Simply put: a podcast is an audio programme, just like Talk Radio, but you subscribe to it on your smartphone and listen to it whenever you like.
In a little more detail, a podcast is a series of spoken word, audio episodes, all focused on a particular topic or theme, like cycling or startups. You can subscribe to the show with an app on your phone and listen to episodes whenever you like on your headphones, in the car or through speakers.
Read more of our Listener's Guide to Podcasting
What's an Example of a Popular Podcast?
If you're new to this, it can make it a little easier to see how radio stations are turning their shows into podcasts. But, remember, Podcasts have gone way beyond radio – you'll find out more about that in a minute!
First, though, BBC Radio 4 have run a radio show called ‘More or Less: Behind the Stats’, all about interesting economics and number facts. That show is on at the same time every week, and you have to tune in on your radio to listen. But… to make it easier to listen to, the BBC publish every episode as a part of the ‘More or Less Podcast', too. Each podcast episode is a recording of a ‘More or Less’ radio episode, and they’re all organised into one podcast series.
So, if you’re a fan of the radio show, you can subscribe to the More or Less podcast and episodes are delivered to you each week. That means you can listen to them any time, rather than be stuck to the radio at the same time each week.
Podcasts are Far More than Repurposed Radio
The example above might give you a picture of what a podcast is like, but it isn't a full answer to What is a podcast!
The vast vast majority of shows tend to be completely original content, not just repurposing the radio.
Many escape the shackles of traditional radio formats to explore brilliantly original approaches and completely niche subjects. For example:
No matter what you’re into, you’ll find a show that suits the topics you love and the time you have.
Are Podcasts Audio or Video?
Most Podcasts today are audio only, even though video podcasts do exist. Podcasting has really grown out of a need for background content. That means something that can entertain you, educate you or inspire you in the background of other boring or rote activities.
For example, one of the most common ways people listen is in the car. You can’t watch video there, of course, so audio content is great. In the same way, podcasts are great for listening at the gym, while you’re mowing the lawn, or on your journey to work. Any moment of wasted time can be a moment for audio!
Of course, that means you need something to listen on, so you might need to get yourself a set of headphones to connect to your smartphone. Otherwise, connect up to your car via Bluetooth, or start listening on Echo or another smart speaker!
Need a recommendation for good headphones? Click hereWhat do Podcasts Usually Sound Like?
When you listen to a podcast, you'll discover that many of them are quite familiar. You'll have heard similar types of content over the years, from the radio to a TV talk show. On the other hand, you'll also hear podcasts that are completely new and entirely different to the norm, thanks to the freedom that podcasting allows.
Most podcasts will be themed around one particular topic. The host or hosts will talk about that topic on every episode. Sometimes it's really specific, like triathlon racing or dog training, and other times it's more general, like how to lead a happy life.
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's the deal: Podcast vs Podcast Episode?
The terminology is confusing!
A podcast is a series of episodes, and refers to the programme as a whole. Then, a podcast episode is just one recording from that entire Podcast.It's just like TV, really. A TV show is made up of a whole series of episodes.
So, think of ‘Friends’ as the series and ‘The One where they Got Married’ as the episode. In this case Friends is the equivalent of a Podcast and ‘The One Where They Got Married’ is the Podcast Episode.
What's the Difference Between a Podcast and an Audio File?
If you just want to listen, you don't need to know this bit. Not unless you're thinking about starting your own podcast! But, if you just want to listen, go right to ‘How to Listen to a Podcast.'
The most complicated aspect of answering the question – What is a podcast? – and where many people get confused, is in the difference between a simple audio file and a full-blown podcast.
The most simple explanation is that an audio file and a podcast episode are technically the same. If you've downloaded a Podcast episode from a Podcast site, you've already discovered the fact that you're just downloading an audio file. The difference comes when you add the option to subscribe to that series of audio files.
So, if you use a Podcast hosting service to allow people to subscribe to your series of audio recordings, then you've suddenly turned them from simple audio file...