Background
The history of podcasting is brief. In actuality, the term “podcast” first appeared in 2004. Despite being a relatively new technology, podcasts have had a significant influence on listeners all around the world. While podcasts and radio broadcasts are similar, they have certain distinct advantages that draw listeners and content producers. There are many different kinds of podcasts, and no two are similar. Whatever definition you use, it’s obvious that podcasting merits further study.
Understanding Podcasts
The creation and delivery of audio files using RSS feeds to users’ computers is known as podcasting. Users may then listen to these files on their cellphones or digital music and multimedia players like iPods by uploading them to streaming services. A digital audio file may simply be converted into a podcast.
Users can download podcasts to their computers or mobile devices in the form of a collection of previously recorded talk radio programs. Episodes from podcasts are frequently released on a regular basis.
A podcast can be of any style, duration, or format. Although they may cover a variety of topics, each episode often concentrates on a single issue or narrative. While some podcasters use a script, others improvise.
How Does Podcasting Work?
Digital audio files are delivered online as podcasts via a podcast hosting service. These services automate RSS feed production and centrally store all podcast episodes. Some examples of podcast hosting platforms include Buzzsprout, Podbean, Podcast Websites, Simplecast, and Spreaker.
A podcast directory is a tool that allows users to find, download, and listen to podcasts. A subscriber’s RSS feed automatically refreshes their device with new episodes when a new episode of the podcast is released. Some examples of these directories include Apple Podcasts, Blubrry Podcasting, Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.
The process of making a podcast is simple. An MP3 file can be created from a digital audio file and uploaded to a hosting platform or other service provider by a podcaster. The MP3 file’s URL is added as an enclosure within an XML element in an RSS Extensible Markup Language document.
A content aggregator, such as AllTop or Feedly, accepts podcast registrations and adds them to its directories. Although audio files are typically used in podcasts, the same procedure may be used to create and distribute picture, text, and video files.
How to Create a Podcast?
A new podcast may be made in a variety of ways. To record an audio file, the following podcasting tools and components are required:
Podcast Microphone
To record audio, USB microphones are inexpensive and simple to use. A laptop’s or smartphone’s built-in microphone also functions. If creating a podcast with high-quality audio is the aim, professional-grade recording equipment should be taken into account.
Recording Application
To record and preserve audio, many devices come with free audio recording software, like Apple’s Voice Memos app. Free audio recording software called Audacity is compatible with desktop versions of Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and Linux. It’s possible for recording programs to include editing tools and offer the option to export audio files.
Hosting Site
A podcast can be published and then shared through a podcast sharing service like Spreaker, Podbean, or Podcast Websites.
Connect the USB microphone to the computer’s USB port before starting to record a podcast using a Windows PC. Install Audacity or another free digital audio tool on your computer. Apple iOS and macOS both come with GarageBand. An app called Voice Recorder is pre-installed on Windows 10. Start the software, then configure the audio input so that it will accept audio from the microphone. Check the microphone’s levels and responsiveness to the sounds in the room. To begin recording the introduction, press the record button and talk. Use the built-in facilities of the digital audio software or a program like Adobe Audition to edit the podcast later, if necessary. Utilize the export feature of the digital audio software to export the audio file to a website for sharing audio, such SoundCloud. A site made just for podcasts, like Podbean or Spreaker, is another option. They assist with podcast promotion and hosting. To get listeners, post the podcast’s URL on social media and other websites.
Benefits of Podcasting
Easy to create
A computer, a microphone, audio software, and an internet connection are all that are required to create a podcast. There is no requirement for extra skills or tools. Speaking into a smartphone’s voice notes software is one easy way to make a podcast.
Easy to distribute
A free YouTube or SoundCloud account may be used to post podcasts and make them accessible to listeners. A podcast can be hosted by any software or hardware that supports audio files.
Regulation-free
The Federal Communications Commission and other governmental regulations do not apply to podcasts. This enables individuals to openly express themselves on a level that is not possible through more conventional media, such as television and radio. Podcasters may, however, copyright their creations.
Long form
A podcast can be of any length. Some podcasts go more than three hours. Its length is different from other forms of media, which usually concentrate on easily digestible content. The long-form format allows for a more thorough discussion of subjects that are less common in other media.
Informative
There are podcasts available on every subject, including news, humor, science, and specialized subjects. For instance, a complete podcast episode may be devoted to discussing and rating a book.
On demand
On their mobile devices, users may access and listen to podcasts whenever they want. Podcasts are convenient to listen to while working, commuting, exercising, or cleaning.
Valuable Marketing Tool
The best podcasts help product marketers reach their target audiences. They provide followers a dependable touchpoint they may use again and again. Due to the fact that they offer useful information without always attempting to sell things, they are an efficient multichannel marketing strategy. Additionally, they provide excellent prospects for backlinking, which is advantageous for a brand’s SEO. Because guests are regularly featured on them, podcasters can link to their webpages in the show notes. A tech business might utilize a podcast to promote its knowledge by enlightening listeners about more general technology that is linked to its product.
Conclusion
Podcasting has developed into a useful tool for reaching certain audiences and building a digital audience over time. One great thing about podcasts is that you can subscribe to them, which makes it easy to get notified (via your favorite podcast app) when new episodes come out. The appeal of podcasting is how simple and affordable it is to create your own program. And podcasts are becoming more and more popular every day. For recording and broadcasting, you don’t have to rely on radio stations, and you may talk about anything that interests you.