What is a podcast? Explained simply and understandably

Almost everyone has heard the word podcast. But not everyone knows exactly what it means. In our article we explain what a podcast is and how it works.

Podcast – What is it? Definition & Meaning

A podcast contains a collection of individual media contributions (episodes), i.e. audio or even video files, which listeners can subscribe to through the RSS feed.

• The term is made up of broadcast and pod from iPod, Apple’s MP3 player. Pod stands for “playable on demand” which can be translated as “playable on demand”.
• A key feature of a podcast is that it is linked to a web feed or RSS feed and can thus be subscribed to by listeners.
• Many public and private broadcasters offer their reports, interviews and programmes as podcasts. But also streaming providers such as Spotify and Deezer, audio book platforms such as the Amazon subsidiary Audible, clubs, fans and dedicated users produce podcasts.
• Podcasts are basically free of charge. They are financed by the operator through advertising or also through your broadcasting fees.
• There are podcasts on almost every topic. For example, there are comedy podcasts, podcasts about marketing, politically oriented podcasts, podcasts about religion, psychology, philosophy or podcasts that are simply for entertainment.
• In addition, podcasting is a hobby that anyone with a good idea can take up and successfully publish.

Subscribe to the podcast: How it works

To subscribe to a podcast, you need a suitable programme, such as a podcatcher or multiplayer. In such an app, you can compile your personal “wish list”, subscribe to podcast channels and have new episodes downloaded automatically. Many podcatchers also offer cross-service podcast search functions. For example, you can also use the iTunes search directly with the Podcast Addict app.

• • • Other well-known podcatchers are iTunes, gPodder and Winamp.
  • • Podcasts can be found on sites such as YouTube, Podcast.de or Podster.de. A podcast directory is integrated into iTunes.
  • • On the websites of the podcast providers, you can copy the RSS address of the podcast you want and call it up in a podcatcher.
  • • Lastly, podcasters publish their productions on music streaming portals such as Spotify or Deezer and sometimes create exclusive content for the providers.