What is a Podcast?
What is a podcast? Simply put, it’s a digital form of media that is very similar to a radios show, except that it’s online. It can be streamed live, or pre recorded and enjoyed by download or on podcast hosting sites and apps! These include sites like YouTube, Podbean, buzzsprout, and many others. In this blog post we'll take a look at podcasting and the benefits it can bring for those looking to get one started!
What is a Podcast: The History
Podcasting first got it's start in the early 2000s. At first they had to be downloaded to mobile devices but with the rise of online streaming capabilities, podcasts gained the ability to be enjoyed live! They started playing out a lot like radio talk shows and soon the community became massive, and not just in the United States. Podcast hosting has become a world wide activity!
Many different types and styles of podcasts have been produced over the years. Video podcasts, for example, became popular a few years after this form of media got it's start. They took off when internet video streaming become possible and popular! They have more often than not featured their host or hosts sitting at a table or desk discussing popular topics wihin their niche. Another example is live audience podcasting. These are often special event episodes and they feature a live audience, generally in the podcasting studio!
What is a Podcast: The Basics
Podcasts usually consist of a host, or hosts, talking about specific topics related to the niche of the overall project. Much like a radio show, there may be different segments and parts during a session. Video is often included in podcasts but they also exist as sound only. It's common for them to talk about popular news within a niche, and it's also common for them to have guests on. This usually results in an interview or the guests chatting wih the host about topics related to the niche.
The project is created as a series and there's a wide range of purposes that this form of media is created for. It may be educational, teaching about certain subjects, or even for entertaining people who enjoy the niche of the podcast.
The show is usually set up with a mic, or multiple mics for multiple hosts, Typically, a podcast is pre recorded and edited to make a high quality production, but they are at various times and special events recorded live. Changing things up every now and then helps keep the production fresh and current. Today's mic and editing technology has made it considerably easier to produce high quality podcasts!
What is a Podcast: Benefits
Creating a podcast brings many different benefits for many different kinds of creators! This includes:
- Content Creators
- YouTubers
- Businesses
- and many more!
Content Creators and YouTubers
YouTubers, vloggers, streamers, and other types of content creators, often benefit very well from this sort of media! For starters a podcast adds an additional form of content to their career which can expand their audience reach. By getting one started, not only will they be creating more new content, they'll also be putting themselves in front of those who prefer to enjoy this particular form of content. There are over 500 million people worldwide who listen to podcasts, and that number is still growing in 2025! Many people around the world have their lis of podcasts that they listen to on a regular basis. This creates a great oppurtunity advertise all your other content so that you might, for example, draw in new subscribers for your YouTube channel or new viewers for your Twitch stream!
Using a podcast as a side project for your main content will also create a chance for you to reveal future plans and ideas to your viewers and listeners! We always recommend setting aside some time to get one started. That is, regardless of what other forms of conent that you use. This is after all a great way to advertise about your main content!
Business
Businesses also greatly benefit from starting podcasts! Doing so will provide you with an oppurtunity to dig into a new customer base, and also get a chance to connect with potential customers and give them a more in depth look at your products or services. This is a major trust builder for you and you brand! Customers always feel more comfortable buying products that they've been able to learn a lot about! You can also take the time to give them a detailed history about your company. This often times increases trust in your company!
Educators
Teachers of all sorts will also benefit from starting a podcast! College professors for example can gain a large following which will increase their authority on the subject they teach! This can have a major impact on the number of students that sign up for their classes. Having access to something as readily available from their teacher on specific subjects will be a massive benefit to their students as well!
Community Outreach Programs
Community outreach is something that can get a lot of value out of having a podcast! Having a program on the internet like a podcast will bring a lot more attention to the problems being addressed. This can increase the number of people involved and even help increase donations and support for the program!
Hobbyists
People with hobbies that they enjoy and have a lot of knowledge about can use podcasting as a way to generate income while enjoying their hobby! This will draw in other people who love that hobby and can often times be used to create a living off of what they love! This is done through advertising for other companies and products including those related to that specific hobby!
Podcasts bring a high level of value to many different fields and are a great way to attract new listeners, viewers, and customers to your content channels, products, and more!
The Future of Podcasting
Podcasting today, is growing and changing so it's important to pay close attention to these changes and to adapt your own podcast. After all, there isn't any sign of it slowing down!
What is a Podcast: Conclusion
Podcasting is still as popular as ever and is a great option for many different uses! It's a great way to do everything from generating an income, to informing people about your services and products, and even just enjoying a hobby!
If you'd like to learn about how to start a podcast, check out our step by step guide by following this link: How To Start a Podcast - Stock Music Central