How does podcasting work?
It has been said that in October 2004 a Google search returned fewer than 6,000 results for the term “podcasting”. Today, a similar search produces more than 857,000 results. Like the blogging phenomenon, podcasting came 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 emerged tend to be tech-savvy independent broadcasters. As a result, some podcasts are a bit rough around the edges. However, it is clear that technology provides significant opportunity and potential. Even naysayers 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 attached tag of the RSS feed. An attached tag is used in RSS feeds to include certain types of files. The file contained in a cabinet label 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 attached tag. The version of RSS that currently supports cabinet tags is RSS version 2.0. All podcasts are currently created using this specification.
The benefit of podcasting is the fact that users can sync the content to their media player and listen to it at the time and place of their choosing – on-demand radio. 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. Investing in a good quality microphone will ensure that the recording is audible. Based on knowledge and experience, some podcasters invest in audio conversion, compression and editing software applications. In addition, you need bandwidth from the web space and software to create the podcast feed. Still, the initial expense is relatively small.
Podcast publishing
In three easy steps, independent broadcasters can make their voices heard:
1. Publishers create audio content and post it on a website for listeners.
2. Create or edit an existing RSS feed that includes a link to the audio file in the “attached” field of an RSS 2.0 feed and upload it to a website.
3. Tell the world that a podcast is available.
Listen to podcasts:
In three easy steps, Internet users 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 podcast feed URL into the news aggregator or podcast management software.
3. As new items appear in the aggregator, review the podcast description and listen to the ones that interest you.
As popularity increases, many voices are likely to be drowned out, but for now, an independent broadcaster with a microphone and unlimited bandwidth can make a name for itself, create an image, and change the world.
Useful tools for podcasting:
Create Podcast Feed – http://www.feedforall.com
Podcast-compatible news aggregator: http://www.feeddemon.com or http://www.primetimepodcast.com
See also Podcasting Tools: http://www.small-business-software.net/podcasting-tools.htm