Podcasts are like radio talk shows. But in this case, you don’t have to tune in on the go. You can subscribe to your favorite channels, download your episodes and listen at your leisure time.
These digital audio files have improved the way people consume content, offering a rich blend of information and entertainment.
These podcasts come in different formats and genres.
In Nigeria, podcasts are steadily gaining popularity as more people are beginning to embrace digital platforms for education, inspiration or entertainment.
Whether you’re commuting through Lagos traffic (you know how wild that can be), working out at the gym or at home, doing chores or simply relaxing, podcasts offer a hands free ability to learn something or listen to your favorite shows.
Therefore, this ultimate beginner’s guide has been created to help you understand what a podcast is, how it works, it’s types and so many other useful information that can help you either start yours or enjoy your favorite shows. Let’s dive in!
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a digital audio file available on the internet or other listening apps like Apple podcast, or Spotify through the RSS feed.
The RSS feed known as Real simple syndication is a code that contains the link to the audio file and any other relevant informations like episode notes. This is shared through the hosting service to Spotify and other podcast apps so that listeners can access the podcast episodes in real time.
The beauty of a podcast is that you can listen to it anytime, anywhere. Unlike traditional radio shows which are broadcasted live, podcasts are pre-recorded and made available for streaming or download.
These podcasts come in episodes and can cover a wide range of topics—from business and education to entertainment and lifestyle.
For example, podcasts like Tea with Tay or I said what I said (ISWIS) have now gained popularity among Nigerians for their engaging storytelling and relatable conversations.
How did podcasts start—A brief history
It all started in the early 2000. People started looking for ways to share audio content online. In 2004, Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer played an important role in podcasting. Hence, the reason why Adam is known as the podfather.
However, in 2005, Apple introduced podcast. In a press conference, Steve Jobs stated that the word podcast was coined from two words. “iPod” and “Broadcast”.
Since then, the world of podcasting has evolved to become one of the best ways to gain information or relax after a very hard day.
Why did podcasts become so popular
There are a few reasons why podcasts have become so popular in this present day and age. Let’s look at a few of them.
1. Ease of access
Podcasts are available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube—All for free. All you need is a smartphone and internet connection to tune in.
2. Tune in anytime, anywhere
The ability to listen to podcasts at your own convenience made it a go-to for most people seeking for a means of relaxation. Whether you’re driving, cooking or even working out, you can tune in to your favorite channel.
3. Wide variety of topics
There’s a podcast for everyone. If you love business tips, comedy, true crime, motivational talks—you name it, you’ll find something that sparks your interest.
4. Has a personal touch
Podcasts often feel like you’re having intimate conversations with friends. Its friendly and storytelling style makes listeners feel connected to the host. You might even catch yourself laughing along with what they said.
5. Serves as a free entertainment and learning opportunity
Most podcasts are free to listen to. All the ones I’ve listened to on Spotify are free. These are high quality content served to you without any cost. I think that’s simply amazing.
6. Offline listening
Many podcast apps allow you to download episodes for offline listening. This can be useful especially in days you do not have a data subscription. Just like Spotify premium adverts would always say “It’s just you and wherever your listening takes you next”.
What is the difference between a podcast and a podcast episode
Although the terms are used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. A podcast is the whole theme or concept of what you’re creating. While a podcast episode is each episode inside the podcast. Just like watching movies. The whole movie bears a particular name while each series differs in one way or the other.
Types of podcasts
There are so many types of podcasts out there. However, let’s look at some of the most popular types.
1. Educational types
These types are amazing because of how they focus on teaching something new. Think about something you want to learn, I think there’s a podcast for you. For example. When I was learning about email marketing, I used a podcast to gain more knowledge and insight on the topic.
2. Storytelling types
These types are perfect for lovers of drama. From captivating real-life stories to fictional stories, these podcasts will keep your ears glued to their voices.
3. Comedy types
These work best for people looking to ease off and have a good laugh. This can usually be found as a hybrid type of podcast. For e.g: Storytelling podcast can incorporate humor in their content, making listeners have a good laugh.
4. Health and wellness types
These podcasts are usually focused on health, exercises, relationships and general well-being. They inspire listeners to working towards living their best lives.
5. True crime podcast
These podcasts discuss real-life crimes, investigations and mysteries.
6. Religious and spiritual types
These podcasts share and discuss religion, faith and spirituality.
7. Sports podcasts
These types are usually focused on local and international sports. They discuss games, players and even upcoming matches. However, a podcast can discuss just a particular sport type like baseball, basketball or football.
8. News
Used to keep individuals updated on local and international news. Just like the sports type, these podcasts keep listeners informed, often focused on a specific topic.
6 different podcast formats
While podcast types and formats are often used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing.
Podcast types simply means content categorized by genre or subject matter just like the ones we already looked into. While podcast formats describe the structure and style of the show.
Therefore, let’s look into the 6 different podcast formats.
1. Interview formats
This is known as the most popular format for hosting a podcast. Here, a host or hosts interview a guest on each episode. This helps to gain insight from experts or celebrities.
2. Monologue or solo formats
A single host shares stories, advice or insights on a particular topic. This format is usually for educational podcasts.
3. Conversational or Co-host format
Two or more hosts discuss topics, creating a friendly and conversational atmosphere.
4. Hybrid formats
These formats combine elements from different styles to create a unique style.
5. Narrative format
These tell stories, whether fictional or real-life events in an engaging way.
6. Repurposed format
A YouTube vídeo, a blog post or any other content type is repurposed into a podcast.
How to start listening to podcasts
Let’s look at the simple steps you can take to start listening to your favorite shows today.
Choose a podcast platform
Download a free podcast platform like Spotify, Apple podcast and YouTube.
Search for a topic or podcast
Use the search bar to type in the topic you want to listen to or the podcast name. You can also browse through categories and choose what sparks your interest.
Subscribe to your favorite
Once you find a podcast you like, click on the subscribe or follow button. This helps to notify you when new episodes are released.
Download for offline listening
Download your episodes and listen to them later without internet connection.
Conclusion
Podcasts stand out because of their accessibility and variety. You don’t need to set a specific time to listen, as you would with traditional radio or tv shows.
From personal development to entertainments, there’s something for everyone. I hope this friendly beginner’s guide gives you the push you need to explore this medium either as a listener or as creator.
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