Recently, the term podcast has become increasingly common. Almost every online media resource now features pages with audio files and invitations to subscribe to a podcast. Podcasting, although still relatively new and unexplored in many regions, has existed for a long time and has gained significant popularity in the West.
At the beginning of the 2000s, the internet gave birth to a new media format that was simply described as “independent audio content on the Internet”. This marked the beginning of the podcasting era, with thousands of passionate creators around the world uploading over 30 million podcast episodes.
Why are Podcasts Popular?
Podcasts, in short, are audio recordings distributed on the Internet. Typically, hosts and guests discuss predetermined topics, but there are more complex formats involving storytelling.
Technically, podcasting isn’t revolutionary and largely duplicates the functions of traditional radio, although most podcasters dislike the comparison. However, podcasting surpasses traditional linear media—it’s akin to YouTube for audio.
The emergence of YouTube changed the rules of information consumption. Similarly, instead of tuning a radio dial blindly or waiting for a program to start at a specific time, consumers can now deliberately choose the content that interests them, listening at their convenience, pausing, or rewinding as needed.
The Origin of Podcasts
In the early 2000s, Dave Winer developed the RSS technology, allowing users to subscribe to audio blogs and automatically download new episodes. Initially, this innovation wasn’t widely adopted.
Eventually, Winer and experienced radio host Christopher Lydon recorded an mp3 file in a makeshift studio, which became the world’s first podcast. The term “podcast” itself emerged in 2004, a blend of the popular music player iPod and the word broadcast. The term was first used by journalist Ben Hammersley in an article for The Guardian.
On June 6, 2005, during an Apple presentation, Steve Jobs introduced podcasts to a wider audience via iTunes, significantly boosting the medium’s popularity.
Are Podcasts Popular?
The availability of RSS and a new section in iTunes encouraged not only large media companies but also ordinary people to start their own projects, sharing something with the world. Podcasts’ popularity grew slowly but organically, aided by technological advances, smartphone upgrades, and the spread of mobile internet.
This trend continued until the release of the American detective audio series “Serial” in 2014, which investigated a 1999 murder in Baltimore. Serial was downloaded over five million times faster than any podcast to date, showing the world that podcasting was a legitimate documentary format capable of attracting a large audience.
Types of Podcasts
Broadly, podcasts can be categorized into two main types: those where people talk and those where people tell stories. In talk podcasts, hosts may discuss their ideas, interview guests, or explore specific topics. Narrative podcasts, or audio stories, often involve characters who encounter challenges and evolve throughout the story, much like in fictional or documentary works.
When and How Can You Listen to Podcasts?
Podcasts are primarily about convenience. They can be listened to while exercising, cooking dinner, or even cleaning. They are also a great companion during commutes. You can listen to podcasts on various platforms and devices, most commonly on smartphones through apps like Apple Podcasts for iPhone users and Google Podcasts for Android users.
Additionally, many podcasters publish their work on audio hosting platforms such as Soundcloud, Overcast, Spotify, Castbox, and Pocket Casts.
Why Listen to Podcasts?
Many might ask, “I already read and watch plenty. Why should I listen to something else?” First, it’s important to understand that listening to podcasts offers a unique experience vastly different from watching films or reading books. The world of podcasts includes many projects you won’t find equivalents to on YouTube or in print.
Secondly, podcasts are engaging and interesting. You might even feel like you’re not just an outsider listening to a conversation but a full participant. In the case of audio stories, you become a part of the story.
Give it a try—you might find it enjoyable! Many people claim they have difficulty absorbing information through listening and thus struggle to focus on a podcast. In this case, try listening while ensuring you’re not distracted by other thoughts.
Popular English-Language Podcasts
If you are proficient in English, there are dozens of interesting and captivating podcasts available. Here are a few of our favorites:
- “Power Corrupts” – This podcast explores the hidden and nefarious forces that shape our world. Hosted by Dr. Brian Klaas, a political scientist and columnist for The Washington Post.
- “Serial” – A detective audio series that investigates a single crime. Journalist Sarah Koenig explores the 1999 murder of a young woman in Baltimore. This is the very podcast that revolutionized the format in 2014.
- “Wind of Change” – Journalist Patrick Radden Keefe investigates whether the CIA wrote the hit song “Wind of Change” by the Scorpions. The podcast follows Patrick’s journey to uncover the truth.
Monetizing Podcasts
Monetization is a key motivator for podcast creators. Most commonly, podcasters turn to sponsors (or vice versa) to fund their content.
According to Edison Research, 63% of respondents feel more positive about a company when they hear it mentioned in one of their regular podcasts. Furthermore, given two products of equal price and quality, 60% of those surveyed would choose the product from the company advertised in their favorite podcast.