The world of podcasting is very diverse and has a language of its own. Some of us may be familiar with most of these terms but others may be totally lost in the woods when it comes to anything to do with podcasting. That’s why we have decided to give you a list of the most common podcasting terms and exactly what they refer to so that you too can be an expert on all things podcasting!
Podcast
noun [c] , /ˈpɒdkɑːst/
“A digital audio file found on the Internet or app (Spotify, iTunes. etc), available for download or online streaming on a computer or mobile device. Usually released as individual episodes or part of a series.”
RSS Feed
noun [c] , /ˌɑːr es ˈes ˌfiːd/
“RSS stands for “Rich Site Summary” or as most call it “Really Simple Syndication”. This simply means it allows people to receive updates to web-based content of interest by subscribing, such as to your favorite podcast.”
Podcast Host
noun [c] , /ˈpɒdkɑːst hoʊst/
“Every podcast has a host – usually the podcast creator. This is the person who creates the audio content for the show, interviews guests, and builds the podcast community.”
Hosting Site
noun , /hoʊst-ing sʌɪt/
“A podcast hosting site provides the file hosting an RSS feed for your podcast. When a user subscribes to your podcast the podcast hosting site sends the audio and media files and the RSS feed to the platforms directly. These sites also offer you a lot more features (analytics reports, marketing tools, social sharing options, iTunes compliance, etc.).”
Podcast Directory
noun [c] , /ˈpɒdkɑːst dʌɪˈrɛkt(ə)ri/
“In simple terms, a podcast directory is like a shop for your podcast. The directory makes it easier for listeners to find your show. Your podcast is not uploaded to the directory, only to the hosting site, which will provide you with an RSS feed. You then submit the RSS feed to the podcast directory, and just like that your show will be available on that platform.”
Podcast Recording Device
noun [c] , /ˈpɒdkɑːst rɪˈkɔːdɪŋ dɪˈvʌɪs/
“The first thing you need when starting your podcast is the recording device. It is possible to record your podcast with your laptop or phone using their built-in microphone, but once you start becoming more professional then you’ll need a better device to improve your sound and quality. Luckily there are many options out there for you to choose from when you have to decide on a recording device.”
Pop Filters
noun , /pɒp ˈfɪltə/
“A pop filter is found on most microphones used for recording. As its name states, a pop filter is used to eliminate “popping” noises when you speak or sing into a microphone. These popping noises are referred to as plosives, which is the sudden air pressure that happens when you use words like “p”eople or “p”ain.”
Podcast Editing Software
noun [c] , /ˈpɒdkɑːst ˈɛdɪt-ing ˈsɒf(t)wɛː/
“There is a lot of podcast editing software out there for you to use. Most software will work on both Mac and Windows, but some only work on one. So choosing software that works for you should be based on whether you use a Mac or a PC as well as what your budget is. Here are a few examples of podcast editing software; GarageBand, Logic Pro, Adobe Audition, Audacity.”
ID3 Tagging
noun , /ID θriː ˈtaɡɪŋ/
“The ID3 tagging provides the title, artist, year, genre, and any other information embedded into your MP3 file that will help organize the files on iTunes and other podcast platforms. This added information is also known as Metadata.”
USB Interface
noun, /USB ˈɪntəfeɪs/
“Interface refers to two devices connecting to each other. For example, a printer connects to a computer via a USB interface. Your USB audio interface lets you convert your analog audio signals, or simply your voice, into a digital signal for your computer.”
Microphone Types
noun , /ˈmʌɪkrəfəʊn/
“There are many microphone options out there that will suit your needs, whether you’re looking for quality or something to fit your budget. Some of the different levels of microphones include the Entry Level – Samson Q2U; High-Quality Level – Blue Yeti; Pro Level – Rode NT1-A.”
Types of Audio Files (Mono & Stereo)
noun , /ˈmɒnəʊ & ˈstɪərɪəʊ fʌɪl/
“Mono track appears as one single waveform in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Stereo tracks appear as two waveforms in your DAW. A stereo track offers different sounds from the right to the left, which gives it a stereo effect when using headphones or speakers. A mono track plays the same audio on either side. Mono is best when recording a podcast unless your podcast has a lot of music.”
