Podcasting

Podcasting is defined as the distribution of audio or video files, such as radio programs or music videos, over the Internet through either RSS or syndication for listening on mobile devices or personal computers. The essence of podcasting is about creating content (audio or video) for an audience that wants to listen or watch when they want, where they want, and how they want.

Description
The term podcast originates from Apple Computer's iPod line. Like radio, the term can mean both the content and the method of delivery. Podcasters' websites also may offer direct download of their files, but the subscription of automatically delivered new content is what distinguishes a podcast from a simple download or real-time. A podcast features a type of audio or video program, ranging from news to education to entertainment "shows", with new episodes added either sporadically or at planned intervals such as daily, weekly, etc. In addition, there are podcast networks, such as the, that have grown to feature feeds of multiple programs.

History
The term podcasting had been coined in 2004 by journalist to describe the world of "audio blogging" and "guerilla media" that had been rapidly growing around the popular iPods. Hammersley was contacted by the to document the origin of the word.

Apple and podcasting
With the introduction of podcasts in iTunes 4.9 for Mac OS X and iPods in 2005, Apple Computer officially embraced the term and brought podcasting into the mainstream. Many Mac users began subscribing to podcasts, and new podcasts were produced out at an increasing rate. On January 10, 2006, Apple made the creation of podcasts more accessible through the integration of podcast recording and exporting features in GarageBand 3 from the iLife '06 suite. Podcasts can now be accessed on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS through the dedicated Apple Podcasts app. Support for paid podcast subscriptions was added in 2021.

Podcasting on other platforms
The term podcasting has become genericized on other platforms with the Personal On Demand broadCASTing. Google added support for podcasts on Apple as well as Android devices. Podcasts on Windows is supported by iTunes as well as various 3rd-party apps.