Podcasts have become popular since the last decade because it presented a way for individuals to get their message out to the public. Podcasting has also afforded many the opportunity to build a community of people with similar interests.
But first, what is a Podcast?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as a radio programme that is stored in a digital form that you can download from the internet and play on a computer or on an MP3 player.
It is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.
A podcast is different from a radio or TV broadcast in the following ways.

1. It can be listened to at any time of the day
   Since podcast can be downloaded, it presents the listener an option to choose the most convenient time to listen or watch it. Most radio and TV programme don’t work like this. Most programmes, when missed on TV or radio is cannot be heard or watched again, unless it is replayed.
2. Subscription
   This is another wonderful feature of podcasts. One can subscribe to a podcast of one’s interest and get notified about new releases or episodes.
3. The Podcaster calls the shots here.
   In producing a podcast, the podcaster has the liberty to determine the length of his or her podcast, and also the style and format of the podcast. But this isn’t so in TV or radio broadcasting. In broadcasting a radio or TV programme, the producer determines these things and each programme aired is alotted a specified time limit.
4. Podcasts are portable.
   Podcasts can be downloaded on your laptop, mobile phone and iPod, and can be carried anywhere, and listened to whenever you want.
5. Inexpensive
   Podcasting presents a cheap and easy way to produce your own show. It is cheaper when compared to the cost of running a TV or radio programme.
6. It serves a niche
   A podcast serves a niche of listeners. A podcaster can talk about his passion to those interested in it. It can range from relationship to crime to diabetes, or to anything under the sun. A podcast presents an excellent way to package specialized content to a specific groups of people.

How Podcasts works.
A podcast chain comprises of four major element.

1. The Podcaster
   This is the individual or brand that wants to talk about his subject of interest. The Podcaster is the individual who shares audio content to the public
2. The hosting site.
   These are sites that provide you with the space to store your audio files so that your audience can easily download them. They provide services such as support, RSS Feed, listeners analytics, audience marketing services, etc.
3. The Pod-Catcher
   This is an application used by listeners to subscribe to podcasts. As podcast are posted to the hosting site, they are automatically downloaded through the pod-catcher.
4. The listener
   This is the consumer of the contents created by the podcaster. He logs in to the pod-catcher, for example iTunes, Goggle, Apple, Spotify, etc., and downloads the podcast if his choice.

Podcasting presents a platform for people to share, learn and connect at their own convenience. They are for everyone and anyone can start a podcast.

Want to start your own podcast?
Socastin.com is here to help you each step of the way.

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