podcast.....

DEFINITION,

podcasting

Podcasting is the preparation and distribution of audio files using RSS feeds to the computers or mobile devices of subscribed users.

The history of podcasting

Podcasting has existed since the 1980s. In its earliest form, it was called audio blogging. People would record their pieces and share the audio content over the internet, like auditory blog posts. In 2004, Ben Hammersly first used the term podcast to describe this content. The term was a combination of the words iPod and broadcast.

The growth of podcasts took off in the mid-2000s as broadband and internet use took hold. In 2004, former MTV video jockey Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer wrote iPodder -- now called Juice -- an application that let users download internet radio station programs to their iPods.

Curry has been the host and co-host of several podcasts. He is referred to as the Podfather for his role in popularizing the medium. One of his first podcasts was Daily Source Code, intended for an audience interested in technology.

In 2019, Spotify acquired Gimlet Media and Anchor, two prominent podcast hosting platforms. That was the start of the streaming platform's interest in the format.

That same year, Edison Research issued the "Podcast Consumer Tracking Report," which stated that 90 million people in the U.S. had listened to podcasts in one month. The format has continued to grow in popularity in the corporate and consumer sectors.

Over the years, podcasting has become a valuable way to reach niche markets and gain a digital following. Learn four digital marketing best practices businesses should follow to incorporate new mediums, like podcasts.

Podcast examples

According to Podcast Insights, there are a couple million podcasts on the internet today. Topics can range from broad subject areas, such as art, science, politics and comedy, to specific topics, like true crime.

Some popular podcasts are the following:

• And Introducing. A podcast about music, performers and bands.
• The Daily. News and analysis from The New York Times.
• The Joe Rogan Experience. A podcast that features long-form conversations with Joe Rogan, a mixed martial arts commentator and former TV host.
• Serial. A podcast that follows one in-depth news story over the course of an entire season.
• TED Talks Daily. Speakers expound on a broad range of topics from the popular Ted Talks series.
• This American Life. An NPR podcast that does theme feature stories.

The following are some examples of podcast hosting platforms:

• Buzzsprout
• Podbean
• Podcast Websites
• Simplecast
• Spreaker

A podcast directory is an application that listeners can use to search for, store and listen to podcasts. When listeners subscribe to a podcast, their RSS feed automatically updates their device with new episodes.

Some examples of these directories are the following:

• Apple Podcasts
• Blubrry Podcasting
• Podbean
• Spotify
• Stitcher
• TuneIn

Here are the nine steps to recording a podcast using a Windows computer and a USB microphone:

1. Plug the microphone into the computer's USB port.
2. Install the free Audacity program or another digital audio application. GarageBand is included with Apple iOS and macOS. Windows 10 comes with a pre-installed Voice Recorder app.
3. Open the program, and set the audio input to recognize the audio from the microphone.
4. Test the microphone to ensure the levels are appropriate and responding to audio in the room.
5. Press the record button, and speak to start recording the intro.
6. If necessary, edit the podcast afterward using the digital audio program's built-in tools or an application like Adobe Audition.
7. Export the audio file using the digital audio program's export function.
8. Upload the audio file to an audio sharing platform, such as SoundCloud. You can also use a podcast-specific platform, like Podbean or Spreaker. They help with hosting and podcast promotion.
9. Share the link to the published podcast on social media and elsewhere to attract listeners.

Podcasters may follow a formal script or go more informal and just use show notes; it's entirely up to the podcaster. If podcasters wish to establish a loyal following, they must understand their target audience and demographic and have a clear purpose for creating the podcast.

Types of podcasts:-

Enhanced podcasts:-

An enhanced podcast, also known as a slidecast, is a type of podcast that slideshow presentation. It is similar to a video podcast in that it combines dynamically generated imagery with audio synchronization, but it is different in that it uses presentation software to create the imagery and the sequence of display separately from the time of the original audio podcast recording

Fiction podcast:-

A fiction podcast (also referred to as a "scripted podcast" or "audio drama")is similar to a radio drama, but in podcast form. They deliver a fictional story, usually told over multiple episodes and seasons, using multiple voice actors, dialogue, sound effects, and music to enrich the story.

Technology used,

Software:-

Podcast episodes are widely stored and encoded in the MP3 digital audio format  and then hosted on dedicated or shared webserver space. Syndication of podcasts' episodes across various websites and platforms is based on RSS feeds, an XML formatted file citing information about the episode and the podcast itself.

Hardware:-

The most basic equipment for a podcast is a  computer and a microphone . It is helpful to have a sound-proof  room and headphones. The computer should have a recording or streaming application installed. Typical microphones for podcasting are connected using  USB.If the podcast involves two or more people, each person requires a microphone, and a USB audio interface is needed to mix them together. If the podcast includes video (livestreaming), then a separate webcam  might be needed, and additional lighting.

Advantages of podcast:-

•Easy to create

•Easy to distribute 

•Regulation free

•Long form

•Informative

•Valuable marketing tool

•sounds good for listeners.    

Disadvantages:-

•Accesibility for some audience can be an issue.

•Finding & reaching to ur audience IP &content protection difficult.

•Cost effective

•Hearing problem may arise.

•sometimes leads to some disability.

Conclusion:-

With the increase of easy-to-use programs, and the increase of mobile technology, we are able to create, access, and listen to podcasts wherever we go.  There is a huge selection of podcasts being offered to consumers, with new ones being offered everyday.  No matter what the subject you are interested in, chances are there is a podcast for it.  Still no? Why not create your own!  

Podcasts offer educators and students new ways to share knowledge and communicate about understandings. I hope that this learning object has increased your understanding of podcasting and has allowed you to consider using them in your life.