What is a Podcast?
What Is a Podcast?
In its basic form, “podcast” is commonly used to refer to a digital audio or video file provided via download via the internet. Listed below are the most common questions beginners have about podcasts:
1. Who is able to podcast? The field of podcasters is as wide and diverse as the world of bloggers. You will find popular podcasts on everything from technology to sports – to gambling – to weight reduction. Just like with a blog, you can begin a podcast on almost any topic and publish it, if you possess the desire to do so.
2. Just how do people create podcasts? You can develop a podcast with very simple audio or video recording devices or recording software. Some podcasters record with Skype. Other podcasters just utilize the telephone. The media file (commonly a mp3) is then uploaded to the Internet for download and is made available for listeners.
3. Do I have to pay to create a podcast? Again, just like with blogging, you can find free and paid options for creating and hosting your podcast online. There is no need to pay to create a podcast or have it listed in the most important directories, such as iTunes, but you might want to pay for software, recording devices, and/or online hosting.
4. Will my audience need an iPod to listen to my podcast? As opposed to popular belief, you do not need to have an iPod to listen to a podcast. Your audience can listen directly on their computer using an interface like iTunes, or download the file to an MP3 player and listen on the run. They can even burn podcasts to a CD or DVD if they prefer
- and many do.
5. Do audience members pay to download podcasts? Most podcasts are free, but you do have the option to create a pay-to-play podcast. Obviously, your podcasting goals will help you determine whether or not you impose a fee to listeners, and just how much you ask them to pay.
6. Can people subscribe to my podcast? Listeners can sign up for your podcast via an RSS feed, allowing them to obtain the latest episodes of your podcast directly to their computer. This means your podcast gets pushed automatically to your dedicated listeners.
7. How frequently do i release new episodes? Podcasts could be daily, weekly, monthly, or some other interval. Probably the most successful podcasts are released on a regular schedule. Some podcasters generate a certain number of podcasts in a series – say, a series of 10 or 12. Others podcast in perpetuity, for as long as they choose to keep publishing new episodes.
8. Can i earn money podcasting? Just like with blogging, most podcasters don’t generate income, but it is possible to do so. There are various and many different ways to make money podcasting, from charging for your podcast to enlisting advertisers and sponsors.
Also, podcasting can help you to drive traffic to your products, services and web sites – which is where most podcasters realize a profit. Now that we’ve covered the basics of what podcasting is, we will now move on to the next topic: Why podcasting is good for your business.