with the help of radio, many platforms are now available over the Internet that can provide you with direct access to podcasts.

Podcasts have grown exponentially over the years, with millions of episodes available across various genres. This growth is mainly because of the on-demand content and the intimate nature of audio storytelling.

In the under section, I have enlisted the key components of the Podcast. You should understand them so that you can have an idea of the content available in this format alongside the other major things involved in creating a podcast.

• Episodes: This component usually comprises of the individual audio recordings.
• Series: It is a collection of episodes with a common same theme to give you the enjoyment of a playlist.
• Hosts: It is an individual who produces and often voices the podcast.
• RSS Feed: It is a web feed that enables you and other users to get direct access to the latest updates in the online content.

Read More: How Transcript Generators Simplify Podcast Production

Podcasts usually feature a diverse type of content ranging from interviews to informative. Based on the content, there are different general types of podcasts. I have mentioned them below to let you grab the basic idea.

• Interview Podcasts: This type of podcast is usually a conversation between the hosts and guests. The host may invite a celebrity or general public to highlight the aspects of everyday life.
• Solo Podcasts: It is one of the most common types of podcasts. Here, only the host is present who shares his insights on a specific topic. For example, I am a blogger and I can create solo podcasts on blogging tools, affiliate marketing tips, how to start a blog, or many other similar topics.
• Panel Podcasts: Panel podcast involves multiple people or hosts who discuss the same topic. It could be anything from technology or sports to the latest tech gadgets or civil issues.
• Non-fiction Storytelling: As the name indicates, this type of podcast is usually based on real life stories as well as documentaries.
• Fiction Storytelling: Some creators create this type of podcast for audio dramas as well as comedies to entertain their audience.

Previously, I mentioned that podcasts were not so popular because of the difficulty in their accessibility. However, there are too many solutions now available that can provide you with direct access to a large number of podcasts. 

Here are some of the top ways that can help you listen to podcasts while enjoying the comfort of your home.

• Streaming Services: Many online services are available including the likes of Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
• Dedicated Apps: Some developers have launched dedicated podcast apps. Thus, mobile users can easily enjoy this content format. The popular names included in this list are Overcast, Pocket Casts, and Stitcher.
• Websites: Some developers have used the power of their websites to provide their fans with direct access to their podcasts. Twenty Thousand Hertz, Congratulations With Chris D’Elia, and the CTRL SHIFT podcast are the top names in this regard.

Now, that you have found the ways to listen to your favorite podcasts, let’s catch the benefits of podcasts. 

• Accessibility: You can listen to them anywhere, anytime.
• Variety: A wide range of topics and formats are available for exceptional entertainment.
• Educational: Podcasts can also be a source of learning as well as for professional development.
• Entertainment: This content format can be soothing for you especially when you are tired of visual media.

While I am not a dedicated podcast creator, I have researched and enlisted the key steps you should follow when it comes to creating high end podcasts.

• Planning: Decide on the format of the podcast, along with your target audience and frequency.
• Equipment: Invest in a quality microphone and editing software.
• Recording: Choose a quiet space and start recording your episodes.
• Editing: Use software like Audacity or GarageBand to edit your audio. Further, you can utilize the potential of different tools to convert your blog posts into podcasts.
• Publishing: Upload your podcast to a hosting platform and distribute it through an RSS feed.
• Promotion: Use social media, guest appearances, and cross-promotion to grow your audience.

These are the details about what is a podcast and its different aspects. I am also a podcast as they are not only relaxing and soothing but also provide me a break from visual media. While there is no dedicated platform I use for listening, I choose according to my mood and preferences.

Well not everyone can share the same habits as that of me. Therefore, you should make a decision according to your requirements and preferences. Whether you’re a listener seeking new content or a creator looking to share your voice, podcasts provide an accessible platform for all.