Podcast
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a digital audio or video file series that users can download or stream to their computer, smartphone, or portable media player. The term "podcast" is a portmanteau of "iPod" (a brand of media player) and "broadcast".
Podcasts cover any topics of the host’s choice, from news and politics to science, history, fiction, and more. Since they can be produced by anyone, from professional broadcasters to hobbyists, the podcasting world is incredibly vast and diverse.
The history of podcasting
The concept of podcasting was first developed in the early 2000s. Dave Slusher, a former software engineer, and Adam Curry, a former MTV video jockey, are often credited with pioneering the medium.
Podcasts gained significant popularity in 2004 with the advent of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds that could include audio files. This technology allowed users to subscribe to a podcast and automatically download new episodes when they became available.
The rise of podcasting
Podcasting has seen exponential growth over the past decade. According to a report by Edison Research, over 100 million Americans listened to at least one podcast each month in 2020, a number that has more than doubled since 2013.
The rise of smartphones and mobile data connection also contributed to this growth, making podcasts instantly accessible to anyone with a phone. The development and release of podcast-specific apps and audio platforms also boosted the popularity of podcasting.
How podcasts work
Podcasts either work in tandem with many streaming platforms’ subscription-based models or rely on individual subscriptions themselves. When you subscribe to a podcast, your chosen platform will automatically download or notify you of new episodes as they become available.
This system lets you listen to podcast episodes at your convenience, whether you're commuting, working out, or just relaxing at home. On most streaming services, it’s usually not necessary to subscribe to a podcast in order to hear the content of their episodes.
Podcasts are also distributed via RSS feeds. These feeds contain metadata about the podcast, such as the title, description, and artwork, as well as links to the audio or video files. When a new episode is published, it is added to the feed, and subscribers' platforms automatically download the file or notify the user. This is often how podcasts end up on popular streaming platforms.
Podcast formats
Podcasts come in a variety of formats, each with its own unique appeal. Some of the most common formats include:
- Interview: The host interviews one or more guests on a specific topic.
- Panel: A group of people discuss a topic, often with differing viewpoints.
- Non-fiction storytelling: The host tells a true story, often with a journalistic approach.
- Fiction storytelling: The podcast tells a fictional story, similar to a radio drama.
- Educational: The podcast aims to educate the listener on a specific topic.
Why podcasts are popular
Podcasts have become a fan favorite for many reasons. For listeners, they offer a convenient and engaging form of entertainment and education. You can listen to a podcast while doing other tasks, making them a versatile way to stay informed and enjoy something new.
For creators, podcasts offer a platform for expressing ideas and sharing knowledge. They require relatively low investment compared to other forms of media, making them accessible to a wide range of creators.
Furthermore, the diversity of podcast topics means there's something for everyone. Whether you're interested in true crime, entrepreneurship, comedy, or mindfulness, there's likely a podcast that covers it.