Pondering over Podcasts?

What is a Podcast?

A single digital (audio/ video) file or series of digital files that can be distributed over the web, which in turn can be played by users on their computers or media players, is known as a podcast. The process of undertaking this is called podcasting and the host of a podcast is known as a podcaster. The first podcasts were developed for Apple iPod – a world renowned portable media player.

What a Podcast does?

Simply speaking, what a podcast does is to broadcast content over portable media players. The good thing about podcasts is that they can be syndicated (and thus distributed) via Atom and RSS feeds, subscribed to by users and when the content is upgraded, it can actually be downloaded automatically! Moreover, you have the freedom to listen/ watch a podcast whenever and wherever you want!

Podcasting covers programs on a whole range of subjects, be it a commercial or a non-commercial venture – videos and audios on any topic under the sun, advertisements, cartoons, music, business presentations, etc. In a way, podcasting is the Internet version of broadcasting or telecasting programs on radio and TV respectively.

Anyone for Etymology?

There are two schools of thought on this. One opines that the term ‘podcast’ is a blend of “iPod” and “broadcast”, as one can actually broadcast stuff on a portable media player.

Others believe that a PODCAST stands for Portable On-Demand (broad-/ tele-)CASTing of files over the Internet.

What all do I need to be a Podcaster?

All you need to be a podcaster is a recording device – a microphone for audio/ a digital camera for video; audio/ video editing software in your computer; and lastly, a website to embed your podcast feeds to. It’s as simple as that!

How does a Podcast benefit me?

• You can subscribe to podcasts of your choice, which will be downloaded automatically.

• You can enjoy your favourite podcasts anytime according to your convenience.

• You can be popular via the podcasts you create!

For the business minded…

• A podcast can increase the online visibility of your business.

• You can communicate about your products and services to a wide network of people.

• You can become a trusted advisor to your clients and potential customers.

• You can be a subject matter expert in your line of business, and this in turn will fetch you more customers.

• You can establish a communication network with your target customers.

• You can be a resource base for online users who desire to know more about your products and services.

• Podcasts can be a very effective brand marketing strategy.

• And last but not the least, you can put an innovative and contemporary touch to your existing business.

Some websites that host podcasts

There are a lot of websites that offer free or paid hosting of your podcasts, such as Blip.tv, Libsyn, Podbean, Podcastfm, Switchpod, Jellycast, etc., to name a few.

NOTE: Podcasting is a Web 2.0 technology.