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How Podcasting Works
Copyright 2005 Sharon Housley
It has been said that in October of 2004 a Google search
returned less than 6,000 results for the term "podcasting".
Today, a similar search yields more than 857,000 results.
Like the blogging phenomenon, podcasting has come out of
nowhere and attracted an enthusiastic following.
While some traditional radio talk shows have begun
providing podcasts of their regularly-scheduled broadcasts,
the bulk of the podcasts that have cropped up tend to be
independent broadcasters who have a fascination with
technology. As a result, some podcasts are a little rough
around the edges. Nonetheless, it is clear that the
technology provides a significant opportunity and
potential. Even nay-sayers believe that podcasting is more
than a passing fad.
Podcasting is RSS that is used to syndicate and distribute
audio files. Podcasting contains an audio file in the RSS
feed's enclosure tag. An enclosure tag is used in RSS feeds
to include certain types of files. The file contained in an
enclosure tag can be: an image, a data file, a video file,
or an audio file. Podcasting specifically refers to RSS
feeds that contain audio files in their enclosure tag. The
RSS version that currently supports enclosure tags is RSS
version 2.0. All podcasts are currently created using this
specification.
The benefit to podcasting is the fact that users can sync
content with their media player and listen at a time and a
place of their choosing: radio on demand. And while this
technology is not limited to music, it seems to be the area
that has received the most attention.
Podcasting is generally inexpensive to implement.
Investment in a good quality microphone will ensure that
the recording is audible. Depending on knowledge and
experience, some podcasters invest in audio conversion,
compression and audio editing software applications. Also,
web space bandwith and software to create the feed for the
podcast is needed. All in all, the initial expense is
relatively small.
Publishing Podcasts
In three simple steps, independent broadcasters can have
their voice heard:
1. Publishers create audio content, posting it on a website
for listeners.
2. Create or edit an existing RSS feed including a link to
the audio file in the "enclosure" field of an RSS 2.0 feed,
uploading it to a website.
3. Tell the world that a podcast is available.
Listen to Podcasts:
In three simple steps web surfers can listen to podcasts:
1. Download a news aggregator or RSS reader that supports
podcasting or sync a wireless device like an iPod with your
computer.
2. Enter the URL of the podcast feed into the news
aggregator or podcast management software.
3. As new items appear in the aggregator, review the
podcast's description and listen to those that are of interest.
As popularity increases it is likely many voices will be
drowned out, but for now, an independent broadcaster with a
microphone and unlimited bandwith can make a name, create
an image and change the world.
Useful Tools for Podcasting:
Create podcast feed - http://www.feedforall.com
News aggregator supporting podcasts -
http://www.feeddemon.com or http://www.primetimepodcast.com
See also Podcasting Tools -
http://www.small-business-software.net/podcasting-tools.htm
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll
http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing,
publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon
manages marketing for NotePage http://www.notepage.net a
wireless text messaging software company.
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