
If you don't use an app designed to create podcasts, here's roughly how the process works:
- Plug a microphone into your computer.
- Install an audio recorder for Windows, Mac or Linux ( Audacity is a free, well-known and respected option for all three).
- Create an audio file by making a recording (you can talk, sing or record music) and save it to your computer.
- Finally, upload the audio file to one of the podcasting sites.
What is a podcast and how do they work?
- Free
- On-demand
- Niche
- Talk radio
How difficult is it to start a podcast?
Step #7: Prepare and make a recording
- Preparing a plan. The first thing that you need to do is to figure out a plan for your content. ...
- Creating an episode script. Podcasters often do not agree on the process of writing a script for a podcast. ...
- Recording equipment. To record a high-quality podcast, you require the best podcast recording equipment. ...
- Recording and editing software. ...
- Getting music. ...
How do people make great podcasts?
Part 1 of 3: Creating Interesting Content Download Article
- Listen to podcasts for ideas and inspiration. If you’re interested in making a podcast, you probably already like listening to them.
- Choose a podcast topic that you're passionate about. There’s no magic formula for making a hit podcast that draws in a huge audience.
- Determine which format suits your topic and style. ...
How to go about starting a podcast?
- Choose a topic you’re passionate about and you’ll stick to
- Research your target audience to come up with a plan for your show
- Decide on your podcast title, description, and artwork
- Buy and setup your equipment
- Prepare for recording your first episode
- Record your first episode
- Edit and publish the episode
- Launch and promote your podcast to the world!

How does a person listen to a podcast?
The simplest way to listen to podcasts is on a web browser like Chrome, Safari or Microsoft Edge. You can do this from a computer or from the web browser on your phone. Find a website that has podcasts you like, for example the Guardian.
How do you start listening to podcasts?
The most popular examples are iTunes and Spotify. If you have either app on your computer, then navigate to the podcast section, browse around and hit play. Even better, if you use the Spotify app to listen on your phone, then the subscription carries right over to that platform.
Do you have to download a podcast to listen to it?
You have two options: You can listen to a podcast through a website (this is called streaming). Or, you can download a podcast, which means you're saving it on your phone, or tablet, or computer, and you can listen to it anytime, even without an internet connection.
Are podcasts free or paid?
Music fans who are used to purchasing songs through iTunes may be accustomed to paying a dollar or more per song, but podcasts are almost always completely free. In some cases, while you may be able to receive the newest editions of podcasts for free after you subscribe, the previous editions of shows may cost money.
Do podcasts cost money?
For podcast listeners, podcasts are a way to enjoy great content from around the world for free. For podcast publishers, podcasts are a great way to reach a wide audience. Apple does not directly provide podcast updates or episodes.
How do I download a podcast?
Download PodcastsOn your Android phone or tablet, open Google Podcasts .At the bottom, tap Home .At the top right, tap your Profile picture or initial. Podcast settings.Under “Downloads,” tap Auto downloading.Turn on Auto download new episodes.Under “Your subscriptions,” turn on podcasts you want to auto download.
How do I watch a podcast?
Download the Google Podcasts app. Ask your Google Assistant to play a specific podcast. Search for a podcast in your Google app. or on google.com....Add a podcast by RSS feedOn your Android phone or tablet, open Google Podcasts .At the bottom, tap Activity. Subscriptions.Tap More. ... Enter the feed URL.Tap Subscribe.
How can I listen to podcasts for free?
So, let's look at some of the best places to find and consume podcasts for free.Spotify. Let's start with the obvious—Spotify. ... Google Podcasts. Google Podcasts is among the best podcast-specific services. ... Amazon Music. ... Stitcher. ... PlayerFM. ... Castbox. ... Pocket Casts. ... YouTube.More items...•
How do podcasts make money?
Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. This is when the podcast promotes the sponsor during the show. You probably hear your favorite shows plug their advertisers a few times in every episode. How much you earn from a sponsor depends on the number of downloads your episodes earn.
How do I join a podcast?
How To Subscribe To a Podcast From Your PhoneStep 1: Open the podcast app on your phone. ... Step 2: In the bottom right-hand corner of the app, click the search icon. ... Step 3: Once you are on the show's page, you'll see a button on the right that says "Subscribe."
How do I create a podcast?
Table of ContentsChoose a Podcast Topic You Can Commit To.Pick Your Podcast Name.Write a Compelling Podcast Description.Decide on Your Podcast Format.Get Your Podcast Artwork and Music Created.Purchase Your Podcast Equipment and Test Your Podcasting Software.Choose Your Podcast Hosting Service.More items...
Which podcast app is best?
Here are the best podcast apps:Apple Podcasts. Apple Podcasts provides free access to over 30 million podcast episodes, along with the option to pay for premium shows.Google Podcasts. ... Spotify. ... Audible. ... Stitcher. ... TuneIn Radio.
What is a podcast?
A podcast is an episodic audio program that is generally focused on one topic, such as true crime, motherhood, startups or any other popular topic....
How do I listen to podcasts?
Listening to a podcast is easy. The most common platforms for listening include Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Stitcher. You can also...
Are podcasts free?
Podcasts are typically free to listen to on your phone, computer or tablet. All you need is an internet connection or data and a podcast app to acc...
What is the best equipment to start a podcast?
To start a podcast, you need, at minimum, a microphone, a computer, audio recording and editing software and headphones.
How much does it cost to start a podcast?
Currently, all you need to start a podcast is the cost of the equipment. If you’ve already got a computer, you can get a very basic setup for aroun...
What is a podcast?
Podcasting for Beginners. A podcast is essentially a talk radio series, but on demand. This means that listeners don't need to turn up and tune in live, but can listen any time (and pretty much anywhere) they like. Podcasts tend to be focused on a theme or topic.
What is the most important thing to know about podcasting?
One of the most important concepts when looking at podcasting for beginners is to realise that some of the most successful shows around have pretty average sized audiences. But, those audiences are hyper-engaged. They absolutely LOVE the host, and the content they create.
What is the difference between radio and podcast?
Podcast listeners are able to decide exactly what they'd like to listen to, whereas radio listeners have a lot less control as their options are broader and less targeted. Podcasts have been described as “narrowcasting”, which stands apart from the “BROAD-casting” of traditional media.
How to make podcasts efficient?
For example, if you have little time, but a bit of money to spend on your show, then you outsource the more laborious tasks, such as editing. You can also batch produce your episodes to cut down on set-up and tidy-up times.
What are the most popular podcasts?
There are a core of numerically popular podcasts that you'll always see “featured” on the front page of listening apps. Shows such as: 1 Serial 2 This American Life 3 The Joe Rogan Experience, 4 WTF with Marc Maron 5 Radiolab 6 The Daily 7 99% Invisible 8 Stuff your Should Know 9 How I Built This
Can you listen to podcasts while walking the dog?
So with podcasts, you don't have to worry about the visuals , but there's just as much variety in the types of shows you can listen to.
Is audio only a medium?
Audio-only is in no way limiting to the medium. Nowadays, the majority of podcast listening takes place via smartphones. There are a plethora of different apps you can use to listen with. These apps let you subscribe to your favourite shows too, so new episodes are delivered to your phone automatically.
What is a podcast?
A podcast is an episodic audio program that is generally focused on one topic, such as true crime, motherhood , startups or any other popular topic . The term "podcast" comes from a combination of the words iPod, the personal digital audio player made by Apple, and broadcasting.
Where does the term "podcast" come from?
The term comes from a combination of the words iPod and broadcasting. Unlike internet radio, users don't have to 'tune in' to a particular broadcast. Instead, they download the podcast on demand or subscribe via an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed, which automatically downloads the podcast to their computers.
How to make an audio file?
Create an audio file by making a recording (you can talk, sing or record music) and save it to your computer. Finally, upload the audio file to one of the podcasting sites. After recording your podcast, you will want to share it.
How many people listen to podcasts?
In its 2019 State of the News Media Report the Pew Research Center found that about 50 percent of U.S. adults had listened to podcasts, half of those within a week before they were surveyed. Many podcasts are supported by advertising, or by patrons who gain access to an ad-free podcast fee in return for a donation.
When was podcasting invented?
Podcasting was developed in 2004 by former MTV video jockey Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer. Curry wrote a program called iPodder that enabled him to automatically download internet radio broadcasts to his iPod. Several developers improved upon his idea, and podcasting was officially born.
Do podcasters rely on ratings?
Because podcasters don't rely on ratings as radio broadcasters do, the subject matter of podcasts can range from the refined to the silly to the excruciatingly mundane.
Is podcasting free?
Some say this new technology is democratizing the once corporate-run world of radio. Podcasting is a largely free service that allows internet users to pull audio files (typically MP3s) from a podcasting website to listen to on their computers, smartphones or personal digital audio players.
Publish Your First Episode in Minutes
Podcast.co is the easiest way to create a podcast and share your stories. Import an existing show or create a new one. Click, drag, drop... and you’re done!
How Podcasts Work ( & Why You Should Care)
Unlike other forms of media, podcasts have fewer restrictions and greater freedom in telling stories. There are no rules set in stone for how long a podcast should be, type of content, or even how they're presented. They’re hosted on podcast hosting platforms like Podcast.co .
Demystifying Podcasts
When it comes down to it, podcasts are just audio files. Learning how to upload episodes and manage your content helps demystify how podcasts work.
Podcast.co: Podcast Hosting, Done Right
With Podcast.co, you can fill in most of your podcast's details on your Settings page within your account. But if all of this sounds too much for you, then we're here to help submit and get your podcast on places like Spotify, iTunes, and more!
Try Podcast.co for FREE!
Test drive your podcast's new home. There's no strings attached or payment details required, just pure good old fashioned audio goodness.
How Podcasting Works
Let’s start with working out what a podcast actually is. A podcast is kind of like a radio show only you don’t have to tune in to a specific frequency or make sure you’re listening at a particular time of day to hear it.
How Listeners Download Your Podcast
Having trouble finding those podcasts to listen to? Well, they’re actually pretty easy to find! If you have an iPhone, these usually come with the podcasts app installed already! If you don’t have it, head to the App Store and go download it for free.
Plan Your Podcast
How podcasting works might seem confusing, but not when you take baby steps. First things first, you’ll need a good concept. You can focus your podcast on anything at all, but we recommend making sure you pick something you’re passionate about.
Get Recording
So you’ve got your concept sorted and you’ve got an episode scripted out, so the next thing is recording it all!
Edit Your Audio like a Pro
This is the bit that will probably take up a lot of your time. Editing your podcast and getting it sounding nice is a pretty big job but some people find it quite enjoyable. There are a few different software options that are beginner-friendly, or have plenty of tutorials online to get you started:
Hosting Your Podcast
So after all that editing and making your audio sound amazing, you’re probably wondering where on earth you put it now? Well, you’ll need to find a hosting site. This is a website that you upload your podcast episodes to, for storage almost, and usually, it will create an RSS Feed for you too.
Publish Your First Episode in Minutes
Podcast.co is the easiest way to create a podcast and share your stories. Import an existing show or create a new one. Click, drag, drop... and you’re done!
So, What Is a Podcast?
Podcasts are a series of audio episodes. They can be sequential but it episodes under one show can also be unrelated. Podcasting has many forms, it can be hosted by one main host, by a few hosts, and can include music, conversations, monologues, recorded radio shows or music-oriented themes, and much more.
Can podcasts include video or just audio?
As an upcoming podcaster, you may be wondering whether podcasts are video or audio. Typically, many people think podcasts are only audio, but interestingly, there are video podcasts too.
Wrapping up
Hopefully this post gave you a better understanding of what podcasts are and how they work.
What Is a Podcast?
A podcast is a curated, radio-style program people listen to through their computers, tablets, or the internet. “Internet” is key here, as podcasts are distributed online.
How Podcasts Work
The world of podcasts generally works like this. First, someone records a podcast and edits it. Then, they publish it through a podcasting platform or directly onto their website using a built-in audio player. Once the podcast producer has released their podcast, consumers listen to it through their computers, tablets, or phones.
Why Podcasts Are so Popular
In the 2004 article “Audible Revolution,” Ben Hammersley describes the benefits of podcasting as “something that newspapers can only dream about,” as podcasts have the “intimacy of voice, the interactivity of a weblog, and the convenience and portability of an MP3 download.”
Podcasts Worth Checking Out
According to Listen Notes, over 2.6 million podcasts and 115 million podcast episodes are currently available online. Naturally, there’s a lot of podcasts to choose from — so where should you start?
How to Listen to Podcasts
Listening to podcasts is very similar to listening to music: you open your podcasting service, choose a podcast, and press “play.” Then you can pause your podcast, skip forward or backward, or download your podcast for later.
Summary
If you like curated radio shows, documentaries, or Youtube videos, you’ll love podcasts. Listening to podcasts is a great way to expand your mind, entertain yourself, learn about the world, and gain new skills, all while having fun.
How does podcasting work?
Podcasting works as your own media platform to present your views to your target audience and showcase your skills. This visibility also helps you stand out if you’re promoting a brand or when you make a sales pitch.
Why do podcasts help?
Since podcasts help you deliver content verbally to your audience and in a somewhat informal setting, the information becomes more intimate than reading it from a blog or an email.
Why is podcasting so popular?
Podcasting has quickly become immensely sought-after and a lucrative way to promote your brand and broadcast your content. The good thing is that your audience can consume your content anywhere they want.
What is hybrid podcast?
The hybrid podcast format is basically a mix of all types of podcasts. For example, you can have a single host in your podcast and later decide to invite a co-host or a guest.
When did podcasts become popular?
Back in the 1980s, podcasts were also called audio-blogging. However, it got popular only in the early 2000s after the evolution of broadband internet and the launch of portable audio devices like MP3 players and iPods.
What is repurposing content?
Repurposing content is a great way to assemble your podcast. You can repurpose your blog posts, seminars, workshops, or interviews into podcasts to summarize everything briefly and personally for your audience. They can really enhance the experience of the listeners.
What is a podcast?
In a little more detail, a podcast is a series of spoken word, audio episodes, all focused on a particular topic or theme, like cycling or startups. You can subscribe to the show with an app on your phone and listen to episodes whenever you like on your headphones, in the car or through speakers. Or some shortcuts, if you know what you're looking ...
What is podcasting on a phone?
Simply put: a podcast is an audio programme, just like Talk Radio, but you subscribe to it on your smartphone and listen to it whenever you like. How do they work and how do you listen to them, though?
What is a podcast episode?
A podcast is a series of episodes, and refers to the programme as a whole. Then, a podcast episode is just one recording from that entire Podcast. It's just like TV, really. A TV show is made up of a whole series of episodes. So, think of ‘Friends’ as the series and ‘The One where they Got Married’ as the episode.
What is podcasting background content?
That means something that can entertain you, educate you or inspire you in the background of other boring or rote activities. For example, one of the most common ways people listen is in the car.
Does Spotify keep track of podcasts?
So, when you use Apple Podcasts (an app built into every iPhone), Google Podcasts (built into Android Phones), Spotify, or any other good podcast listening app, it'll keep track of all of your subscriptions via each Podcasts' RSS feed, and it'll automatically download new episodes as they're available.
Is a podcast the same as an audio file?
The most simple explanation is that an audio file and a podcast episode are technically the same . If you've downloaded a Podcast episode from a Podcast site, you've already discovered the fact that you're just downloading an audio file. The difference comes when you add the option to subscribe to that series of audio files.

How Do Podcasts Work Anyway? 🤔
How Podcasts Work
- Unlike other forms of media, podcasts have fewer restrictions and greater freedom in telling stories. There are no rules set in stone for how long a podcast should be, type of content, or even how they're presented. They’re hosted on podcast hosting platforms like Podcast.co. Essentially, they help podcasters store audio files, manage networks, vie...
Demystifying Podcasts
- When it comes down to it, podcasts are just audio files. Learning how to upload episodes and manage your content helps demystify how podcasts work. For example, take RSS feeds. On the surface, huge blocks of code look confusing, but they're just a way to structure your podcast's data. Every RSS feed has this: These bits of code tell directories how to display your podcast. Th…
Podcast.Co: Podcast Hosting, Done Right
- With Podcast.co, you can fill in most of your podcast's details on your Settings page within your account. But if all of this sounds too much for you, then we're here to help submit and get your podcast on places like Spotify, iTunes, and more! Hopefully, that's answered "how do podcasts work?". If you're looking to start your own podcast then you couldn't have picked a better time! A…