A podcast, according to Wikipedia, is an episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that a user can download to a personal device for easy listening. Streaming applications and podcasting services provide a convenient and integrated way to manage a personal consumption queue across many podcast sources and playback devices.
Simply, a podcast is like a radio talk show easy accessible for download to listen at
your convince. It's like turning on the radio to a specific topic or conversation. Kinda cool, right?
When did podcasts become a "thing"?
There's a very well documented history of podcasting organized by Wikipedia. Some of what they talk about includes the following information.
Podcasting previously known as "audio blogging", has its roots dating back to the 1980s. With the advent of broadband internet access and portable digital audio playback devices such as the iPod, podcasting began to catch hold in late 2004. Today there are more than 115,000 English-language podcasts available on the Internet, and dozens of websites available for distribution at little or no cost to the producer or listener. According to one survey in 2017, 42 million Americans above the age of 12 listen to podcasts on at least on a weekly basis.
Are podcasts audio or video?
Yes!
Most podcasts are audio only. However video podcasts do exist and are quite popular. While videos are a massive portion of all entertainment methods, its been reported that most podcasts are listened to while doing mundane activities. Such as laundry, walking the dog, exercising, or in transit. It can be difficult to watch a video while do those activities. Nevertheless, there's definitely an audience for video podcasting. Video podcasts live mainly on YouTube.
What's a podcast vs. a podcast episode?
A "podcast" refers to the show itself. While a "podcast episode" or "episode" within the context of a podcast is talking about a specific segment or recording on a particular show. Some people refer to an episode as "a podcast". For example, "I just heard a great new podcast on the "Joe Rogan Experience". There's nothing wrong with referring to an episode this way but typically when using the term "podcast" we use it in association with the show itself.
How can you listen to a podcast?
Did you know there are currently over 50 differently places to go to listen to podcasts??
Most platforms are made accessible to download as an app on your smartphone or tablet while others are playable from your computer online. This is a big deal as when podcasts were first becoming popular you could really only listen to them if you had iTunes and downloaded them from your computer to your iPod.
Some of the more popular apps and websites for podcasts include:
Cross-Platform Podcast Apps
RadioPublic
Player FM
Pocket Casts
Castbox
Podbean
Stitcher
Laughable
TuneIn Radio
Spotify
iOS (Apple) Podcast Apps
Overcast
Castro 3
ListenApp
Downcast
PodCruncher
iCatcher
Castaway 2
Apple Podcasts
Android Podcast Apps
Google Podcasts
Podcast Republic
Podkicker
Podcast Addict
BeyondPod
Doggcatcher
AntennaPod
How much does it cost to listen to a podcast?
Podcasts are free of charge as a complimentary perk of downloading the respective app. At no cost to the user he/she can listen for nothing. Shows are on the house to stream or download at your convenience. A freebie, or handout if you will.
In other words, podcasts are FREE! ;)
What is a podcast supposed to sound like?
Podcasts revolve around a similar theme, structure, and layout. Most are themed around one particular topic. A topic that is discussed by the host(s). It's pretty amazing how niche podcast topics can get. For example there are shows about "Dog Training" and "Proper Shoe Care". Whereas other shows can be as broad as topics like, "Self-Development" and "News".
Next, each episode of that podcast will talk about something specific within that topic – nutrition tips for taking part in a triathlon, or how to stop your dog fighting with other dogs. Each episode is normally run by one or two regular presenters, talking about that subject, and they'll often get outside guests on to contribute, or to be interviewed.
A lot of podcasts are really simple, just a few friends chatting about something that they're all really passionate about, like movies, knitting or running a business. But some are really polished and super professional, including theme music, sound effects, professional editing and more.
The more professional podcasts are great to listen to, but they take a lot more time and money to produce. The amateur shows, on the other hand, might have a few rough edges, but it means they can get it out, every single week, and grow a loyal following.
Most people listen to a bit of both types. The biggest factor in most podcasts is the host or hosts, and you'll gravitate towards topics and hosts that you like, more than the approach they take.
What are some popular podcasts?
You According to research conducted by Edison, these are today's most popular podcast shows:
The Joe Rogan Experience
The Daily
Crime Junkie
This American Life
My Favorite Murder
Stuff You Should Know
Office Ladies
Pod Save America
Planet Money
Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!
How much does it cost to start a podcast?
This is a very important question as starting a podcast happens to have some hidden costs. We will delve deeper into this subject in later posts. However, LIVE360 created a simple cost breakdown and price comparison between low and high end podcast production.
Generally speaking though, you can expect to pay $200-$500 for a good quality podcast. On the extreme ends, you can start a decent podcast for around $100 and for the best of the best, most professional podcast possible, you can expect to dish out around $5,000.
Keep in mind that you can truly create a podcast with almost any budget. A lot of the time, you already have the equipment you need to start recording, such as a computer, headphones with a microphone, and recording software available on your computer. Of course, equipment you have laying around or a low budget might mean that you have to skip out on some quality. However, you can always work towards a higher quality podcast by slowly adding equipment to your podcast setup to improve the quality. So, don't let the costs of podcasting impact your decision for starting a podcast because podcasting is a process of constant improvement, so you have to start somewhere!
At the Maverick Podcasting Network we try our best to making the process easy and fun! We guide you through the challenges, that are inevitable when starting a podcast and make it our mission to help you saving you time, money, and effort! CLICK HERE for information!
How to listen on your smart-speaker
You couldn't have missed the smart speaker explosion, fueled by some of the biggest companies in the world. Google has the "Google Home", Amazon with their "Echo", Apple has the "HomePod", and more are being announced every month.
Any Bluetooth speaker will allow you to play from your smartphone or tablet, so both the "Google Home" and the "Echo" can play that way. But, the Echo in particular is great in that it ties in with "TuneIn Radio" and with "Spotify".
Its pretty easy actually! Just tell your Echo, “Alexa, play The Tim Ferriss show on TuneIn” or “Alexa, play Podcraft on Spotify” and the Echo will automatically play the latest episode. It's so easy!
Breathtaking statistics about podcasts
More than half of all the United States consumers (over the age of 12) listen to podcasts. (Statista)
Nearly 65% of podcast listeners, listen using a smartphone or tablet. (Edison Research)
3/4 people that listen to podcasts, claim they do so to learn something new. (Edison Research)
32% American listeners listen monthly. (Statista)
90% of people listen to podcasts from the comfort of their own home.
More than half of listeners are somewhat likely to purchase something discussed or advertise during a podcast. (eMarketer)
Podcast advertising revenue has recently surpassed 1 billion dollars.
83% of podcast listeners spend more than 7 hours a week listening to podcasts.
The top 3 places people tune into podcasts, are at home, in transit, and at work.
In 2014 most of podcasts were listened to on a computer. Today smartphones predominantly drive podcast usage by a 157% increase. (Podcast Insights)
Brands that advertise their products and services on business podcasts enjoy an average 14% rise in purchase intent.
Chile, Argentina, Peru and Mexico are surprisingly the fastest-growing countries for podcasting. (Voxnest, Buzzprout)
Podcasts embody10% of all content that millennials listen to. Millennials are particularly keen on podcasts. (Billboard)
Businesses spent $497 million on podcast advertising in 2018. (Interactive Advertising Bureau)
Brands that advertise products and services during business podcasts have 14% lift in purchase intent. (Music Oomph)
I hope this information is helpful! If you'd like to learn more about this topic or if you'd like to request an article on a specific podcast related topic, CLICK HERE!
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All the best and happy podcasting!
Maverick Peters
-Producer at the Maverick Podcasting Network