While podcasts are growing rapidly, they’ve already become much more popular than they were even just five or ten years ago.
In this article, we’ll go over the history of podcasts and explain how they became one of the most popular ways to consume news, entertainment, and other forms of media.
If you’re looking to create a podcast yourself, you’ll want to hire voice actors who can help create a distinctive sonic brand.
Our team of voice actors is ready to help you turn your idea into a reality or take an existing podcast to the next level.
What Are Podcasts?
Podcasts cover many different subjects, but all podcasts share a basic set of features.
First, podcasts are always a form of audio content.
Of course, some podcasts may also be released in a video format, but there needs to be an audio-only version in order for something to be considered a podcast.
For example, a political news show might only consist of a few pundits sitting around and discussing the latest issues.
The same thing could happen in an audio broadcast, but that doesn’t turn a news show into a podcast.
There needs to be a clear intent on the part of the creators to produce an audio-only version of their content.
On the other hand, podcasts are different from radio shows in that the content isn’t intended as a live broadcast.
Some podcasts have live shows — for example, where they respond to questions from listeners — but a program that only contains live broadcasts probably isn’t a podcast.
How Did Podcasts Get Started?
With most people listening to podcasts on mobile devices, it’s no surprise that podcasts initially gained popularity in response to the growth of the iPod.
Once consumers had an internet-connected, portable listening device, they were open to new forms of content that simply hadn’t been practical in the past.
Still, it’s important to note that podcasts also have a close relationship to other forms of media.
For example, many podcasts share a similar structure with traditional talk radio shows.
Podcasters have learned from various kinds of content while also adjusting their work to the unique podcast format.
Over the last decade or so, the industry has grown exponentially as more and more consumers turn to podcasts.
You can find podcasts on virtually any topic from music and entertainment to politics and history.
How Do Podcasts Make Money?
Different podcasts make money in different ways.
With that being said, advertisements and sponsorships are often the easiest way for creators to monetize their content.
You may hear ads at the beginning or end of a podcast, or in the middle of the podcast during section breaks.
Some podcasters also offer exclusive content and other perks directly to their audiences.
Similar to Twitch, Patreon and other platforms allow creators to offer recurring subscriptions or individual premium episodes.
Naturally, the specific kind of premium content depends on the nature of the podcast itself.
Another option is to sell specialized products or services that relate to the topic of the podcast.
For example, let’s say you’re a CPA and you run a podcast that covers personal finance.
You could use the podcast as a platform to promote tax services for your listeners.
Ultimately, you can monetize a podcast in any way that makes sense for both you and your audience.
Sponsorships are a great place to start, but you shouldn’t hesitate to test our new strategies that align with the theme of your podcast.
How Do People Listen to Podcasts?
Instead of listening to podcasts when they air, most people stream or download the episodes on their own time.
You can listen to podcasts on many different devices, but most people consume them on a smartphone or tablet.
Podcasts can be indexed by Google as long as they meet certain requirements.
Google’s website has more information about making your podcast visible in Google search results.
Podcast hosting services generally do this automatically, so check with your host if you’re having any trouble.
Platforms like Spotify and Apple publish podcasts and make them easier for users to find and listen to.
Users who are particularly interested in a specific podcast can also set up notifications so that they receive a reminder every time the podcast releases a new episode.
Getting a new podcast published on these platforms can be a surprisingly confusing process.
However, with most audiences on Google, Apple, or Spotify, you need to connect with users through these channels in order to generate an audience.
Podcasts might seem like a relatively recent development, but the truth is that this industry has been growing for a long time.
With smartphones becoming more and more ubiquitous, it’s no surprise that consumers are looking for things like podcasts and audiobooks that they can listen to throughout the day.
Starting a podcast can seem daunting, but there’s an audience out there for virtually any interest.
No matter what kind of podcast you want to produce, the crucial point is to build a unique brand that sets you apart from other creators in the same niche.
If you’re looking for professionals to collaborate with, our group of podcast voice actors is a great place to start.
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