What’s a Podcast?

People are often confused about what podcasts are and how they work, so we are frequently asked to explain this new internet-based media.  To help, we’ve created this brief Q&A guide to podcasting.  If you have more questions about podcasting, please contact us.  We’d be happy to talk to you more about podcasts.

TSVP PODCASTING SERVICES

TSVP is a professional, turn-key podcast producer.  We are capable of handling all aspects of podcast production, from field recording to publishing on all major podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher Radio, etc.

 

The short answer: podcasts are like a radio shows, but on the internet.  The long answer is that podcasts are some form of regularly produced digital media hosted on a platform that you can subscribe to, such Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, or Stitcher Radio.  When new episodes of podcasts are available, you get a notification or the shows are automatically downloaded to your computer or smartphone.  Most podcasts are episodic, meaning that new shows are released as episodes on a regular basis--weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or whenever the podcasters decide to publish a new show.  Podcast episodes are usually numbered to help you keep track of them. The Social Voice Project has been producing creative and informative audio shows and podcasts since 2010, and our podcast network hosts our own podcasts as well as select podcasts by friends of our network.
Podcasts can be about anything.  From shows discussing cat sweater knitting to White House politics, sports, true crime, music, community affairs, to comedy there's a podcast for everyone.  Some podcasts are like talk shows or radio news shows, while others feature stories--either creative fiction or interesting non-fiction docu-dramas.  Some podcasts are just people talking about the weather or the new pizza shop on the corner. The Social Voice Project produces podcasts about local history, veterans, paranormal activity, political and social issues, community organizations, local theater and performing arts, and creative audio productions.  
Podcasting is booming, and just about everyone can find a show that interests them.  It is the fastest growing and most diverse form of digital media, and not just among young people.  Although younger audiences are the most avid listeners of podcasts, increasingly older audiences are discovering podcasts that interest them.  Scroll below to learn more about podcast audiences listening habits. Podcasts on The Social Voice Project Podcast Network have been heard in all 50 states and 70+ countries around the world.   
Just about anyone can create a podcast, ranging from large media companies such as CNN and NPR to your community church or neighbor down the street. The Social Voice Project is a professional podcast production company.  We are technical producers, working with individuals and organizations (no experience required) who want to become podcasters.  We handle all aspects of podcasting, from on location recording and editing to publishing on the internet.   Click here for a list of our production clients, partners, and associations.    
Podcasts are almost always audio productions, meant to be listened to with headphones, computer speakers, on your smart phone, while driving your car, walking the dog, working out at the gym, etc.  Technically, podcasts can be videos, such as what's on YouTube, but these usually are not called podcasts.
Most podcasts are free to listen.  However, many podcast apps require you to create a free account to use their service, but the podcasts are still free.  However, increasingly some podcasters offer paid subscriptions or "premium memberships" to websites to access their podcasts. Podcasts on The Social Voice Project are free.   
If you have access to the internet, you can listen to podcasts on your desktop, tablet, smartphone, or other mobile device.  Podcasts are available on websites and through podcasting "apps"such as Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Stitcher Radio, iHeart Radio, TuneIn Radio, or Google Podcasts.  Listening to podcasts is as simple as going to a webpage or podcast app and clicking "play" on the audio player. Podcasts on The Social Voice Project podcast network are available on our website or through the many major podcast platforms hosting our shows, such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, Stitcher Radio, Blubrry Podcasts, SoundCloud, and others. 
You can download podcast episodes to your computer or smartphone, and if you've subscribed to podcasts through Apple or Google, the episodes are automatically downloaded to the app.  You can then listen to the podcast at your convenience.  The great thing about podcasts is that they are "on demand."  You can always go back to the show and start, stop, skip ahead, or repeat the show as many times as you like.  There's really no need to download anything.
Yes.  Podcasts can be shared via their show links through email or by sharing their social media posts on Facebook, Twitter.
Yes.  Just about anyone can create a podcast.  The Social Voice Project is a professional podcast production company, specializing in helping individuals and small organizations become podcasters.  Most of our podcast clients and partners have not experience, but they have something to say.  So, TSVP can handle all necessary technical aspects of podcasting, from on location recording and editing to publishing on the internet.  Contact us today to learn more about our affordable podcasting services.  
The Social Voice Project is dedicated to working with our podcast partners to create high-quality podcasts.  Our podcast partners can offset production costs through a variety of affordable and creative ways, such as sharing production tasks, opening their podcasts to advertising, and inviting underwriters and sponsors to support their shows. Our nonprofit podcast partners are often eligible for grants and other monies that support their mission and programming--these funds can be used to support podcasting.