What is a Podcast? How It Works (2026 Ultimate Guide)

At its simplest, a podcast is a digital audio program - similar to Talk Radio - that is available on demand. Think of it as “Netflix for your ears.” Unlike traditional radio, which requires you to tune in at a specific time to catch a show, a podcast consists of pre-recorded episodes that you can subscribe to and listen to whenever you want, usually via an app on your smartphone or computer.

While many radio stations (like the BBC or NPR) now publish their shows as podcasts to make them accessible after the broadcast, the medium has evolved into something distinct. It is a platform for creators - ranging from solo hobbyists to major media networks - to share stories, expertise, and conversations without the constraints of broadcast schedules or FCC regulations.

1. How It Works: The Technical Backbone

A common point of confusion is the difference between a simple audio file on a website and a “podcast.” The defining feature that transforms an audio file into a podcast is the subscription model, powered by a technology called RSS (Really Simple Syndication).

The Role of RSS

An RSS feed is a URL that acts as a connector between the creator and the listener. It is the “behind-the-scenes” code that contains all the metadata about the show (titles, descriptions, artwork) and the location of the audio files.

The process works like this:

1. Hosting: The creator uploads their audio file to a Podcast Hosting Service (a storage server like Buzzsprout or Libsyn). The host stores the heavy audio files.
2. Syndication: The host updates the podcast’s RSS Feed.
3. Distribution: Podcast directories (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music) “read” this RSS feed.
4. Delivery: When a new episode is uploaded to the host, the RSS feed updates, and the directories automatically push the new episode to subscribers’ devices.

This creates a decentralized system. Unlike YouTube, where the video lives on YouTube, a podcast lives on a hosting server and is simply displayed by apps like Apple or Spotify.

2. Audio vs. Video: The “Purist” Debate

Historically, podcasts have been an audio-first medium. They grew out of a need for “background content” - media that can educate or entertain you while you are doing something else, like driving, cooking, or working out. This “eyes-free” consumption is what made the medium unique compared to television or blogs.

However, the definition is evolving. With the rise of YouTube and Spotify Video, Video Podcasts (or “Vodcasts”) are becoming increasingly popular.

• The Purist View: Some argue that for a show to be a true podcast, it must be audio-only and distributed via an open RSS feed.
• The Modern View: As platforms like YouTube become search engines for content, many creators now film their recording sessions. This allows them to reach audiences who prefer visual engagement or want to see the facial expressions and chemistry between hosts.

3. Key Terminology

The terminology can sometimes be used interchangeably in casual conversation, but there is a distinct structure to how the medium is organized:

• The Podcast (or Show): This refers to the series as a whole. If you were comparing it to a book, this would be the book itself.
• The Episode: This is a single recording within that series (a chapter in the book).
• The Season/Series: Some podcasts run year-round, while others are broken into seasonal narrative arcs (e.g., Serial or Land of the Giants).
• The Podcast Host: This term has a double meaning. It can refer to the presenter (the person talking into the microphone), or the hosting platform (the technology service that stores the files).

4. Common Content Formats

Podcasts have escaped the shackles of traditional radio formats to explore hyper-niche subjects. While there are millions of shows, most fall into a few specific structural categories:

The Interview This is perhaps the most common format. A host (or two) interviews a guest with unique expertise or stories. This format is popular because it provides a constant stream of new topics and cross-promotion opportunities. Examples include The Joe Rogan Experience or The Diary of a CEO.

The Co-Hosted Conversational Two or more hosts discuss specific topics with great chemistry. These often feel like eavesdropping on a conversation between friends. The dynamic between the hosts is often just as important as the subject matter. Examples include SmartLess or The Rewatchables.

The Solo Monologue A single host shares expertise, opinions, or news. These build high authority for the creator as they speak directly to the audience without distraction. They are often shorter and more punchy. Examples include The Daily (news briefings) or Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History (long-form storytelling).

Non-Fiction Narrative These are highly produced audio documentaries that use clips, interviews, sound design, and voiceovers to tell a journalism-style story. They require significant production effort but offer a cinematic listening experience. Examples include Radiolab, This American Life, and Serial.

Audio Fiction Essentially modern radio plays, these are scripted dramas or comedies utilizing voice actors and sound effects to tell fictional stories. Examples include Welcome to Night Vale.

5. A Brief History

The medium has roots in the “audio blogging” scene of the early 2000s, but the technology solidified in 2004. It was then that MTV video jockey Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer collaborated to create a program (iPodder) that could download internet radio broadcasts directly to an Apple iPod.

The word “podcast” itself is a portmanteau coined by journalist Ben Hammersley in February 2004, combining:

• iPod: The dominant portable music player of the era.
• Broadcast: The transmission of audio content.

Despite the Apple-centric name, podcasting has always been an open ecosystem, accessible on Android, PCs, smart speakers, and web browsers.

6. Why Are They So Popular?

The explosion of podcasting (now with over 580 million listeners worldwide) comes down to intimacy and utility.

From a utility standpoint, podcasts allow for multitasking. They transform “wasted time” (commuting, cleaning, exercising) into productive learning or entertainment time. From an emotional standpoint, the audio format creates a “parasocial connection.” Hearing a host’s voice directly in your ears creates a sense of closeness and trust that text and even video often fail to replicate.

7. How to Start a Podcast

One of the medium’s greatest strengths is the low barrier to entry. You do not need a broadcast license or a studio to start.

1. Concept: Choose a niche topic and a format (Solo, Interview, etc.).
2. Gear: At a minimum, you need a USB microphone and a pair of headphones.
3. Recording & Editing: Software like Audacity (free) or Riverside (for remote video/audio) captures the conversation.
4. Hosting: You upload the final file to a host (like Buzzsprout or Anchor).
5. Distribution: You submit your RSS feed link once to Apple and Spotify, and the rest happens automatically.