You’ve probably heard the term "podcast" before but might not exactly be sure what they are or what purpose they serve. A podcast is essentially an audio file which you can stream or download and listen to on-demand.
Podcasts are often episodic in nature and part of a series that can be thematic, topic-dependent, host-led, conversational, and so on. Think of them as radio shows or pieces of audio content that can be listened to at any time and manipulated in ways regular radio can’t. In other words, you can pause them, fast forward, rewind, choose which episodes to listen to, and when to listen to any particular podcast.
It is a fully contextual and downloadable audio file that anyone can listen to at any time - either via a podcast app, website or smart-speaker. But a podcast is so much more than a file format.Some defined themas an audioblog, a podcast (sometimes abbreviated as pod) is a digital audio broadcast distributed on the Internet. It is often listened to on a computer or downloaded to an MP3 player, such as an iPod.
Podcasting is about storytelling, and knowledge sharing, it’s about curious minds exchanging ideas via the travel of computerised sound waves.
How do I stay up to date with a podcast series
You can subscribe to a podcast show or series which will then automatically update the feed for that particular show. The feed will update every time a new episode has been uploaded and added to that show’s collection of podcasts.
How much does it cost to listen or subscribe to a podcast series
In the vast majority of cases, subscribing and listening to a podcast is absolutely free. In such cases, the podcast is supported financially by advertising revenue and other related promotions, just like any other ad-based online publication.
How to listen to podcasts on an Apple product
If you have an iPhone, iPod, or iPad, your device should already be equipped with the Apple Podcast app. (If you’re looking for it, the icon is purple with two white circles surrounding a figure.) Free to use, the app allows you to browse, sample, and subscribe to podcasts. When you subscribe, new episodes will download automatically. You can listen to an episode by tapping on the episode title.
If, for whatever reason, the app isn’t on your Apple device, you can find it in the App Store and download it for free.
How to listen to podcasts on an Android phone
Many Android devices come pre-installed with the Google Podcast app, which functions much the way the Apple Podcast app does. The Google Podcast app icon features a multi-colored diamond against a white background.
But there are plenty of podcast apps you can use. Popular options include Spotify, SoundCloud, Pocket Casts, and Stitcher. Many of these apps work on both Apple and Android devices, and most of them are free. (Some offer different tiers of service with the most basic one being free.)
There are also podcast platforms devoted to particular genres. Laughable, for instance, features comedic content. If you’re in the mood for something more hair-raising than knee-slapping, these 13 scary podcasts will keep you up at night.
How to listen to podcasts online
Don’t have a smartphone or a tablet? You can still enjoy podcasts because all you really need is an Internet connection.
Many of the apps mentioned earlier also have their own websites where you can download and listen to podcasts for free. But many organizations, including virtually every major news outlet, offer podcasts as well. If there’s a publication or a public figure you like, just visit their websites. More often than not, you’ll find they have podcasts that are right up your alley.