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According to podcast platforms, 51% of Americans over 12 listen to podcasts. This number is regularly growing year by year. In addition, 32% of Americans turn to podcasts every month.

Podcasts can be a fantastic way for business owners to engage with their listeners and customers. Written content is not like podcasting, which is audio content, helping to connect audiences and business owners—in addition, providing different ways to connect your audience with your content and brand can positively impact the success of your business.

Podcasts can also help you build a brand in a particular field. With the help of podcasts, you will be able to direct your listeners to the site or any part of your online store through the links in the podcast guidebook.

You may be wondering, “What is a podcast?” The answer is quite simple. A podcast is a recording of an audio discussion about a specific topic, such as business or travel, that can be listened to later. Podcasts are often found on iTunes and Spotify, but sometimes on web-based websites. This dynamic medium can be a great way to communicate and convey daily thoughts and programs to your audience.

You do not need a lot of money and technological knowledge to start a podcast. In this article, we will explain the step-by-step steps to set up a podcast and answer questions such as why we should have a podcast for ourselves? What are the types of podcasts? And what is the equipment needed to create a podcast? We will give.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a kind of audio playback tool. You can listen to the podcast while traveling or even at work. It’s a digital medium that, like a video or a blog post, does not need the awareness of its target audience. There is a lot of need for podcasts. According to research by Edison & Triton Digital, listening to podcasts is on the rise every year. The study also shows that people who listen to podcasts regularly spend about 5 hours a week listening to them.

In the case of PC and Internet users, most podcasts are audio files that are sent to directories via XML feeds and RSS files in XML format. In other words, podcasts, production, and distribution of audio files are subscribed using RSS on users’ computers. These files may be uploaded as digital audio files on multimedia players such as iPods.

You can easily create podcasts from a digital audio file. Podcaster (the person who made the podcast) first saves the audio file as an MP3 and then uploads it to a server’s website. The MP3 file has its URL, appended to an XML tag in an RSS XML document.

Once a podcast is created, You can submit it to content collection services such as podcasting.net or ipodder.org for inclusion in podcast listings. Different people can search for the podcast they want from various categories or subscribe to its RSS feed. In this case, their podcast will be automatically downloaded to their player with the following internet connection.

Although podcasts are generally audio files created for digital players, podcats can use the same technology to produce and transfer images, text, and videos to any device with the ability to play those files.

Podcast Origin History

A podcast is a digital medium available on the Internet. The word “podcast” is derived from the word “pod” from the Apple iPod, Apple’s famous portable audio player, and “cast” from the word broadcast, meaning media.

The introduction of podcasts began in 2004; When Adam Curry and Dave Winer designed an app called iPodder to download radio media from Apple iPods.

For more than a decade, podcasts were primarily intended for radio shows that were previously recorded by individuals to be listened to later on iPods (or other MP3 players). When Apple first used iTunes to support podcasts, it never imagined that one-day podcasts would receive such attention. Eventually, Apple separated iTunes and podcasts, designed apps for podcasting on the iPhone, and provided Apple Podcasts services for podcast design.

The best podcast apps

Podcasts are available for both iOS and Android. If you use your iPhone to listen to podcasts, the Apple Podcasts app will probably be your first choice. It is a good choice. But by 2021, a wide variety of opportunities will be available for both Android and iOS operating systems. Some of these apps are designed for iOS only. Some are specifically for Android.

But in the meantime, some common examples are compatible with both operating systems. Many of these apps have search, playback control, various sharing options, sleep timer, and more. These applications are managed by operating systems and have startup options available in both iOS and Android operating systems.

Some podcast apps also offer versions for both mobile and Windows, Mac and Chromecast. Here are some popular podcasting apps:

1- RadioPublic

This app is free for both iOS and Android. It also does not require an account or log in and search for the desired audio file.

You can also listen to audio file episodes online or download them offline. Ability to add private RSS feeds, import and export using OPML (an XML format), and dozens of other features of this application.

2- FM Player

This application is free for both iOS and Android. Player FM is a multi-platform podcast application that lets you manage and stream podcasts on the web, mobile, and streaming equipment for Android and iOS. The app developers have recently partnered with hosts Buzzsprout and Libsyn to present more than 20 million different podcasts on various topics.

The web version of this application is also trendy. You can use a shared mobile or web platform account to use this app. This feature allows you to sync episodes you have already listened to or a list you plan to attend to in the future between your mobile and web browser.

3- Pocket Casts

This app is free for both iOS and Android. Pocket Casts is an excellent app for people listening to different podcasts. It has an excellent user interface, light and dark themes, helpful search and filtering options, and more. Some of its salient features are:

• It can set the silent mode
• Adjustable speed (between 5x to 3x)
• Ability to manage and adjust episodes
• Increase the volume
• Ability to control with Apple Watch

4- Castbox

This app is free for iOS and Android and has been added to this list since 2018, but it has exciting and unique features. The app has received many awards from Google and Apple in two years. In addition to compatibility with iOS and Android, this program is also supported by Apple Watch, CarPlay, Amazon Echo Skill.

5- Cloud Caster

Unlike many other apps, Cloud Caster is a cloud-based app. It means that whenever you open this application on your desktop, mobile, or tablet, it will run on a browser using HTML5. This design has several features. Cloud Caster is free and has features often found in paid applications. When you log in to your account, playback time is always pre-saved for you. So you can pause at any time of an audio or episode, or even a video file. This feature is available in a few free apps.

6- Spotify

Spotify has recently extended its support for podcasts. It has an expansive library of podcasts and can import RSS feeds. The ability to sync playbacks, subscriptions and episodes played on all applications is provided in this program. The platform of this program supports web browsers, desktops, mobiles, and TV devices.

The podcast options in the web app are similar to the opportunities in the app’s mobile version. You can subscribe to podcasts in this program or unsubscribe. It is also possible to adjust the playback speed and save favorite episodes in this program.

7- Stitcher

You can easily sync the web version of the Stitcher app with iOS and Android versions. It is possible to view the library, subscriptions, and episodes stored in this program. There is also the ability to continue playing episodes wherever it remains in this application.

In addition to playing podcasts, Stitcher also produces its content. This content includes popular shows such as Freakonomics Radio, Today, and Explained. The paid version of the program is also available for a monthly fee of $ 4.99, the ads of which have been removed. It is also possible to access a rich library of various podcasts and comedy albums in this paid version.

8- Podchaser

Podchaser is an online podcast player whose motto is to create an integrated community of audiences. This app has many user-centric features that most apps lack.

For example, users can create lists of shows and episodes based on their criteria. There is a list of game podcasts, Chicago shows, and offers for attractive audio shows on the site. The user can also sort the podcasts into different categories, from broad topics such as storytelling to more limited issues such as fishing.

Introducing podcast making software

In this section, first, some typical applications for creating podcasts are introduced, and then we will explain the steps of creating a professional podcast.

1- Podbean

This application is designed for both PC and mobile versions. Features such as recording sound, mixing sound, adding sound effects, and using background music optionally from the app library or importing music files are provided in this application.

2- Spreaker Studio

This application has both computer and mobile versions. There are live broadcast facilities, direct communication with the audience and listeners, and chat online in this program. Also, sound effects, the ability to edit audio files, background music, and other features are considered in this application.

3- Anchor

Web and mobile versions of this application are available. This app is a popular application for mobile that is very easy. Its editing features are less than Podbean and Spreaker Studio, but different clips can be set and divided into episodes. You can use an extensive library of background music used in this program.

Step-by-step tutorial on making a podcast

After identifying the applications needed to create a podcast, follow the steps below. Creating a successful podcast has six main stages, which are:

• Concept
• Software
• Equipment
• Profile photo
• Introduction
• Planning

1- Concept

First of all, design your podcast concept. Before you record your podcast, you need to have a constant idea for it. Regardless of creating a podcast, you first need to know your expertise and what your audience want. For this purpose, you should look for the topic and other vital elements.

2- Software

Depending on the podcast’s content and the concept is chosen, you can select the right software for audio recording. Spreaker Studio software for mobile or desktop version is a fast and easy tool for recording audio and adding sound effects and features such as cutting, deleting, and connecting audio files. If you are looking for more advanced software, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, and Audacity may be good options.

3- Equipment

You do not need expensive equipment to start a podcast. A mobile phone is enough if you want to make a podcast for fun. If you’re going to be more professional and produce more transparent sound, you need a microphone to connect to the desktop version of Spreaker Studio software on your computer. It would help if you also had a pair of headphones to prevent sound reflection.

4- Profile photo

Do not worry if you do not have enough design skills in this area. Before you design a podcast profile photo or get help from someone in this field, keep in mind that this photo should reflect the concept and theme you want. It would help if you used pictures instead of words. Rely on your creativity and creative ideas with the knowledge you have about the podcast’s content.

5- Introduction

After describing the concept and designing a suitable profile photo, the essential part of publishing a podcast is its introduction. It is the first part that’s going to hear about your podcast. So dedicate the first 30 seconds of the podcast to the opening. You have 30 seconds to engage your audience, so building a professional and engaging introduction is critical to the success of a podcast.

6- Planning

Finally, know what your audience wants. It would help if you had a plan for your podcast. From beginning to end, you must follow a clear line of thought. To do this, make a draft for each episode. In the case of podcasts that are storytelling, narrative, etc., drafting can help your podcast’s quality, appeal, and structural coherence.

Next, after preparing the podcast, use the appropriate hosts to publish the podcast. The list of podcast hosts is as follows:

• fm
• Podbean
• Buzzsprout
• Seriously Simple Podcasting and Castos
• SoundCloud
• Libsyn
• WordPress and PowerPress

Conclusion

In this article, you will learn about the concept of a podcast, how to create a successful podcast, and the tools you need to make it. Also, different applications that are intended for publishing podcasts with additional capabilities were examined in this text. The first step in creating a podcast is to develop an idea.

Listening to podcasts that have similar topics to your own can be helpful. If you already have a microphone, record an episode of your podcast idea as a test. Listen to your content after recording. Also, if you have already downloaded the audio editing software, be sure to work with the software a bit before releasing the podcast to understand its settings better. You are now ready to create and publish a podcast. Create your idea, plan its content and record it. Simply!