What is a podcast?

Google defines a podcast as “a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.”

The history of podcasting

Podcasting can be dated back to the 1980s when it was known as “audioblogging”. With the creation of high speed Internet access and portable digital audio devices like the iPod, podcasting started to become popular around late 2004. Ben Hammersley, a British journalist, is credited with being the creator of the term “podcast” combining of the words “pod” from the iPod and “cast” from broadcast.

Today there are more than 700,000 podcasts available worldwide on the Internet. With dozens of websites available for the podcaster and listener, approximately 42 million Americans listen to podcasts on a weekly basis.

Podcasts are often available for subscription. Once a person has subscribed, new episodes are downloaded via syndication to the user’s computer, mobile device, or portable media player.

Why should you listen to podcasts?

Podcasts can be fun, informative and educational. In today’s age of on-demand content, podcasts are a good way to receive entertainment and education on a variety of subjects at your own leisure. Explore PodBelly Network Member podcasts or visit our podcast directory to learn more about and listen to a variety of podcasts. Learn and listen when you want to. It’s that simple.

For those looking to create a podcast

You’re in luck. PodBelly is here to help. We are here to support those looking to podcast and have created a guide on how to start podcasting. Check out our Starting a Podcast page to get started today. Once you are up and running, feel free to add your podcast to our podcast directory.

Make sure to visit PodBelly often as we will continue offering educational articles and videos on various podcasting topics.

Hope to hear you soon!