What is a podcast?
Definition
A podcast is a recorded audio program, similar to a radio show, that is in a digital format and available for download over the Internet. Podcast episodes are delivered via the Internet using RSS (Really Simple Syndication). Consumers subscribe to podcasts using a client application such as iTunes and once new episodes are posted, they are automatically downloaded and made available to the consumer. [1]
History
Former MTV VJ Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer are credited with developing podcasting in 2004. Curry’s program, iPodder, allowed him to automatically download Internet radio broadcasts to his iPod. While Curry and Winer are credited with the idea of podcasting, Ben Hammersly was the first to use the term "podcasting" as a descriptor. [2]
Podcasts have evolved since their conception in 2004. They are not only for recordings made by musicians or authors. Podcasting is used regularly by businesses: promoting products and ideas, doctors; sharing their knowledge with their colleagues, and schools; for a variety of disciplines. The uses of the podcast are vast and almost limitless. [3]
Listening
Listening to a podcast is a very simple task and requires only a few simple steps. First you need to find a podcast to subscribe to. This can be done by visiting a podcast search site and click on the link for the podcast you wish to listen to. You can either listen to the podcast immediately on your computer, or you can download it to a portable media player for listening later. [4]
The simplest way to subscribe to podcasts is through iTunes. Once you subscribe to a podcast, iTunes will automatically download any new episodes as soon as they become available. [5] It is important to know that you cannot host your podcast on iTunes directly. It must first be hosted on your own web server, or by using a third-party provider. To post your podcast to iTunes, you need to submit the feed URL to the iTunes store. [6]
Creating
Creating a podcast isn't much more than creating an audio file on your computer and then merely uploading it to a podcasting site. [7] It is important to know that you cannot host your podcast on iTunes directly. It must first be hosted on your own web server, or by using a third-party provider. To post your podcast to iTunes, you need to submit the feed URL to the iTunes store. [8]
References
- ↑ https://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/fanfaq.html
- ↑ http://www.ipodder.org/history
- ↑ Felix,Lionel and Stolartz, Damien. "Hands on Guide to Video Blogging and Podcasting/Emerging Tools for Business Communication". copyright, 2006 published by: Oxford Focal Press
- ↑ http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/podcasting2.htm
- ↑ http://www.ipodder.org/whatIsPodcasting
- ↑ https://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/creatorfaq.html
- ↑ http://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/podcasting3.htm
- ↑ https://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/creatorfaq.html
External Links
Definition on Wiktionary
Oxford Dictionary definition
How to Launch a Podcast
What is a Vodcast