Podcasting Jargon - what you need to know
Starting a podcast can be an exciting journey, but it often comes with its own set of jargon and terminology. To help you navigate the world of podcasting with confidence, I’ve compiled some of the most used terms that every newbie podcaster needs to know, starting with the basics…
Episode
An episode is a single installment of your podcast. Each episode typically covers a specific topic, theme, or discussion. Several episodes will make up a series, usually of around 6 - 8 episodes, but every podcast is different and there aren’t any distinct rules.
RSS Feed
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is a way for people who publish content on-line to notify subscribed followers that new content is available. So instead of having to actively go and visit the sites of your interest to find out if there are any updates, the RSS alerts you when a website or listening platform has been updated without you having to do anything.
Hosting Platform
A podcast hosting platform is a service that stores your podcast files and generates your RSS feed which distributes your episodes to listening platforms such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Popular hosting platforms include Libsyn, Buzzsprout, and Acast. For more info on how to choose your podcast hosting site, check out this blog.
Show Notes
Show notes are detailed descriptions of your podcast episodes. They often include a summary of the episode's content, links to resources mentioned, and timestamps for key moments.
Intro and Outro
An intro is the opening segment of your podcast, typically including your show's name, music, and a brief introduction. An outro is the closing segment that may include a call to action, closing remarks, and music.
ID3 Tags
ID3 tags are metadata embedded in your podcast audio files. They contain information like episode title, artist name, and album art, making it easier for media players and directories to display your content accurately. This info gets updated at the uploading stage of each episode to the host site.
MP3 and WAV
These are both types of audio file. Most hosting sites will require your podcast be formatted and uploaded as an MP3 to publish the episode. Editors often require the raw recording (i.e the unedited file) in .WAV format as this is the highest quality file type with the best sound. Files get converted to MP3 a the end of the editing process.
Subscription
‘Like and subscribe!’ When a listener subscribes to your podcast, they receive automatic updates whenever a new episode is released. Subscriptions help build a loyal audience. This is also known as a follow on some listening platforms.
Distribution
Your host site is responsible for distributing your podcast episodes to the listening platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It’s the RSS feed that automates the update of new episodes to these platforms so subscribers get alerted to new episodes as they are released.
Insights
Podcast analytics provide insights into your audience's behavior, such as the number of downloads, listener demographics, and geographic locations. Analyzing this data helps you refine your content and grow your audience.
Understanding these fundamental podcasting terms is essential for getting started and managing your podcast effectively. Whether you're planning to launch a podcast to showcase your expertise, promote your business, or connect with your audience, mastering these terms will help you navigate the podcasting landscape with confidence.
Need some help getting out of the blocks with your podcast? Drop me a message and let’s untangle the ideas together.
Happy podcasting!