What is Podcasting?
The process of using the internet to make public broadcasting recordings accessible on a computer or mobile device for download is known as Podcasting
A podcast is a serialized set of digital audio clips with spoken terms that a user can access on a work device for easy listening. An easy and efficient way for many podcast outlets to manage personal consumption database and playback is supported by streaming apps and podcasting networks.
The podcast medium has become popular 15 years after Apple first offered 3,000+ songs on iTunes. Millions of Americans are reportedly subscribing to podcasts every week, up from 19 million in 2013. The range of possibilities podcast listeners have today is one reason for the rise. With over 54 million podcast episodes widely accessible worldwide, there are now over 1,000,000 successful podcasts. Due to the low-cost of entry, a record 192,000 new podcasts were released in the first ten months of 2020. A variety of major media firms have recently entered the industry in recognition of the success of podcasting. Joe Rogan just signed a huge, mult-million dollar deal all because of his podcast!
The Growth of Podcasting in the Last Five Years
For the past five years, I have attended the Podcast Movement Conference, the biggest annual podcasting event, and have seen the conference expand along with the industry, reaching 5,000 participants in 2020. With the shutdown and virtual podcasting events being held, I believe the podcast industry is going to grow exponentially this year!
Podcasts are simply a compilation of audio files being made available digitally for other people to listen to at their convenience. Most podcasts are set up like a TV or radio program, with numerous “seasons” and episodes with special guests concentrating on various topics. Listeners can subscribe to particular podcasts, download and listen to new episodes whenever it is convenient for them.
While podcasts have been in use for almost 20 years, think back to 2004 when the iPod minis of Apple were all the fashion, and the iTunes Music Store had just gone global. There has been a rise in listening in the last few years that has gained a lot of attention from business owners, celebrities, advertisers, and customers alike.
Why People Are Listening to Podcast More Than Eve Before
Let's take a closer look at six reasons why people listening to podcasts continues to increase:
1. It doesn't take much to get started.
One of the things that makes podcasts so compelling for companies, especially companies with smaller or limited budgets, is the affordability to get started. These companies do not require a large investment for their podcast. For the individual, the same thing applies. You can probably use equipment you already have (computer, computer camera and microphone) to get started! For your first few episodes, something as easy as recording on a smartphone or tablet would work just fine.
You do not need to type down anything you want to say, because podcasts are also very conversational. To help you remain on track, you can create an outline ahead of time, but much of the discussion will be nicely unscripted. This is especially true if you have a co-host or are conducting interviews.
2. Podcasts are also perfect for storytelling
As a small business owner, your stories are what will help you to attract people to listen to your podcast and get them involved in your business. Your podcast can encourage them to choose your company over the competition. Hopefully, you're always searching for ways to share amazing stories, generate interest, send people to your website, or forum, engage on social media, and sign up to receive newsletters and email notifications about your business or services.
Podcasts allow you to leverage more communication power as an audio-based medium than written words alone. Instead of reading the words and understanding them (or misinterpreting them) on their own, your listeners will be hearing your stories straight from the source. You tone of voice, your excitement, your seriousness – all of it – comes through the audio they hear!
3. Podcast are extremely convenient to absorb.
Podcasts offer listeners the gift of multitasking rather than blog posts or videos, which demand someone's full attention.
This is why, through their smartphones, laptops, or other mobile devices, most people who listen to podcasts listeners will do so while doing other things. As they are getting ready for work in the morning, on their commute to work, or preparing dinner, they are able to listen to podcasts.
Video, on the other hand, requires people to concentrate on the video and not on other things. This is one of the major advantages of podcasting!
Podcast listeners can easily integrate listening time into their everyday schedules, which is why statistics reveal six or more podcasts a week are consumed by one in five weekly podcast users.
The Future of Podcast Is Looking Bright
I am excited to see where podcasting will go next. Personally, as a podcaster, I really am encouraged by what I'm seeing right now. As Apple continues to invest heavily in podcasting, I think there will be many more big names in entering the podcasting sphere of influence. Despite the big names entering this market, you and I also have an equal opportunity to create our own programming and see it grow into something huge as well.
