“Podcasting” is a term coined from the Apple Computer Corporation product – the iPod, which is a portable digital audio device that lets its users store music from their computer to the device so that they can listen to it anywhere, anytime.

However, the term is no longer exclusive to the actual iPod product. It now can mean any software and device system that allows the user to download audio (usually in MP3 format) and store onto the device for the user’s listening.

What makes this different from radio or other Web-based media is that podcasts allow users total control over when they access and listen to the audio material. It does so by using the RSS standard or Real Simple Syndication.

The difference from broad and Web casts lies in how the material is created and distributed over the Internet. Instead of a centralized source and stream, podcasting is capable of sending the audio content directly to individual iPods and similar devices.

Who does podcasting?

Practically anyone with access to the Internet can podcast. As much as blogging began in this way, so does podcasting, whose appeal lies in the ease and convenience of creating and transmitting any audio material via the World Wide Web.

Broadcast industry players and radio shows syndications are only now riding the bandwagon by formatting their material as podcasts. But the great thing about this technology is that even non-pros can use podcasting to share their self-produced content in order to voice out their own opinions.

How does podcasting work?

Podcasting is almost an inevitable outcome of the Internet where great ease is given to anyone to publish anything and distribute it anywhere.

Users can connect their audio devices to their computers, access a podcast subscription, and download the feeds from the site. The audio is accessed by the user from the source and is automatically stored in the device. Numerous resources on the Internet detail how to improve podcast quality in terms of sound, equipment, and content.

What makes podcasting so popular, and therefore powerful, is its aural (listening) nature, which many deem superior over text (reading). Listeners of podcasts are able to learn in conjunction with another activity such as during a commute or exercise.

Why is it important?

A great plus factor for podcasting is in the realm of education. While it cannot totally replace the classroom setup, podcasts can provide teachers yet one more way to connect with students. As almost all young people live on the Internet and many own portable audio devices, the possibilities of giving them something useful and educational through this means are great.

Where is it headed?

Enthusiasts have yet to find a limit to the uses of podcasting. This is most seen in the unabated growth of sites that categorize hundreds and thousands of podcasts and make them easily accessible to subscribers.

Even now, podcasting is developing at near breakneck speeds. Users and subscribers are becoming more discriminating, demanding new features for categorizing and indexing podcasts. As such, podcast producers are looking for new ways to enhance the simple audio format to deliver experiences that will not only entertain but educate as well.

The breadth and reach of podcasting is only now being realized but its growth is by no means slowing. With more and more rich media finding distribution on the Web, the quality of podcasts rely on how informed people are – both in creating and subscribing to content. The more you know about them, the better position you are to becoming a podcaster not only of popularity but, more importantly, of substance.

Business podcasts are still in its infancy but when it comes to popularity it is considered as one of the most popular on the internet. There may be many reasons why business podcasts have achieved such a high level of popularity in such a short time. One very important reason is that most people (be it “casual” podcast listeners or more experienced businessmen) have a fascination on how to handle a business correctly. Most people have a belief that operating a business is a very hard task and they need all the help they can get in order to make their business run smoothly and successfully. And if they can get that information from business experts then all the better.

Another reason why business podcasts are quite popular is because of the need for self-improvement. There are people who think that since they will be investing some time listening to podcasts then it may as well be about something that will improve themselves personally or professionally.

Business podcasts are also entering the marketing mix of most companies and online businesses. Business owners and marketing professionals have realized that business podcasts are a great way to drum up attention for a business. A podcast about a business’ core market gives the impression that the business is a prime mover in the industry and a source of credible information. This will definitely increase the corporate equity of the business.

Some of the most popular business related podcasts on the internet right now include:

B-EYE-Network – Solution Spotlights – This podcast are all about one on one interviews conducted with some of the top software company executives in different sectors of the industry. The interviews usually revolve around the insights these executives give with regards to products, business and industry trends. The interviewees are considered as some of the most recognized experts and leaders in the industry.

Knowledge@Wharton – this podcast is actually the online research and business analysis journal of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. This program was launched in order to help bring out the knowledge and information that the school possesses to a wider audience.

Manager Tool – this is a very helpful weekly podcast that aims to give listeners the information, tips and advice in order for them to become more effective leaders and managers. Every week, a new tool or technique is discussed in depth so that listeners can be aided in achieving their management objectives.

Even those experienced podcasters only need to incorporate the corresponding visuals to their audio script and use a camera to record it instead of an audio recording device, to start making their own video podcasts. Video podcasting is made even easier, as this type of broadcasting does not involve any particular software for server distribution, nor does it have technical limitations as to the format of video encoding.

Resources available online for a low price or for free have made the creation of video podcasts quite simple. Anyone who seeks to promote his or her business or simply make his or her own face famous through podcasting will only need a digital camera or web camera to record the video, plus some free downloadable software for recording and editing the actual video. Also needed are free video codecs for encoding and compression of the final video, and free software for generating the necessary RSS files.

Some topics that audio podcasts were previously made about may effectively benefit from a video upgrade, such as travel, video game tips, technology updates, and even relaxation trends. A how-to video podcast also seems logical and possibly much easier to follow than an audio-only version. Meanwhile, budding filmmakers can start making a name for themselves, as they find an audience by making independent movie podcast projects. As the technology becomes even more and more available, a greater possibility for podcasting as a commercial venue lies ahead. Businesses looking to advertise to a greater audience are sure to find ways.

Now, with the rise of mobile video players, it has become much easier for the message to reach the audience even while they’re on the go, queued up at a store register, or waiting for a friend. The technology has allowed an optimised take on video viewing on-demand. In addition to that, if you’re accustomed to viewing your shows on a typical television screen or want to show your latest download to a group of friends, you can easily connect your mobile media player to your TV and just sit back down.

For more professional audio and video podcasts, you can use Podcasting packages available online, such as the Podcast Blaster. The package includes the professional recording software, over a hundred sound files that may be used for embellishing your podcast, and a podcast manual that will not only guide you in making that worthy podcast, but will also give you tips on effectively promoting your podcast. To know more on how to make your own Podcasts, visit www.podcastblaster.com.

If you do not have a website, you can watch the game differently, the only method to use, distribute their podcasts, burned CD. With this method, you also have CD and CD burner is used. There is also a podcast hosting service where you can download podcasts for users to listen, but these services are generally more expensive than hosting your site. Use your own Web site also offers more control over their podcasts.

To record your podcast, you will need an audio recorder and microphone so that it can be recorded from your computer.  You can perform a search using your favorite search engine for Mixcraft or Audacity; both of these programs are suitable for recording podcasts.  Once you have selected a recorder and purchased a microphone then all you will need to do is record your podcast, save the file and get it ready to distribute using your chosen distribution method.

When recording your podcast, you will need to include a few elements.  First, your podcast will need a nice introduction message.  Your introduction message should not be too long, but yet provide enough information about yourself or your company and what your podcast is about.  Once you’ve completed your introduction, then you can record your podcast’s actual message.

If you plan to include advertisements in your podcast, then you will also need to make sure that you inform your listeners of a break in the podcast before each advertisement.  This is so they will know that an ad is about to be played, and will not think that your podcast is completed.  A simple message like “We’ll be right back after a word from our sponsors” will let your listeners know that the podcast has not ended.

Finally, you will want to add a closing statement at the end of your podcast.  Your closing statement can inform listeners of what your next podcast is about, or you can just say a simple goodbye and thank them for listening.  When you complete your podcast, make sure that you end on a note where your listeners will feel satisfied about your information.  If you end your podcast with a subject not completely covered, then your listeners may feel a sense of missing something.

You can also add nice background music to the introduction and closing statement of your podcast.  If you decide to do this, make sure that you use music that you have obtained permission to use.  It is not legal to use copyright protected music in podcasts without permission.

You can use podcasting to boost your credibility, build your list of customers and gain a fan base very quickly. This makes podcasting a great tool to promote a product or service.

Here are four reasons you need to start a podcast today whether for fun or for business.

1. Become a Recognized Expert or Celebrity in Your Chosen Niche

How would you like to be recognized as an authority  in your area of interest or expertise? Podcasts are popping up all over the internet on every imaginable subject.

But things are just getting started. Chances are you can still be one of the first to start a podcast in your chosen niche.

You can quickly be recognized as an expert in your field. This is a powerful way to build a following or strong customer base.

Think about when you hear or see someone on the radio or TV. They have instant credibility. As a podcaster you will enjoy the same credibility. People will value your opinion.

You can leverage this position to influence your audience, promote yourself and even make money. If you have an audience that is interested in a specific niche, there will always be others who want to reach that audience, too. This is how you find advertisers or sponsors.

2. Quickly Gain a Very Focused Audience

With the right content, you will gain listeners fast. Not only that, but your audience is potentially worldwide. You can offer quality content to keep in touch with your customers and keep yourself, your product or your service in the front of their mind.

Podcasting is a great way to cut through the clutter and reach your audience. This is not like the radio where your listener is waiting for something that interests him. He has chosen to listen to your podcast because it interests him.

This makes podcasts very effective for promotion, marketing and growing a focused audience.

3. Podcasting is a Convenient, Automatic and Inexpensive Way to Reach Your Audience or Customers

One reason that podcasting has become so popular is that it’s automated. Listeners subscribe to your feed. This means they don’t have to remember to return your site to check for new content. When you post new content, it’s automatically downloaded to your listener.

Because listeners subscribe to podcasts, they have chosen to receive your content. They have already shown interest in your message by subscribing. In addition, a podcast does not get lost in SPAM like with e-mail. You can be sure your message is reaching a focused audience.

This means your content automatically reaches your audience without any barriers increasing the efficiency and ease of delivering your message.

Because your podcast is delivered over the internet, it’s a very inexpensive means of communication.

4. With Equipment You Probably Already Own and For Very Little Cost, Your Podcast Could be Online in Just Hours

All you need to start your podcast is a computer, a microphone and a broadband internet connection. Later, you can buy nicer gear if you want. For now you can get started with very little cost. All you need is something to say and a desire to say it.

If you were to try and do the same thing on the radio, you would have to face all kinds of FCC regulations to learn and follow. Plus you would have the expense of broadcasting. Podcasting removes all of that cost and trouble.

With my how to podcast tutorial web site, your first podcast can be online in less than a day.