Podcasts are the latest form of entertainment and media that we have encountered. Who doesn’t love a good true crime podcast after a long, tiring day of work? Probably no one. Podcasts have appeared as a trend, continued to shine, and paved the way for many to join this novel and promising market in the past few years. With millions of people taking a special interest in podcasts, demand increased. Thus, experts have been looking for ways to make them more accessible and advanced. In this article, we will explore the great merging of podcasts and apps. We will also show you how to create a podcast app that can entertain millions of people.
What Are Podcasts?
Podcasts are now the go-to for people, whether they are running, working out, working in general, or even studying. They are literally everywhere. They are forms of audio media where a host creates a collection of episodes talking about and discussing many topics. Some podcasts actually discuss one topic; however, they do this from different perspectives and from varied points of view.
Some people say that podcasts are the same as radio shows; well, it’s the same at some points but majorly different at others. TV shows are usually broadcast live on air. And while podcasts can be the same, the majority of them are uploaded post-recording. Another major difference is that podcasts are usually concerned with one topic, such as pop culture podcasts. These types of podcasts will only discuss topics that have to do with pop culture. However, TV shows are more dynamic and discuss a different topic each day.
There are many types of podcasts that you can find. For instance, there are interview podcasts where hosts interview either celebrities, experts, industry giants, etc. This depends on the scope of the podcast. Another very common type of podcast is a solo talk podcast. This is where only one host starts telling stories or educating listeners about a specific topic. Additionally, there are documentary podcasts. In theory, they are similar to solo talks, but they have many details, and depth, and also include portraying real-life events.
In addition to entertaining listeners, podcasts also serve as an opportunity for anyone to create a show and discuss topics that they are really interested in with many people. This is the main reason why people turn to podcasts, as they cover a wide range of topics, and anyone can easily find great podcasts covering specific and unique topics.
The Merge of Podcasts and Apps
Back in the day, there were no such things as podcasts. It started as radio show that people waited for and got to listen to only once. With the rise of the internet came another advanced form of radio known as internet radio, which people could listen to online in the late 1990s. As we moved forward in time, things got more advanced, and a thing known as audio blog posts, which is the closest form of a podcast, appeared. The name started to evolve, and so did the technology, until we arrived at the latest form of podcasts in 2005–2006.
It was not only the rise of the internet that impacted podcasts, apps left an effective mark as well. The emergence of apps had a magical impact on all forms of media, it was not limited to streaming services for TV shows and movies only. Thus, it contributed to the major enhancement of podcasts. Podcasts usually appear on broadcasting platforms like Spreaker and Soundcloud. These were the most popular platforms and among the first ones to provide such services.
The problem with these platforms is that they weren’t that flexible, meaning that not all people could access them. There are many reasons why not all people can access such platforms. For instance, some of these platforms are banned or not available in some countries. Additionally, in order to access them, they needed an established and stable internet connection. Fortunately, podcasts came to solve this major problem and offered users and listeners many perks, like flexibility and customization.
With podcast apps, users can easily download any podcasts they would like and listen anywhere and anytime without needing any internet connection. Customization and suggestion systems are also major perks of podcast apps. By utilizing deep learning capabilities, podcast apps offer listeners tailored suggestions based on their interests, preferences, and patterns.
The Best Podcast Apps You Could Use
Pocket Casts
Pocket Casts is a popular podcast application that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It is easy to find and listen to podcasts due to its simplified and intuitive interface. Pocket Casts enables users to create custom playlists, adjust playback speed, and stay updated when new episodes are released. The “Trim Silence” feature, which automatically passes over prolonged pauses in podcast episodes, is one of the most useful features of Pocket Casts. This feature can help listeners save time and is very practical. Pocket Casts is really a feature-packed app that you can’t miss!
Google Podcasts
Google Podcasts is another outstanding and renowned podcast application that is powered by Google. What makes the app special is that it is connected to Google Assistant. This allows users to control playback using voice commands. Google Podcasts also includes a great personalized feed feature that suggests new podcasts based on a user’s listening history and patterns. The ability to search for specific words or phrases within podcast episodes is one of Google Podcasts’ most useful features. When searching for a specific topic within a podcast, this can be helpful.
Podbean
Podbean was originally a podcast hosting platform, but now it also comes with a podcast application. The app from Podbean has an intuitive interface that lets you wander through thousands of podcasts on all topics easily and seamlessly. And just like Google Podcasts, it also has a powerful suggestion algorithm that helps personalize the user experience. The capability to live-stream recordings is one of Podbean’s most valuable features. This feature enables users to listen to the podcasts live and on air instead of waiting for a new episode release.
Castbox
Castbox is a podcast app that is available on both iOS and Android devices. It has a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to discover and listen to podcasts. Castbox allows users to create custom playlists, adjust playback speed, and receive notifications when new episodes are released. One of the most useful features of Castbox is the ability to subscribe to specific topics within podcasts. This feature allows users to receive notifications when new episodes are released that contain their preferred topics.
How to Create a Podcast App
Brainstorm Podcast App Ideas
Before you start creating your podcast app, it’s important to brainstorm ideas and determine what features and functionalities you want to include. Think about what sets your app apart from others and how it can provide a unique and valuable experience for users. Consider features like personalized recommendations, easy navigation, social sharing options, and the ability to save and download episodes for offline listening, as well as integrating a podcast summarizer to help users quickly grasp episode. Take the time to research existing podcast apps and identify any gaps or areas for improvement that you can address with your app. Once you have a clear vision for your app, you can move on to the next steps in the creation process.
Research the Podcasting Market and Competition
Before diving into creating your own podcast app, it’s crucial to research the podcasting market and understand the competition. Take the time to explore existing podcast apps and analyze their features, user experience, and overall popularity. This will help you identify any gaps or areas for improvement that you can capitalize on with your own app. Additionally, studying the competition will give you insights into what works and what doesn’t in the podcasting industry, allowing you to make informed decisions and create a cutting-edge app that stands out from the crowd.
Define Your Target Audience and Niche
One of the first steps in creating a cutting-edge podcast app is to define your target audience and niche. This will help you tailor your app to meet the specific needs and interests of your target users. Start by conducting market research to identify who your ideal users are and what they are looking for in a podcast app. Consider factors such as age, gender, interests, and listening habits. Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you can then determine your niche within the podcasting industry. This could be a specific genre of podcasts, a particular demographic, or a unique feature that sets your app apart. By defining your target audience and niche, you can create a podcast app that caters to the specific needs and preferences of your users, ultimately increasing its chances of success in the competitive podcasting market.
Design a User-Friendly and Visually Appealing App Interface
When creating a cutting-edge podcast app, it’s crucial to prioritize the design of a user-friendly and visually appealing app interface. This is because the user experience plays a significant role in attracting and retaining users. Start by considering the layout and navigation of your app. Ensure that it is intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to easily browse and discover new podcasts. Additionally, pay attention to the visual elements of your app, such as color schemes, typography, and graphics. These elements should align with your brand and create a visually cohesive and engaging experience for users. Remember to optimize the app interface for different devices and screen sizes to ensure a seamless experience across platforms. By prioritizing a user-friendly and visually appealing app interface, you can enhance the overall user experience and increase the chances of success for your podcast app.
Develop Essential Features
In order to create a cutting-edge podcast app, it’s important to include essential features that enhance the user experience. One of these features is episode streaming, which allows users to listen to podcasts directly within the app without having to download them. This provides convenience and saves storage space on the user’s device. Another important feature is subscriptions, which allow users to subscribe to their favorite podcasts and receive notifications when new episodes are released. This helps to keep users engaged and encourages them to regularly use the app. Additionally, including user profiles allows users to personalize their experience by saving their preferences, creating playlists, and accessing their listening history. This adds a personal touch and makes the app more interactive. By developing these essential features, you can create a podcast app that is user-friendly, engaging, and sets itself apart from the competition.
