Podcasts have revolutionized the way we learn, share stories, and stay informed , all through the power of audio in our fast-paced digital era. 

But what is a podcast, exactly? If you’re a total novice, or simply a little curious about this emergent audio trend, this guide explains everything you’ll want to know. 

From the birth of podcasts to their rise to success, we’ll unpack the ins and outs of this modern storytelling medium and get you on the path to creating your own podcast.

What Is a Podcast?

A podcast is simply a digital audio program you can listen to when you like. It’s like on-demand radio, but more of the topics you actually want to hear about. Unlike traditional radio that is broadcasted at set times, podcasts are indeed available to listen to whenever you want. 

From true crime narratives to tips on starting a company, comedy to educational podcasts, you can find something to listen to that suits nearly any interest.

How Do Podcasts Work?

The Podcasting creation and distribution process is relatively simple. Podcasts are produced by content creators using microphones and editing software, and additional music, effects, and other production elements to make it a more enjoyable listening experience. 

When an episode is ready, the creators upload those audio files to hosting platforms, which then distribute the episodes to major podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

And these episodes are available to you as a listener on podcast apps on your smartphone, tablet or computer. 

You can listen to episodes via an Internet stream or download them to your device to listen offline. 

Most podcast apps let you subscribe to shows you like, which will automatically alert you when new episodes are available.

You can also listen to and track the ranking of your favorite podcasts on other chat platforms specifically designed for podcasts. For example, you can try PodcastAI Chart, it's very easy to use, and you'll find tons of amazing shows of all genres!

Why Are Podcasts So Popular?

Podcasts have exploded in popularity over the past decade, and for great reason. They provide you with more freedom than ever to how and when you consume content. 

You can listen on your way to work, while you are exercising at the gym, when you are cooking dinner at home or just relaxing in the house. 

Being able to mult-task while enjoying entertaining content makes podcasts quite appealing for busy people.

The staggering variety of podcast subjects is another huge appeal. Whether you enjoy detailed explorations of arcane moments in history, erudite commentary on your favorite sports franchise, frank discussions with luminaries or practical counsel for self-improvement, there’s almost certainly a podcast dedicated to your particular passions.

And perhaps most importantly, podcasts are intimate and connected like few other media. Hearing a host's voice in your ears week after week often creates a feeling of friendship and community, even though the relationship is one-sided. This parasocial connection keeps listeners coming back episode after episode.

Popular Types of Podcasts

The podcast landscape is endlessly varied, but some formats became more popular than others.

News and current events podcasts help listeners stay up to date on what’s going on in the world. Podcasts such as “The Daily” and “Up First” distill the most significant stories of the day into short episodes that are well-suited to morning commutes.

Comedy and entertainment podcasts focus on humor and funny casual talk. Shows including “SmartLess” and “Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce” strip comedians and entertainers to their most relaxed and sincere selves. 

Interview show” has a host who chats with a changing lineup of guests. These programs typically go extreme in-depth into their guests’ knowledge, experience or point of view. Among the most famous shows with interviews we can mention  “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “The Tucker Carlson Show.”

Narrative podcasts tell stories one episode at a time, through reporting (investigative or otherwise) or creative fiction. This is the approach pioneered in the true crime space by “Murder on Songbird Road Podcast” while shows like “Sherlock Holmes Short Stories” have invented entirely imaginary places.

Educational podcasts look to teach listeners about a variety of topics, from the specifics of specific subjects to breaking down complex ideas into more digestible episodes. “The Mel Robbins Podcast’’ is a good example, or “The Let Them Theory”.

But there’s much more to explore: there are even niche podcasts dedicated to non-mainstream topics, such as Philosophy, Physics and Aviation.

Getting Started With Podcasts

Getting started if you’re new to the podcast world is very easy. Go to your podcast app of choice that works with your device. 

Apple Podcasts is pre-loaded on iPhones; Android users might favor Spotify. YouTube also provide podcast capability for all devices and it’s favored for video podcasts.

After you settle on an app, you can explore featured shows, view charts of popular podcasts, or search for specific topics or creators that catch your interest. 

When you come across a show that piques your interest, you can either listen to the newest episode, or going all the way back to the very first episode. That might depend on the type of show too, as some follow a story that needs to be fully listened to.

If there's a podcast you enjoy, subscribing to it means you'll never miss a new episode. Most apps are set to automatically download new episodes of shows you’re subscribed to, so you’ll have a personal library of content built up ready to go. 

As you listen to additional podcasts, the app might also suggest similar shows based on what you like or the shows you visit.

Starting Your Own Podcast

If you've dreamed of having your own podcast, know that it's not that complicated! Starting your own podcast is more accessible than ever, requiring very little equipment and tech know-how to get the ball rolling. 

First and foremost, the equipment you decide to use. Professional podcasters may shell out the big bucks for their setup, but novice podcasters can get started with basic USB microphones that plug directly into a computer and some decent headphones.

In order to record and edit, you’ll also require software to record your voice and polish it into its final product. 

Free programs, like Audacity or GarageBand (for mac users), provide plenty of capability for most novice podcasters. 

These programs enable you to record multiple tracks (people), edit out mistakes, add music and effects and export your finished episode.

Once your episode is ready, you'll need a hosting service to store your audio files and generate an RSS feed that distributes your show to podcast directories. 

Popular hosting platforms include Anchor (which is free), Libsyn, and Buzzsprout. These services usually require a monthly subscription and charge a fee based on the amount of content you upload.

Consistency is crucial for building an audience. Whether you release episodes weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, sticking to a regular schedule helps listeners know when to expect new content. 

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of promotion. Share your podcast on social media, ask friends and family to listen and leave reviews, and consider collaborating with other podcasters to reach new audiences.

Conclusion

Why give podcasts a try? Podcasts deliver a rare mix of convenience, depth and connection unlike any other media. 

They transform periods of otherwise unproductive time, commuting, or cleaning the house, into opportunities for entertainment, education or inspiration. 

They let you explore niche interests with incredible specificity or expand your viewpoint with perspectives you wouldn’t come across otherwise.

Because the barrier to entry was so low for both creators and listeners, its on-demand model allowed an incredibly broad ecosystem of voices and opinions to thrive. 

So while podcasts have made media creation accessible not only to experts, but also to hobbyists and storytellers, they are also an important form of communication to facilitate delivering valuable content to an interested audience.

Whether you're looking to learn something new, be entertained during your daily routine, or feel connected to a community of like-minded individuals, podcasts offer an incredible world of content at your fingertips. With thousands of free shows available across every conceivable topic, there's never been a better time to discover your next favorite podcast.

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For Podcast lovers only!

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Author's note

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Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or agency, PodcastAI saves you time and helps you connect with your audience in a whole new way.