While many forms of media have barriers to entry, a podcast is simple to create. To get started, podcasters only need basic equipment, like recording software and a microphone. Since podcasts aren't regulated, anyone is free to record and share content.
Typically, podcasters will record and edit digital content and share it with an audience. They can post on YouTube, publish audio files on a podcast hosting service (such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify), or share the podcast episode directly through their website.
Once a podcast is released, it can attract an audience in several ways. Podcast directories allow users to discover and subscribe to new podcasts. Since major search engines display podcast episodes in search results, strong SEO (search engine optimization) can also help a podcast find listeners.
The purpose of podcasts
Not all podcasts have the same goal, but as a general rule, podcasts are a form of entertainment. People might listen to a podcast to learn more about a topic, keep up with current events, or because they want to laugh.
A podcast can also be a powerful marketing tool. Podcasting can be an opportunity to promote your business, broaden your reach, or market to your existing audience. If you're able to build a community around a podcast, it can also be a way to build trust.
There are more than 100 million active podcast listeners in the United States, and they're becoming more popular each year. A podcast has the potential to inform, inspire, or engage its audience.
Ultimately, a podcast is a way to share content. While some enjoy reading articles, others prefer something they can listen to. Podcasting is flexible, and podcasters can use the medium in many ways.
Types of podcasts
Like books, movies, and other forms of entertainment, podcasts cover various topics. While comedy is the most popular podcast genre, different genres, like true crime, news, and business, also have a wide audience.
If you try to define podcasting, you'll quickly realize that podcasts are incredibly varied. Podcasts can differ in length, tone, and format. Some of the most popular styles of podcasting include: