The Ultimate Guide to Podcasts: How They Work and How to Launch Your Own in 2025

Podcasts started as a small platform for creators to connect with listeners and grow their audience. Today, anyone can produce a free podcast with just a few clicks, making starting a podcast as popular as forming a band was in earlier decades. Many podcasters have also gained significant fame through their shows, with programs like Joe Rogan Experience standing out as some of the most influential media presentations, surpassing many traditional TV shows and late-night talk shows.

Podcasts are increasingly seen as a new form of ambient entertainment that humanizes conversations. They often feature casual or scripted discussions about specific niches, events, or subjects. Modern podcasts can include elaborate production elements like background music, sponsorships, and guest interviews. Several digital media players like Spotify and iTunes host thousands of podcasts—over 700,000 to be exact—and offer features such as transcripts, guest bios, community forums, and the ability to listen on radio stations. These platforms also facilitate streaming and downloading content for a broader reach.

Podcasts serve multiple purposes. They are a practical, accessible way to share and generate content, while also helping creators establish ongoing relationships with their audiences. Given their popularity, podcasts can significantly boost your reputation and position you as an authority within your niche. Recent statistics show that more than one-third of Americans regularly listen to podcasts, a noteworthy rise from previous years. Additionally, podcast advertising revenue is expected to exceed $1 billion by 2021, highlighting the industry’s growth potential. Podcasters also have tools to direct traffic to their social media and websites, using backlinks and call-to-action segments at the end of episodes.

Let’s explore the main reasons why podcasts are so valuable:

1. Convenient and Easy Way to Deliver Information

Like radio shows, podcasts can be listened to anywhere and at any time, making them a convenient method for sharing knowledge and updates. Once a listener finds your podcast, they can easily download episodes and listen whenever it suits them. In fact, about 64% of U.S. listeners tune into podcasts while driving or traveling, and 65% use portable devices such as smartphones or MP3 players to listen on the go. This portability and accessibility make podcasts an ideal platform for reaching busy audiences.

Since podcasts allow you to communicate verbally in a relaxed and informal manner, the content feels more personal than written blogs or emails. This makes podcasts especially effective for sharing stories like stand-up comedy routines or political opinions. Creating humorous or thought-provoking material fits perfectly into this format. Additionally, recording casual conversations with other content creators, influential figures, or well-known personalities can add value and authenticity to your show.

Whether you’re just starting your podcast with no existing followers or already have a dedicated listener base, podcasting is a powerful tool for building relationships and trust. A survey by Edison Research and Triton Digital revealed that over half of podcast listeners are more inclined to consider buying from a brand they hear promoted on a podcast. To succeed, focus on creating genuine, relatable content, promote your episodes actively, and foster engagement. Hosting unscripted shows that showcase your personality, using direct language like “I’ve got a segment that my listeners will love,” helps deepen the sense of connection. Besides developing a rapport with your audience, podcasting is an excellent way to network with industry leaders and influencers, potentially leading to collaborations, partnerships, or podcast guest opportunities. Spending some off-air time with your guests can also strengthen these relationships and open doors for future collaborations.

Choosing the right podcast hosting platform can make generating steady revenue more straightforward. By creating content that promotes products, services, or brands, you can generate income on a recurring basis. This can include promoting your own offerings, affiliate products, or paid advertisements. Ways to monetize your podcast include crowdfunding campaigns, affiliate marketing, coaching sessions, product promotions, and sponsorships. Leveraging your podcast in these ways allows you to build a sustainable revenue stream while engaging with your audience in meaningful ways.

You don’t need to have a huge audience of millions of followers to earn passive income from your podcasts. Even a small but dedicated group of listeners can be enough to generate revenue. Just ensure that the products or services you promote align with your podcast’s theme and solve a problem for your audience. This way, everyone benefits—listeners discover useful solutions, and you earn income effortlessly.

Podcasting is an excellent way to establish your own media outlet where you can share your opinions and showcase your expertise to your target audience. Having this platform boosts your visibility, which can be especially helpful when you want to promote a brand or pitch your ideas. Sometimes, a podcast can even catch the attention of industry leaders who might offer you a game-changing opportunity. Jaclyn Mellone, host of the popular podcast for female entrepreneurs, Go-To Gal, shared how her podcast helped her land incredible deals. In a conversation with Stephanie Burns of Forbes, she explained how her show opened doors to opportunities and collaborations that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Having a website, like many businesses do, often involves striving to rank higher on search engines. Adding a podcast to your strategy can significantly help with that. Since Google and other search engines began indexing individual podcast episodes in 2019, your episodes can appear directly in search results when people look for related topics. For example, searching for “Tim Ferris” will display the latest episodes of The Tim Ferris Show. Linking your podcasts to your brand also acts as an authority signal to Google, helping your website rank higher and boosting your visibility in search results.

Podcasts can be a strong tool to direct more visitors to your website, especially if you are selling products online. When your authority in a particular field grows, listeners will naturally become interested in visiting your site and conducting quick Google searches to learn more. Additionally, you can link your website to your podcast directory listings or embed it on the hosting site, making it easier for audience members to find you. However, the main goal shouldn’t be immediate sales but rather building genuine relationships and providing value to your audience through awareness and trust.

Podcasts come in many formats. Some creators repurpose blog content into audio, while others produce entirely original, unscripted shows. Most podcasts are audio files, but there are also many video podcasts available. Before starting your own show, it’s helpful to understand the variety of podcasting styles you can choose from. Here are the main types:

Interviews and panel discussions are among the most popular and straightforward podcast formats. They are engaging because having co-hosts or guest speakers makes the conversation more natural and compelling. These shows often feature one or multiple guests, helping to keep the content lively and diverse. The Joe Rogan Experience, for example, is a well-known interview-based podcast with millions of downloads per episode, illustrating the popularity of this format.

Interview podcasts are especially effective when aiming to introduce diverse perspectives to your audience. These formats are particularly popular among political analysts and celebrity interviewers.

As the title indicates, co-hosted podcasts feature two or more hosts working together.

The hosts may discuss a specific topic, interview a guest, or combine both approaches. Despite working as a team, each host often brings their own unique viewpoints and insights to the conversation. This setup also reduces pressure on individual hosts and helps keep listeners engaged, as the interaction between hosts can make episodes more dynamic.

Each host typically assumes a defined role within the podcast. For example, one might kick off the episode and steer the initial discussion, while another can take over with commentary or follow-up questions.

A great example of a co-hosted podcast is The Sisterhood Podcast, hosted by Allyson Reynolds and Tiffany Sowby.

Solo or monologue podcasts are created by an individual without any co-hosts or guests. The content may range from comedy routines and Q&A sessions to opinion pieces, storytelling, or educational content delivered by a single narrator. The key challenge for a solo podcaster is maintaining listener engagement solely through compelling content and good sound quality, since they don’t have guest interactions to rely on. Successful solo podcasts often showcase persuasive narration, humor, or storytelling, like Ask Science Mike, which features Q&A segments, or Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, which dives deeply into historical topics. Online searches reveal many comedians, including Bill Burr and Marc Maron, use solo podcasts to connect with audiences worldwide.

Nonfiction narrative podcasts are another engaging format, although they require skill to execute well. These podcasts focus on storytelling through audio, often combining interviews, sound effects, music, and narration to craft compelling stories. They can be based on real events, history, or personal experiences. One example is Red Hat’s Command Line Heroes, which narrates stories related to technology and innovation in a captivating way. The success of these podcasts lies in their ability to weave facts and storytelling into a seamless narrative that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish.

Command Line Heroes is a storytelling podcast centered on open-source technology, transforming what could be a dull subject into an engaging experience.

Currently in its sixth season, it boasts an impressive average episode completion rate of 90%.

Typically, nonfiction narrative podcasts aim to entertain and hold the listener’s interest. By allowing creative storytelling, these podcasts can be highly captivating.

This format works very well for journalists because they have better access to detailed and insightful information, making their stories richer and more compelling.

The hybrid podcast style combines elements from different formats. For example, you might start with a solo host sharing a monologue, then invite a co-host or guest to join later.

Popular shows like The Gist with Mike Pesca by Slate and BBC podcasts exemplify the hybrid approach.

Typically, such shows begin with a solo intro, gradually shifting into interviews or panel discussions, blending various styles into one seamless format.

Repurposing existing content is an effective way to build your podcast. You can transform blog posts, lectures, workshops, or interviews into podcast episodes. This approach allows you to summarize and present valuable information in a more personal and engaging way for your audience.

Creating a podcast blog can enhance your listeners’ experience by providing diverse content formats and deeper insights.

Some popular examples of podcasts that utilize repurposed content include The TED Radio Hour, Prairie Home Companion, and The Moth.

Before choosing your podcast style, identify your main goal—is it to inform, entertain, or do both? Your decision should depend on your target audience, your topic, and what you hope to achieve with your podcast.

The popularity of podcasts continues to grow rapidly, with over 383 million listeners worldwide as of June 2022. Podcasts can be a powerful tool for business growth and establishing authority in your niche.

However, recording episodes is just the beginning. To succeed, you need to promote your podcasts, pick a hosting platform, and monitor your performance. Fortunately, many tools are available to help you with every step of the process.

Here are some of the top podcast hosting platforms that support you in creating, distributing, and marketing your content effectively.

Best overall podcast platform (Free plans available, $24/month for premium).

Riverside is one of the leading platforms for podcast hosting, offering a comprehensive all-in-one solution that simplifies creating, hosting, and promoting your show. Without downloading any software, you can record, edit, and publish episodes directly through your browser. Riverside provides professional-quality recording and editing tools, a dedicated website for your podcast, and the ability to submit your show to major directories effortlessly. Additionally, you can record videos in up to 4K resolution, ensuring excellent visual quality for video podcasts, with no loss of quality when uploaded.

Riverside provides four subscription plans:

Opt for an annual payment and save up to 21% on your subscription.

An excellent beginner-friendly podcast platform ($12/month).

BuzzSprout is a platform that simplifies hosting, tracking, and promoting your podcast. It seamlessly connects with popular directories such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Alexa, and Overcast. You can begin with free hosting for up to three months, and the platform allows you to publish episodes immediately or schedule them for later. It also offers detailed analytics on your show’s performance, including total downloads and listener platforms.

Key features of BuzzSprout include tools to improve your podcast audio quality with filters, automatic optimization for different audio formats, ID3 tags, and bit rates. You can transcribe your episodes to boost your SEO and make your content more accessible. The platform allows you to customize your podcast player to reflect your branding, and the player itself supports features like skipping backward or forward, and listening at 2X speed, which is perfect for binge-listening or quick reviews. Additionally, you can create chapters within episodes for easy navigation, especially useful if you produce multiple podcasts on similar topics. The platform also enables team collaboration by allowing multiple members to manage your account simultaneously. BuzzSprout partners with top brands for affiliate marketing, offering opportunities to monetize your podcasts.

Pricing options include a free plan for uploading up to 2 hours monthly, available for the first 90 days, followed by paid plans starting at $12 per month for 3 hours of uploads, then increasing to $18 for 6 hours, and $24 for 12 hours each month. For detailed information, you can check my full review of BuzzSprout. New users also benefit from free hosting during the initial 90 days and receive a free Amazon gift card upon signing up.

Ideal for podcasters focused on monetization and advertising, Spreaker offers a comprehensive platform for hosting, creating, distributing, and monetizing podcasts. It includes a built-in recording app that allows you to record, publish, and analyze your shows. Its audio studio provides features like auto-ducking and multiple microphone controls to ensure clear recordings. You can also conduct live recordings and interact with your audience in real-time through chat. Spreaker Studio integrates with Skype, enabling interviews and recording audio directly from calls, and offers editing tools to crop, trim, or migrate content easily. You can view audience analytics on-the-go via its mobile app. Advertising options on Spreaker include dynamic ad insertion for targeted ads and programmatic advertising that automatically manages ad sales to generate passive income. You can distribute your podcasts widely on platforms such as Google, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, and iHeartRadio with just a single tap.

Pricing details are available upon inquiry, with the platform catering to a range of needs from beginners to professional podcasters.

Spreaker offers four subscription options, which include:

Ideal for tracking detailed podcast analytics ($19/month).

Transistor is a popular platform that enables seamless recording and distribution of your podcasts to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pocket Casts. It allows you to host unlimited podcasts under a single pricing plan, and create episodes in multiple formats without additional costs. You can also embed a customizable podcast player, including options for multiple episodes, directly on your website with an easy-to-use embed code. Additionally, Transistor provides insights such as which podcast apps your audience uses, average downloads per episode, and subscriber growth figures. Pricing:

Transistor offers three pricing tiers:

A free trial period of 14 days is included with all plans.

This service is ideal for those looking to monetize their podcasts.

They provide unlimited storage space for hosting and monetizing your podcast, making it easier to expand your reach. Their user-friendly interface simplifies managing your episodes and offers comprehensive listener analytics to help optimize your content strategy. New podcasters can benefit from their free website setup, enabling quick launch and immediate presence.

RSS.com also offers multiple support options for beginners or those needing extra help. By partnering with brands and sponsors, podcasters can find revenue opportunities, helping grow their earnings.

Thanks to cross-platform analytics, RSS.com provides comprehensive data that helps podcasters understand audience behavior and monetize more effectively. Their pricing structure includes a variety of plans suitable for different needs:

Podcasts have rapidly become a popular source of entertainment, education, and discussion. Whether you’re interested in creating or consuming this engaging type of content, understanding what podcasts are is essential.

A podcast is essentially a series of on-demand audio episodes distributed via the internet. They can cover a vast array of subjects including politics, business, education, health, technology, or entertainment.

The appeal of podcasts comes from their originality and the variety of perspectives they offer. Once you grasp what podcasts are, the next step is to choose your preferred platform for listening—popular options include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and SoundCloud—each designed to make subscribing, downloading, and listening simple.

If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, begin by selecting a niche or topic you are passionate about, then plan and develop your content accordingly. Utilizing free or paid hosting services will help you distribute your episodes, attract an audience, and analyze your performance.

Having the right hosting platform provides the tools and support needed to begin your podcasting journey. After launching, promoting your show on social media and other online platforms is crucial to grow your audience. With consistent, engaging content, you’ll see your listener base expand, unlocking the potential of podcasting to connect with a global audience.

In conclusion, podcasts are a powerful medium for entertainment, education, and information sharing, allowing individuals and organizations to reach listeners worldwide through accessible online platforms.

In the 1980s, podcasts were initially known as audio blogging, a precursor to modern podcasting. It wasn’t until the early 2000s, with the advent of high-speed internet and portable devices like MP3 players and iPods, that podcasts gained widespread popularity.

In September 2000, I2Go introduced the first podcast system that enabled automatic downloading, selection, and storage of episodes on mobile devices and computers. This innovation was part of their digital entertainment and news service called MyAudio2Go.com, which offered episodic content spanning entertainment, sports, news, music, and weather—all in audio format. The service, however, was short-lived, lasting about a year.

Following improvements in internet speed and smartphone technology, the popularity of podcasting skyrocketed, with more than 115,000 podcasts available and a continually growing audience.

Online access to podcasts in English has become ubiquitous. In 2005, with the release of iTunes 4.9, Apple introduced native podcast support on its popular audio streaming platform. That same year, President George W. Bush made history by delivering his weekly address via a podcast for the first time. During a 2006 keynote presentation, Steve Jobs showcased how to create podcasts using GarageBand software. As of 2020, the total number of podcast episodes worldwide has surpassed 30 million. The growth of podcasting over the years highlights its increasing popularity and influence.

Source: Oberlo.com

Here’s an overview of key milestones in the history of podcasting:

2004: Adam Curry and Dave Winer are recognized as the pioneers who launched podcasting as a new media format.

2005: Apple released iTunes 4.9, which included built-in support for podcasts, making them accessible to a wider audience. That same year, President George W. Bush became the first sitting U.S. president to deliver a weekly address via podcast. Also, “Podcast” was named the Word of the Year by the New Oxford American Dictionary, highlighting its rise in popularity.

2006: During a keynote speech, Steve Jobs explained how to record podcasts using GarageBand, further promoting the medium’s accessibility.

2007: Comedian Ricky Gervais set a world record for the highest number of podcast downloads, showcasing the medium’s expanding reach.

2009–2011: Podcast creator Adam Carolla achieved over 59 million downloads, representing one of the highest consumption rates during that period.

2013: Apple announced that there were over 1 billion podcast subscriptions worldwide, reflecting massive global growth.

2019: The number of podcast listeners reached 165 million globally, including 90 million in the United States, emphasizing the medium’s widespread popularity.

Podcasting has rapidly become a highly popular and financially rewarding method for branding and broadcasting content. Its main advantage is the flexibility it offers to audiences—they can listen from anywhere at any time. Producing a podcast also enables creators to reach new audiences and experiment with different content formats. Simple to produce, whether recording solo or interviewing guests, podcasts do not require extensive equipment or costs, making them accessible even for beginners. Additionally, with Google now indexing podcasts, they can be used effectively to improve search engine optimization.

For those interested in starting their own show, I recommend checking out my detailed guide on How to Start a Podcast. Already creating podcasts? Consider expanding your revenue streams by using Audible to reach even more listeners. You can find practical tips on How to Make Money on Audible, which can help you monetize your content effectively.