It’s simple…and complicated, like…um…baking bread?
A podcast is an episodic audio series delivered by an RSS feed that can be downloaded so listeners can enjoy episodes on demand.
Got that!? LOL! Let’s unpack it.
What’s an RSS Feed?
An RSS feed is a line of code that acts like a delivery truck. You order the podcast that your want by “following” or “subscribing” to it. Every time there’s a new show the truck delivers it to your phone (or computer or whatever) like magic. You chose to open your delivery and listen at your convenience. Your phone will need a podcast app to receive and play the episodes. Some popular apps are Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PocketCast and Podcast Addict.
If you don’t want the truck to deliver it to your phone then you can always pop into places that will store the episodes for you and listen there. They are called directories. These are places like Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music. Yes Apple Podcasts and Spotify have and app as well as a directory where you can listen.
In case you are wondering RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.
I’ll write more about it in another blog post. You don’t need to understand it to listen to podcasts. But you do if you want to make them.
Podcasts can cover any topic imaginable from comedy to true crime to cooking and beyond. Most podcast episodes range from 20 minutes to an hour long, though there’s a ton of variety out there.
Many podcasts simply involve a host discussing topics of interest, while others feature multiple hosts in a conversation, include interviews with guests, or contain scripted audio dramas. Podcasts can include music, sound effects and production flourishes, or simply capture casual conversations.
Are Podcasts Free?
Most of them are. Some require you pay for a subscription. Some offer a free version with ads and a paid version without ads and perhaps other bonuses. But don’t worry it’s unlikely you will ever accidently be charged for listening to the few shows that require a subscription.
So How Do They Earn Money?
Most of them don’t! Most podcasts are passion projects. Here are some reasons why you might create a show –
- Share your passion or expertise with others. Podcasting is a great creative outlet!
- Build deeper connections and community with your audience. Podcasting lets you communicate more personally.
- Stand out from the crowd. Podcasting can help you distinguish yourself and your brand.
- Make money through sponsorships, affiliate deals and more. A few podcasters even earn a full-time income!
- Grow an audience and expand your influence by delivering value. A well-made podcast can attract very loyal listeners.
- Have fun! Podcasts are a great way to indulge a hobby, interest or creative experiment.
Why Should I Listen?
That’s the million dollar question we podcast producers lose sleep over.
The trouble with TV and public radio is that they are designed to appeal to the widest audience possible so their stuff is generic. Youtube can focus on your specific area of interest but who’s got the time to stare at a screen?
Podcasts can appeal to your specific interests (gluten-free recipes for musical theatre fans born under the sign of Aquarius) and you can listen to them anywhere while doing other stuff.
There are no set rules! Well, actually there is one rule for creators – don’t use other people’s stuff on you show without their permission.
Why Start a Podcast?
There are many great reasons to start podcasting. Here are just a few:
- Share your passion or expertise with others. Podcasting is a great creative outlet!
- Build deeper connections and community with your audience. Podcasting lets you communicate more personally.
- Stand out from the crowd. Podcasting can help you distinguish yourself and your brand.
- Make money through sponsorships, affiliate deals and more. Some podcasters even earn a full-time income!
- Grow an audience and expand your influence by delivering value. A well-made podcast can attract very loyal listeners.
- Have fun! Podcasts are a great way to indulge a hobby, interest or creative experiment.
Where are the audio files stored?
The files are stored on a podcasting host. A host is a company that specialises in making sure your podcast audio gets to your audience in the right format and with additional information like a description of the show and episode art.
There are a few companies that will host your files for free but most charge you for this service.
The host also creates the unique RSS feed for your show and sends it across the internet to deliver it to your listeners.
What are podcast directories
Podcast directories are places folks go to find your podcast. Think of it like a mall for podcasts.
If you want to by sneakers you don’t go to the factory that makes them, you go to the mall. That way you can checkout lots of sneakers at the same time.
Some podcasts host also acts as directories like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. But let’s not get complicated.
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