What is a podcast

Below is a detailed podcasting definition that provides some good information about podcasting and some of the technical requirements of podcasting.

Podcasting was created by former MTV VJ Adam Curry and Dave Winer. Basically it describes technology used to push audio content from websites down to those interested in the content. Due to the popularity of the iPod and since most people at that time were using an iPod to listen to the audio files, the term "pod" was used. Ultimately any piece of equipment that supports mp3 can be used to listen. The term podcasting is meant to rhyme with broadcasting and is a derivative of the iPod platform. While not directly associated with Apples iPod device or iTunes music service, the company did contribute both the desire and the technology for this capability. Basically Podcasting can be seen as the same technology as time-shifted video software and devices like TiVo, which let you watch what you want when you want by recording and storing video. Podcasting started out as audio only but now many people have video as well. Note, however, that this podcasting technology can be used to push any kind of file, including software updates, pictures, and videos.

Podcasting uses an XML-based programing language called RSS (Really Simple Syndication). This XML RSS file, called an RSS feed, will include dates, titles, descriptions, and links to files (an enclosure) for each content entry that is published to the feed. The key to making podcasting work with RSS is enclosures, a feature supported by RSS 2.0.

What makes podcasting special is that it allows individuals to publish (podcast) content, that interested listeners can subscribe to. Before podcasting you could of course have audio or video content and put it on your website, but now people can automatically receive your content, without having to go to a specific site and download it from there.