What Really Is a Podcast?

What is called a podcast has sparked more debate in our community than mic choices or interview styles. There’s a lot of confusion, and even controversy, around this seemingly simple question. And if you’ve been in the podcasting game for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard a dozen different definitions. According to WhatsAPodcast.com: podcast (noun) Episodic multimedia content that is downloadable via RSS (“really simple syndication”). A podcast can be audio or video. Yes, this is technically correct. But let’s be real. That doesn’t really explain what a podcast is in the way that matters to us as creators. A Podcast Is a Distribution Method, Not Just a “Show” At its core, a podcast is a show distributed via podcasting technology. Namely, RSS feeds. That’s it. The magic isn’t in the audio file or video format, It’s in how it gets to your audience. A podcast isn’t just a genre of content, it’s a method of delivery. That’s a crucial distinction we, as creators, need to understand…  Even if our audiences don’t. Listeners (or viewers, if it’s video) might never think twice about RSS. But we should. RSS is the backbone of podcasting. It allows for decentralized distribution, meaning no single company owns or controls where or how your content is accessed. That’s not a bug, it’s a feature. Why YouTube Isn’t a Podcast (And That’s Okay) There’s a common argument: “If I post my show on YouTube, that’s a podcast, right?” Well…  Not quite. A video uploaded to YouTube is a video. You might also be running a podcast that features the same content, but unless it’s distributed via RSS, it’s not technically a podcast. It’s just another method of media distribution. And, There is NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. There are many ways to distribute a show: TV or radio broadcast YouTube or other video platforms Embedded audio on a website Live streaming Podcasting via RSS The important thing is understanding what makes something a podcast: RSS-powered syndication that lets people subscribe (or follow) and receive new episodes automatically, in their preferred app, without being tied to any one platform. Why This Matters to Independent Creators You might ask, “Who cares if my content is called a podcast or not?” Well, as an independent creator, you should care… at least a little. RSS keeps podcasting open and democratic. It’s what allows your show to appear on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and hundreds of other directories, all without being locked into a single ecosystem. When your content lives only on one platform, you’re at the mercy of that platform’s algorithm, terms of service, and monetization policies. With podcasting, you own your feed. That’s powerful. Use Podcasting as One Tool in Your Creator Toolkit Here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose just one path. You can distribute your content however you like. Record your live radio show? Great turn that into a podcast. Record a video for YouTube? Strip the audio and publish it as a podcast. Do a podcast? Add video and stream it live. Repurpose your content across channels. Just understand the distinctions. Podcasting is just one way to reach your audience. But it’s a way that gives you freedom, control, and ownership. And that’s why it’s worth preserving the true meaning of what a podcast is. A podcast isn’t defined by whether it’s audio or video, entertaining, educational or just plain stupid. It’s defined by how it’s distributed. Via RSS. Understanding that gives you more power as a content creator, not less. Keep creating. Keep sharing. And most importantly, keep owning your feed. HAPPY PODCASTING!