How Podcasting Works
by Sharon Housley
Published on this site: April 19th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
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:
- Publishers create audio content, posting it on a website
for listeners.
- 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.
- Tell the world that a podcast is available.
Listen to Podcasts: In three simple steps web surfers can listen
to podcasts:
- Download a news aggregator or RSS reader that supports
podcasting or sync a wireless device like an iPod with your
computer.
- Enter the URL of the podcast feed into the news aggregator
or podcast management software.
- 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-...../podcasting-tools.htm
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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