Facts & Figures About Podcasting

Podcasting Defined.

Think of a podcast as an audio (primarily) or video program that has been recorded and deployed in such a way as to be accessed/enjoyed at the listener’s convenience.

How is a Podcast Accessed?

A podcast is normally an MP3 file that is placed on a web server and announced to the world via an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed. Listeners can subscribe to the RSS feed (via “Podcatching” software like iTunes) and, when a new podcast is available, be automatically updated with the new content (in the case of iTunes, the new podcast is automatically downloaded on to the user’s iPod).

A consumer using Podcatching software to access your podcast is indicating their desire to listen to your show on a regular basis. This allows for an unblockable/direct line of communication between you and that listener that has been previously unavailable online. This is a VERY important component to podcasting that makes for a potent sales and marketing tool.

In addition to using podcatching software, a listener can simply visit a podcast’s website and listen to any show by (normally) downloading the MP3 file to their computer. Best-of-breed podcasts allow multiple methods of listening via their website, including:

1. Embedded players
   (listener clicks a FLASH-based “Play” button to instantly hear the show),
2. Direct MP3 downloads
3. Streaming MP3
   (which does not require the listener to first download the file before listening),
4. RSS feed-based download