Learn about Podcasts

What is a podcast? That's the question you ask yourself when many people mention listening to podcasts, but you still don't know what the podcast really is. In this article, we will learn what podcasts are, listen to podcasts and listen.

What is a podcast?

Simply put, a podcast is an audio presentation that you can download or play from the Internet. It may be available on iTunes or your favorite streaming service. In addition, you can find podcasts on the web and listen through the browser.

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However, the definition of podcasts over the years has changed. Some people use the phrase podcast when describing vlogs (video logs). Others give it the audio version of the blog.

The topic of podcasts is very diverse, it covers almost every issue. Podcasts can be a presentation of a person explaining an idea or comedy, possibly a discussion of a topic or interview with someone. Anyone can create a podcast that requires only a recording device and media to upload to the Internet.

A brief history of podcasts and podcasting

Although recording and sharing it over the Internet has been available before, the first actual podcast appeared in 2003. After the 2003 BloggerCon event, a software called RSS-to-iPod was released. . The purpose of this software is very simple, it allows iPod owners to download audio files from the Internet. Some services have appeared to provide storage and 'push' audio files for Apple's iPod audio player.

However, it was not until 2004 that the term podcasting appeared due to journalist Ben Hammersley. Months later, Dannie Gregoire mentioned podcaster, describing a podcast creator and the term podcast.

How does podcast work?

Basically Podcasts are audio files, usually in MP3 format, distributed via RSS feeds. This only happened since 2003, when RSS changed functionality, allowing audio files to be attached in RSS feeds.

At this time, RSS (Really Simple Syndication) has been widely used by websites to update readers with new posts. For example, a feed reader application will notify you if a new article has been published. In the case of podcasts, iTunes will download the latest episode of the registered podcast. When registering a podcast, it is automatically downloaded to your device so you are ready to listen.

Although RSS is not as widely used as before, it still plays an important role in podcast distribution.

1. Instructions for finding or creating an RSS feed for a website

Where can you find podcasts?

There are several ways to find a podcast. If you use Apple hardware (Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Apple Watch), you can find podcasts via iTunes or the Apple Podcast application.

Also you can listen to podcasts on Spotify or SoundCloud and FM Player. On applications, this service, podcasts are classified by category so that listeners can easily find the program with specific topics.

Ways to listen to podcasts

Now that you know everything about podcasts, it's time to start enjoying them. But how to listen to podcasts?

1. Listen to podcasts on the web

The easiest way to start listening to podcasts is through the browser on your computer. Thanks to Spotify and SoundCloud, you just need to open a website and click Play . Some services require creating a free account to listen to. Note, although you can browse iTunes from the browser, but cannot play podcasts.

2. Enjoy podcasts on Android

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If using an Android phone or tablet, there are several options for you to listen to podcasts. One of the most popular applications is the FM Player, there are no ads and there are several themed podcast search engines. It also has a sleep timer option and various themes. You can consult some other podcast listening apps on Android in the article 5 best free Podcast apps for Android.

1. Download the FM Player for Android

3. Listen to podcasts with iTunes

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As mentioned earlier, the most prominent podcast player is iTunes. This is the perfect choice for listening to podcasts on macOS and Windows 10.

With iTunes installed and set up for an Apple account, you'll find top recommended podcasts and podcasts with a wide variety of topics. That's why iTunes is like the home of a podcast.

You can even find podcasts elsewhere like on SoundCloud. If you're using Windows or macOS, iTunes is the best podcast solution.

1. Download iTunes for Mac
2. Download iTunes for Windows

4. Download podcasts on iPhone and iPad

Want to listen to podcasts while you're on the iPhone or iPad? Applications Apple Podcasts allow you to access all podcasts on iTunes without having to browse the entire library. Apple Podcast narrows interesting audio content on iTunes and lets you find your favorite shows and subscribe to them. Apple Podcasts is free to install on iOS. In fact, it is preinstalled on this operating system.

5. Listen to podcasts via TV

You can even enjoy podcasts via TV using a solution similar to Chromecast or using media center software like Kodi.

You can find various audio and video podcasts in the official repository on Kodi. They include technology podcasts like TWiT, but you can easily install the iTunes extension for Kodi and access all existing subscriptions that way.

Now that you know the podcast are downloadable audio files that talk about different topics. You can find them on iTunes and Spotify, download or play podcasts on mobile devices, computers or media centers.

In short, podcasts are just a different way to convey thoughts, information and experiences, no reading and no screen to watch, simply press Play and start listening.