Podcasting 101
Podcasting Basics
What Is a Podcast?
A podcast is a series of audio episodes, all focused on a particular topic or theme. Think of it like a radio show you can listen to whenever you want, wherever you are. You can subscribe to a show and get new episodes automatically downloaded to your phone or computer as soon as they're released.
podcast
noun
An episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that a user can download to a personal device for easy listening.
The magic behind this is a technology called an RSS feed. You don't need to understand the technical details, but this feed is what allows podcast apps to know when a new episode is available. It's the delivery system that brings the audio from the creator to your ears.
A Quick History
Podcasting emerged in the early 2000s, born from the intersection of a few key technologies: affordable audio production software, the rise of broadband internet, and the popularity of portable MP3 players, most notably Apple's iPod.
The term "podcast" itself is a blend of "iPod" and "broadcast." It was coined by journalist Ben Hammersley in 2004. Early on, podcasting was a niche activity for tech enthusiasts. It was a way for anyone with a microphone and an internet connection to create their own radio show and share it with the world, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.
Podcasting was born of a revolutionary spirit, the latest in a long line of technologies developed to democratize communication: blogging, social media, the internet itself.
The medium grew steadily for years, but a few key moments pushed it into the mainstream. The 2014 show Serial, a true-crime documentary, became a cultural phenomenon and introduced millions of new listeners to the world of podcasts. Since then, the industry has exploded with high-quality productions, celebrity hosts, and major media investments, transforming it from a hobbyist's pursuit into a major entertainment and information medium.
Formats and Genres
Podcasts aren't one-size-fits-all. They come in various formats, each offering a different listening experience. The format is the structure of the show, while the genre is the topic it covers.
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Interview | A host (or hosts) interviews a different guest in each episode. |
| Co-hosted | Two or more hosts have a conversation, sharing opinions and banter. |
| Monologue | A single host speaks directly to the audience, sharing expertise or stories. |
| Narrative | A highly produced, scripted show that tells a story over one or more episodes. |
Beyond these basic structures, you can find panel shows, fictional audio dramas, and shows that repurpose content from other sources, like live events or video streams.
Just as there are many formats, there are endless genres. Whatever your interest, there's a good chance a podcast exists for it. Some of the most popular categories include:
- True Crime: Investigating real-life criminal cases.
- Comedy: Featuring comedians in interviews, improv, or roundtable discussions.
- News and Politics: Daily briefings and deep dives into current events.
- Self-Help and Education: Offering advice, lessons, and personal development tips.
- Arts and Culture: Exploring movies, music, books, and more.
- Business and Finance: Covering market trends, startup stories, and economic news.
This variety is the core strength of podcasting. It's a medium that allows for deep exploration of niche topics that might not find a home in traditional broadcasting.
Now that you understand what a podcast is and the different shapes it can take, you can start thinking about what kind of show you might want to create.