What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is delivering audio or video content to iPods and other portable media players, like PDAs or Sony PSPs, on demand, so that it can be listened to or watched at the user's convenience. The main benefit of podcasting is that users can sync content to their media player and take it with them to use whenever they want to. Because podcasts are typically saved in MP3 format, they can also be listened to on nearly any computer.

The term podcasting was popularized by media entrepreneur and former MTV VJ Adam Curry. Curry created an Applescript application that automated the process of downloading and syncing audio files to iPods.

Not just for iPods™
Podcasting is not limited to iPod™. You can watch a Podcast on any computer or portable—video capable—device. Podcasts can be entertainment for music and comedy, or informational, to promote and sell a product or service.

Podcasting has been described as TiVo for Internet audio, because it lets users save content digitally, and replay it at their convenience. This comparison, though, only addresses the idea of time-shifting, and not the idea that podcasting lowers barriers to entry, creates an alternate distribution model for audio content or that it lets publishers extend the reach of Internet content to times when people aren't even connected. Podcasting can be used for publishing any type of audio, and some developers are exploring the idea of using the same techniques to publish video and other types of content. Podcasting is spreading quickly because of the rapid adoption of MP3 players, and the desire of owners to have fresh content.