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Are you interested in getting started with podcasts but unsure where to begin? Don’t worry! Starting your podcasting journey doesn’t require any technical skills. All you need is a device that can play media files, such as a smartphone, tablet, or even a smart home speaker. You can even listen to podcasts on your computer while you work. In this beginner’s guide to podcasting, we will provide you with all the information you need to become a podcast listener.
Find Your Podcasting App
To get started, you can simply download a podcast directly to your computer as an mp3 file and listen to it through your media player. However, using a podcast app is a more convenient and organized way to discover and listen to podcasts. Most likely, you already have a podcast app installed on your phone. If you have an iPhone, you can use the Apple Podcasts app, and Android users can play podcasts through the Play Music app. Additionally, there are many other downloadable apps available, both free and paid. Some popular podcast apps include:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- Amazon Music
- Castbox
- Google Podcasts
- iHeartRadio
- Overcast
- Pocket Casts
- RadioPublic
Search for Content
Once you have selected your podcast player, the next step is to find something you want to listen to. When you open your player, you will likely be presented with a selection of suggested podcasts. These may be labeled as featured, popular, trending, or new and noteworthy. If you’re not sure where to start, you can ask people you know for podcast recommendations. If you are using a smart speaker, you can simply ask it to play a podcast for you, provided you know the name of the show. You can also search for podcasts by categories such as Books, Family, Kids, News, Sports, Health, and many more. Remember that many podcasts may not neatly fit into one category, so search for what you feel like listening to and choose something that catches your interest.
Download or Stream
Once you have found a show, host, or topic that interests you, it’s time to start listening. There are two ways to listen to podcasts: downloading or streaming. When you download a podcast episode to your device, you can listen to it without any interruptions, whether you have Wi-Fi or cellular service or not. This allows you to enjoy your shows wherever and whenever you want. Most podcast apps have settings that allow you to delete episodes from your phone once you have finished listening to them. Alternatively, you can stream podcast episodes using Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. However, keep in mind that streaming podcasts frequently can consume a significant amount of data.
Follow and Subscribe
It won’t take long for you to find a podcast that you want to listen to regularly. Podcasters often use the terms “follow” and “subscribe” to ensure you don’t miss an episode. When you “follow” a show, new episodes are automatically downloaded to your device, making them ready for you to listen to within minutes of being published. Subscribing, particularly on Apple devices, allows you to receive premium content and support creators while unlocking premium experiences. Although these terms have sometimes been used interchangeably, just remember that you pay to “subscribe” but “follow” for free.
Conclusion
Now that you have a beginner’s guide to podcasting, you can start your podcasting journey with confidence. Remember to find a podcasting app that suits your needs, search for content that interests you, and choose whether to download or stream episodes. Don’t forget to follow or subscribe to your favorite podcasts to stay updated. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out the All Indiana Podcast Network, where you can find shows covering a wide range of topics. Happy listening!
https://www.scrollreads.com/ can also help you create, produce, and distribute your podcast. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
