If you’re new to this, it can be easier to understand if you look at how radio stations are turning their shows into podcasts.

But, remember, Podcasts have gone way beyond radio – each podcast episode is a recording of a ‘More or Less’ radio episode, and they’re all organized into one podcast series.

If you’re a fan of the radio show, you can subscribe to the more or less podcast and episodes are delivered to you each week. That means you can listen to them any time, rather than be stuck to the radio at the same time each week.

Podcasts vs. Radio: What’s the Difference?

Are podcasts the same as radio shows?

While podcasts and radio share a lot of similarities, since they’re both audio formats, podcasts are more versatile in a lot of ways. You can think of podcasts as the next “evolution” of the radio show.

• Here are some of the key differences between podcasts and radio:
  • Podcasts are usually edited, while the radio is typically live.
  • Podcasts can be streamed or downloaded on demand, while radio shows typically need to be listened to live. Radio stations are increasingly making their previously aired shows available online, but most radio content must be accessed when it goes live.
  • Most radio content is aimed at a broad audience, while podcast content can be extremely niche.
  • Most radio shows need to fill a specific time block, whereas podcast episodes can be any length.
  • Radio shows typically have higher production costs, so they contain advertisements to help offset these costs. While podcast advertising is a growing industry, many podcasts don’t include ads because the cost barrier to entry for podcasting is so much lower than for radio.

Did you know?

Podcasting has existed since the 1980s. In its earliest form, it was called audio blogging.

People would record their pieces and share the audio content over the internet, like auditory blog posts.

In 2004, Ben Hammersly first used the term podcast to describe this content.

The term was a combination of the words iPod and broadcast.

You don’t need to be a very technical person, nor does it require a lot of money to learn how to make a podcast.

For business owners, learning to start a podcast is something you should consider to help you reach this growing audience and expand your business through content marketing.

You want to always keep your audience in mind, and consider how you can make the listening and interacting experience valuable to them.

Remember that the more effort you put into your show, the more you will get out of it.

Your show has the potential to be a raging success.

As a beginner (or aspiring) podcaster, you’re probably like many of us. Before starting a podcast for real, you might think podcasting looks like this:

• 95% or more of your podcasting time will be spent recording episodes (the “fun part”)
• Editing will be easy and quick (if you even need to do it at all; you have no verbal ticks and never stumble over your words!)
• Sponsors and amazing interview guests will be lining up at your door from day one

If reading over that rosy list have you smiling to yourself, you’re probably practical enough to know that podcasting, like any serious endeavor, takes a lot more work than it looks from the outside.

Many beginner podcasters make the mistake of not having a good idea of their niche, style, and audience before they start. While some have stumbled into success by finding their way through trial and error, it’s much easier to start out with a plan.

Write down your goals and your big “why.” Stick this note somewhere you’ll see it, like on your computer or your bathroom mirror.

Let your “why” guide all your other decisions so that you don’t waste time going down paths that won’t lead you where you want to go.

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