What Are Podcasts And How Do You Access Them? – Podcast Guide for Beginners.

So you’ve heard people talking about podcasts, but you’re not quite sure what they are or how to listen to them. Well, fear not, because in this article, we’re going to give you a quick rundown on podcasts and show you how to access them. A podcast is essentially a digital audio or video file that you can stream or download and listen to on your computer, phone, or any other portable device. With a wide range of topics and genres available, podcasts are a fantastic way to stay informed, entertained, and learn something new. Whether you’re interested in news, comedy, true crime, or even niche hobbies, there’s bound to be a podcast out there that’s right up your alley. And the best part? accessing these gems of audio goodness is easier than you might think. So, let’s dive into the world of podcasts and see what all the buzz is about!

Table of Contents

What is a Podcast?

Definition of a podcast

A podcast is a form of digital media that consists of audio recordings made by individuals or organizations on a wide range of topics. These recordings, called episodes, are typically released in a series and can be downloaded or streamed online. The term “podcast” is a combination of the words “iPod” (referring to Apple’s portable media player) and “broadcast,” indicating its similarities to traditional radio broadcasting.

Types of podcasts

There is a wide variety of podcasts available, covering virtually every topic imaginable. Some common types of podcasts include:

Educational podcasts: These podcasts aim to teach listeners about specific subjects, such as history, science, language learning, or personal development.
News and current affairs podcasts: These podcasts provide up-to-date information on current events, politics, and news from around the world.
Interview podcasts: These podcasts feature interviews with notable individuals, experts, or celebrities, discussing their experiences, perspectives, and insights on various topics.
Entertainment podcasts: These podcasts focus on providing entertainment and humor, often through storytelling, comedy skits, or discussions on pop culture.
True crime podcasts: These podcasts explore real-life crime stories, including investigations, unsolved mysteries, and criminal justice.

Distinction between a podcast and other audio content

While podcasts may resemble traditional radio shows, there are key differences between podcasts and other audio content. Podcasts are typically pre-recorded, giving listeners the flexibility to access them at their convenience. Unlike live radio broadcasts, podcasts can be paused, rewound, or fast-forwarded. Additionally, podcasts are often episodic in nature, with new episodes released on a regular schedule, allowing listeners to follow a series over time.

Why Are Podcasts Popular?

Convenience for listeners

One of the main reasons podcasts have gained popularity is their convenience. As a listener, you have the freedom to choose when and where to listen to episodes. Whether you’re on your daily commute, doing household chores, exercising, or simply relaxing, podcasts can easily fit into your schedule. You don’t need to dedicate specific time slots, as you can pause and resume podcasts as needed.

Availability of diverse content

Another factor contributing to the popularity of podcasts is the vast and diverse range of content available. Regardless of your interests, there is likely a podcast that caters to them. Whether you’re into history, science, technology, true crime, or self-improvement, you can find podcasts that delve deep into these topics and provide valuable insights and entertainment.

Ability to multitask while listening

One of the unique advantages of podcasts is their compatibility with multitasking. Unlike video content, which requires your full attention, podcasts allow you to engage in other activities simultaneously. You can listen to podcasts while driving, exercising, cooking, or even working, making productive use of time that would otherwise be idle. This ability to consume content while engaged in other tasks is appealing to many people.

How to Access Podcasts

Podcast directories

Podcast directories are online platforms that host and categorize thousands of podcasts. They serve as comprehensive databases, making it easier for listeners to discover and access podcasts of interest. Popular podcast directories include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. These directories house podcasts across various genres, making it convenient to explore different topics.

Podcast apps

Podcast apps are dedicated applications designed specifically for accessing and managing podcasts. They provide a more streamlined experience, allowing users to subscribe, download, and organize their favorite podcasts all in one place. Examples of popular podcast apps include Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, and Stitcher.

Streaming services

In addition to dedicated podcast directories and apps, many streaming services, such as Spotify and Pandora, have started incorporating podcasts into their platforms. This integration offers listeners the convenience of accessing both music and podcasts within a single app. It provides a seamless transition between music streaming and podcast listening, offering greater flexibility in content consumption.

Websites and blogs

Another way to access podcasts is through websites and blogs that host embedded podcast players or provide direct download links. Many podcast creators have their own websites where they share their episodes and offer additional resources related to their content. Additionally, blogs may include embedded podcast players within their articles, allowing readers to listen to relevant podcast episodes while browsing the content.

Using Podcast Directories

Popular podcast directories

There are several popular podcast directories where you can discover and explore podcasts. Some of the most widely used directories include:

Apple Podcasts: As one of the largest podcast platforms, Apple Podcasts offers a vast collection of podcasts across various genres.
Spotify: Known primarily as a music streaming service, Spotify has also become a prominent platform for podcasts, providing a wide range of content.
Google Podcasts: Google’s dedicated podcast platform allows users to discover and listen to podcasts directly through the Google Podcasts app or the web interface.
Stitcher: Stitcher is a podcast directory and app that offers a curated selection of podcasts covering various interests.

How to search for podcasts in directories

Podcast directories typically provide search functionalities, enabling users to find podcasts based on specific keywords, topics, or hosts’ names. To search for podcasts in a directory:

Open the podcast directory or app of your choice.
Look for the search bar, usually located at the top of the interface.
Enter keywords related to the topic or name of the podcast you’re interested in.
Browse through the search results and click on a podcast to access more information about it.

Subscribing and following podcasts

Once you find a podcast you enjoy, you can subscribe to it to ensure that you receive updates whenever new episodes are released. Subscribing to a podcast in a directory or app often involves clicking a “Subscribe” or “Follow” button next to the podcast’s details. Subscribed podcasts will typically appear in your library or subscriptions section, where you can access them easily.

Utilizing Podcast Apps

What are podcast apps?

Podcast apps are dedicated applications specifically designed for discovering, subscribing to, and listening to podcasts. These apps make it easy to manage your podcast subscriptions, download episodes for offline listening, and explore new podcasts based on your interests. Podcast apps offer a more streamlined and user-friendly experience compared to general-purpose audio streaming apps.

Features and benefits of podcast apps

Podcast apps provide a range of features and benefits that enhance the podcast listening experience:

Subscription management: Podcast apps allow you to subscribe to your favorite podcasts and receive new episodes automatically.
Download and streaming options: You can choose to either stream episodes directly from the app or download them for offline listening.
Playlist creation: Podcast apps often have playlist functionality, enabling you to create custom playlists of your favorite episodes.
Playback speed control: Most podcast apps offer the option to adjust the playback speed to your preference, allowing you to listen at a faster or slower pace.

Popular podcast apps

There are numerous podcast apps available for both iOS and Android devices. Here are some popular choices:

Apple Podcasts: Preinstalled on iPhones and iPads, Apple Podcasts is a widely used app for iOS users, offering a seamless integration with other Apple devices.
Overcast: Overcast is a highly regarded podcast app for iOS with features like smart speed, voice boost, and episode recommendations.
Pocket Casts: Available for both iOS and Android, Pocket Casts has a user-friendly interface, cross-platform syncing, and advanced playback features.
Castro: Castro is an iOS-exclusive podcast app known for its unique inbox system, allowing you to queue episodes for listening later.

How to find and subscribe to podcasts

To discover and subscribe to podcasts in a dedicated app:

Download and open the podcast app of your choice.
Explore the app’s homepage, categories, or search function to find podcasts on topics that interest you.
Once you find a podcast you want to subscribe to, click on it to access more details.
Look for a “Subscribe” or “Follow” button to add the podcast to your subscriptions.
Subscribed podcasts will usually appear in your library, where you can access them anytime.

Listening to Podcasts on Streaming Services

Streaming platforms offering podcasts

In addition to dedicated podcast apps and directories, various streaming platforms now include podcasts as part of their offerings. Some well-known streaming services that incorporate podcasts include:

Spotify: Originally focused on music streaming, Spotify has expanded to include a vast library of podcasts, making it a popular choice for podcast listening.
Pandora: A music streaming platform, Pandora has also integrated podcasts into its service, allowing users to discover and listen to podcasts alongside their music collections.
Amazon Music: Amazon Music, primarily known for its music streaming capabilities, has started incorporating podcasts, offering a growing selection of podcast content.
Deezer: Deezer is another music streaming service that features podcasts, providing users with the option to enjoy both music and podcasts in one place.

Finding podcasts on streaming services

To find podcasts on streaming services:

Open the streaming service app or website (e.g., Spotify).
Look for a dedicated section or tab labeled “Podcasts” or a podcast-related icon.
Browse through the featured podcasts, recommended podcasts, or search for specific keywords or topics.
Click on a podcast to explore its episodes and details, and listen to it directly within the streaming service.

Subscribing to podcasts on streaming services

On streaming services, subscribing to podcasts often involves clicking a “Follow” or a similar button on the podcast’s page. Once you follow a podcast, its new episodes will appear in your library or “Followed” section, making it easy to access and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes.

Accessing Podcasts on Websites and Blogs

Websites with embedded podcast players

Many podcast creators and enthusiasts maintain their own websites, where they publish their podcast episodes along with additional content. These websites often include embedded podcast players, allowing visitors to listen to the episodes directly on the site. To access podcasts on websites with embedded players:

Visit the website that hosts the podcast you want to listen to.
Look for a section or page dedicated to the podcast, usually labeled “Episodes” or “Podcast.”
Click on an episode to initiate playback in the embedded player.
Some sites may offer additional features like episode descriptions, show notes, or links to external platforms for further listening or subscription.

Podcasts hosted on blogs

In some cases, podcasts are hosted on blogs alongside written content. Bloggers may include audio recordings or interviews as part of their blog posts, enriching the reader’s experience. To access podcasts hosted on blogs:

Visit the blog that contains the podcast you wish to listen to.
Look for blog posts with audio players or podcast-related topics.
Click on the blog post or audio player to start listening to the embedded podcast episode.
Blogs may offer the option to subscribe to the podcast or share the episode on social media platforms.

Downloading and saving podcasts from websites

In addition to embedded players, many podcast websites offer the option to download episodes directly from their sites. This allows listeners to save the episodes on their devices and listen to them offline. To download and save podcasts from websites:

Visit the website hosting the podcast.
Locate the episode you want to download, usually listed with a download button or link.
Click on the download button or link to initiate the download process.
Once the download is complete, you can access the episode from your device’s file manager or media player.

Managing Podcast Subscriptions

Creating playlists

Most podcast apps and some streaming services allow you to create custom playlists of your favorite podcast episodes. Playlists help you organize your listening preferences and curate a collection of episodes around specific themes. To create a playlist:

Open your podcast app or streaming service.
Locate the “Playlists” section or something similar.
Click on “Create New Playlist” or a similar option.
Give your playlist a name and description.
Browse your subscribed podcasts or previous episodes and add them to the playlist.

Automatic downloads

Many podcast apps offer the option to automatically download new episodes of your subscribed podcasts. Automatic downloads ensure that you always have access to the latest episodes, even when you’re offline. To enable automatic downloads in a podcast app:

Open the settings or preferences menu in your podcast app.
Look for an option related to “Downloads” or “Auto-Download.”
Toggle the switch to enable automatic downloads.
Customize any additional settings, such as limiting downloads to Wi-Fi only to save cellular data.

Marking episodes as played

To keep track of your progress and easily identify which episodes you have listened to, many podcast apps allow you to mark episodes as played. This feature helps you organize your listening history and avoid re-listening to episodes unnecessarily. To mark episodes as played:

Open the episode list of a podcast in your podcast app.
Look for options next to each episode, such as checkboxes or icons.
Click on the checkbox or icon to mark the episode as played.
Some apps may offer the option to automatically mark episodes as played after they have been fully listened to.

Deleting or archiving podcasts

Over time, your list of subscribed podcasts may grow, and you may find it necessary to remove or archive podcasts you no longer wish to listen to. Podcast apps often provide options to delete or archive podcasts, allowing you to declutter your subscription list. To delete or archive podcasts:

Go to your podcast app’s library or subscriptions section.
Locate the podcast you want to remove.
Depending on the app, you may find a “Delete,” “Unsubscribe,” or “Archive” option next to the podcast’s details or settings.
Click on the relevant option to remove the podcast from your subscription list.

Listening to Podcasts Offline

Downloading episodes for offline listening

One of the advantages of podcasts is the ability to download episodes and listen to them offline, even without an internet connection. This is particularly useful when you’re traveling or in areas with limited or no internet access. To download episodes for offline listening:

Open your podcast app or the relevant streaming platform.
Access the podcast or episode you want to download.
Look for a download button or icon, usually located near the episode’s details.
Click on the download button to initiate the download process.
Once the download is complete, you can access the episode in your podcast app’s “Downloads” or similar section, even without an internet connection.

Using smart downloads

Smart downloads is a feature offered by some podcast apps that automatically manages your downloaded episodes. This feature automatically deletes episodes you have already listened to and downloads new episodes from your subscribed podcasts when connected to Wi-Fi. To use smart downloads:

Open your podcast app’s settings or preferences.
Look for a section related to “Downloads” or “Storage.”
Locate the option labeled “Smart Downloads” or something similar.
Toggle the switch to enable smart downloads.
Customize any additional settings, such as the number of episodes to save or the frequency of automatic downloads.

Managing offline episodes

When you download episodes for offline listening, it’s important to manage your offline library to save storage space and ensure you have access to the most relevant content. To manage offline episodes:

Open your podcast app’s “Downloads” or “Offline” section.
Review the list of downloaded episodes.
Delete episodes you have already listened to or no longer need.
Some apps may offer the option to automatically delete episodes after a certain period or limit the overall storage space used for offline episodes.
Regularly check your offline library to keep it organized and up to date.

Discovering New Podcasts

Podcast recommendations

One way to discover new podcasts is through recommendations. Podcast apps and directories often provide curated recommendations based on your listening history or preferences. These recommendations may be categorized by genre, popularity, or related podcasts. Additionally, many podcast creators mention and recommend other podcasts during their episodes, providing you with opportunities to explore new content.

Podcast charts and rankings

Podcast charts and rankings are a valuable resource for discovering popular and trending podcasts. These rankings are typically based on factors such as the number of subscribers, reviews, and episode downloads. Podcast directories often have sections dedicated to the top podcasts in different categories, allowing you to explore content that has gained significant traction and recognition.

Podcast communities and forums

Engaging with podcast communities and forums can be an excellent way to discover new podcasts and connect with fellow listeners. Online platforms, such as Reddit or dedicated podcast forums, allow listeners to share their favorite podcasts, discuss specific episodes, and recommend hidden gems. These communities offer a wealth of knowledge and insights from a diverse range of podcast enthusiasts, helping you broaden your podcast listening horizon.

By understanding what a podcast is, why they have become popular, and how to access and manage them, you can fully enjoy the world of podcasts. From educational and entertaining content to the ability to listen on your own schedule, podcasts offer a versatile and engaging form of media. Whether you prefer using podcast directories, dedicated apps, streaming services or websites, the options for accessing podcasts are plentiful. With the right tools and a sense of curiosity, you can embark on a delightful podcast journey and discover new stories, insights, and knowledge.