In an everchanging world filled with constant technological advancements, podcasts have managed to obtain the love and admiration of most. Globally speaking, podcasts are listened to by so many people of all ages. Since the first podcasts in 2004, several improvements and changes have been made, such as listening and obtaining the podcasts themselves. Podcasts have taken the world by storm; it feels like everybody is listening to them. If you haven’t listened to any, you probably know of someone who has! They are so relevant in today’s world simply because of their simpleness. It provides individual entertainment like no other for everybody.
This is an excellent quote on podcasts themselves and how to listen to podcasts! “The medium of podcasting and the personal nature of it, the relationship you build with your listeners and the relationship they have with you- they could be sitting there.
Continuing on the quote above by Marc Maron, it is no surprise people have been feeling so connected, mainly since the pandemic occurred.
If you aren’t quite sure on:
- What a podcast is
- How to listen to them
- Where to find them
Look no further; this article will be filled with important information putting you up to date.
What Is A Podcast?
If you’re new to this form of entertainment, let’s start with the basics. A podcast is an audio recording of a specific topic. However, not all audio files are podcasts. More on this later on. The truth is a podcast has to contain several episodes. If it’s successful, it will start to have a following. These followers are called subscribers and are crucial for the success of the program. Podcasts are recorded quite regularly, whether it’s weekly or even sometimes daily. These followers are notified about every upload.
Continuing, people who make podcasts tend to have specific correlations from episode to episode to episode. A TV show has episodes and seasons. So do podcasts! There are three main different ways to identify the type of podcast you’re listening to:
- The Interview Podcast
- The Solo Podcast
- The Multi-Host Podcast
The names are pretty self-explanatory, but here’s a short description.
Firstly, the interview podcast can be hosted by one or more and typically has a different person interviewing in each episode. Joe Rogan is a great example here. With his podcast, he interviews an extensive range of celebrities of all sorts. He has reached incredible levels of popularity, and his podcast is one of the most heard.
Secondly, the solo podcast is about a person who talks about a specific topic week in and week out. They are remarkable for learning and peacefulness. If you’re looking to learn a particular subject, this could be the best option for you.
Thirdly and lastly, there is the multi-host podcast. This is one of the most entertaining podcast methods to listen to. It concentrates on several people talking and debating different opinions and ideas. Also, they tend to have guests, which is always interesting!
If you aren’t sure which one to try listening to, don’t base your choice on the type of podcast but the content you want to listen to!
As mentioned in the first paragraph of this section, a paragraph is an audio recording. However, to become a podcast, there is much more to know. For your podcast to be up and running, you must have an RSS feed. This is the introduction to podcasting itself. It is like the table of contents to your program online.
So, what does it mean to have a perfect RSS feed? It means that all your subscribers will stay completely up to date with all the content you have to offer. If you decide to associate your work with any platform, they will be informed through your RSS feed.
How To Find Favorite Podcasts To Listen To?
If you’re new to the podcast game, finding the right content might be a little challenging. Not to worry though, this part of the article will make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for. It is important to note that we are living in the golden age of podcasting. Never before has there been so much content. Also, it has never been this popular, with numbers growing exceptionally rapidly. There are so many statistics and surveys to prove what was said above, for example:
According to Podcasthosting.org, “50% of all U.S. homes are podcasting fans, with 55% of the population have listened to at least one episode. About 37% of Americans say they listen to a podcast at least every month, with 24% listening weekly”. If you read this, it’s probably because you’re pretty intrigued with this phenomenon and don’t know where to start.
Firstly, have a topic of interest. Podcasts, in general, may sound a little overwhelming, considering how many there are. Don’t worry, though; there’s something out there for you. Fortunately, you will be able to listen to any podcast directly from your phone! All you have to do is follow the simple instructions that will be mentioned in the section below.
How To Listen To Podcasts in Different Ways?
Let’s commence with the device you’re going to be using; your experience may vary depending on the product you choose to use. Luckily, you can listen to podcasts and almost every technology item from phone to tablet to the computer and even your television! One of the amazing of listening to podcasts is that you have the complete ability to multitask! That is one of the reasons why it has become so popular over the years. One can listen while going to work, cooking dinner, or even while having a shower. The possibilities are endless!
Continuing, once you have chosen your technology of choice, all you need is suitable applications. This can be done through downloading, or maybe even your device already comes with certain apps downloaded.
In this section of the article, I will cover the different ways of listening to podcasts.
Listen To Podcasts Online
First on this list is the ability to listen to podcasts online. Being one of the most popular options back in the day, now it’s not so much. Nonetheless, podcasts online are still worthwhile and can still be appreciated. Much like a ‘radio on the internet, you can go to the website your podcaster of choice provides. This will give you the possibility to listen to the audio files directly from there.
However, if you have a busy routine, other methods might be more convenient. Having said all of this, there is also the chance that the podcast you want isn’t appearing. Don’t worry; there are many methods to find the podcast you’re looking for online. Many platforms are available for download. More on this later.
Truthfully though, if you have a stable internet connection, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Listen To Podcasts On An Apple Product
Apple products are great for podcast listening! If you’re curious about how to listen to a podcast through your device, read carefully.
Firstly, your apple product, fortunately, comes equipped with an app specifically for podcasts. How good is that! This, of course, is relevant to iPhones, iPods, or iPads. If you can’t find the app previously, don’t worry. Look for a purple icon with two white circles surrounding a figure.
If, for whatever reason, it doesn’t appear, you can download it from the Appstore! Once you’ve opened the app, you’ll quickly notice how easy it is to use. You’ll be able to browse, sample, and subscribe to all sorts of podcasts. Once you subscribe, new episodes will download automatically. Indeed, this is a great app to use for people looking to get into podcasts! You won’t be disappointed.
Listen To Podcasts On Mac
MacBook’s, just like Apple products, have a simple method for listening to podcasts. However, with a Mac, it may be a little trickier. Not to worry though, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Firstly, launch the iTunes app. Then, all you have to do is choose podcasts from the drop-down menu. This will automatically take you to the display option. Once you’re here, you’ll see the library, unplayed and store.
Click on the store. This will take you to all the beautiful podcasts available. iTunes is extremely popular, and it is almost guaranteed you’ll find what you’re looking for. If you’re worried about the ‘store’ itself, don’t. Almost every podcast is free to enjoy, so make sure to get the most out of it!
Listen To Podcasts On Android Phone
One of the easiest ways to listen to a podcast on android is through the google podcasts app. To achieve this, you will have to go to google play. Once this is done, download the app as it doesn’t come with your phone or tablet initially. Just like all the previous methods mentioned above, search for what you’re looking for. Then, download and enjoy. The process is much similar to all the rest mentioned above. You will be updated as soon as a new episode is launched, so keep your eyes open! All you have to do is make sure you’re subscribed.
Listen To Podcasts On Windows PC
Microsoft Windows, unlike mac, doesn’t come with a podcast app. Not to worry though, there are many ways to enjoy podcasts if the internet itself isn’t an alternative.
Firstly, you will need the internet to download the apps. Once this is done, you’re free to travel with your computer while maintaining podcasts downloaded. Many programs such as Grover Pro, Audio cloud, and even iTunes for excellent podcast content. If you aren’t sure where to start, google the names of the products mentioned above. They have an easy downloading method. You’ll be listening to the latest podcasts in no time!
An app that is highly recommended for every single one of the technological products mentioned above is Spotify. Spotify is a great app, although it does cost money (not much). Every single one of the podcasts you want to listen to can and will be found here. The great thing about your Spotify account is that it can be used on many devices. The podcasts of choice will be available on the go and even without the internet needed.
Final Thoughts
Podcasts are incredible. If you haven’t already checked them out, make sure you do. They provide you with great information, and there is something out there for everyone! There will be something for you, from crime shows to the interviewing of political debates or even Rockstars.
All you will ever need is a computer, tablet, or phone. Once you’ve chosen, go through the list mentioned above to start indulging. The most fantastic thing about podcasts is that you can make them entirely personal. Each person has their own experience and liking. Nobody will know what you’re into more than yourself, so make sure to have a good look. If you’re looking to get into podcasting, the truth is, it’s also quite simple. Just make sure to follow all the proper RSS feed tips and tricks. Getting started is easier than you think. All you need is a microphone and an imagination!
