How are podcasts different from blogs? Podcasts and blogs seem to be two very similar mediums, yet they both have their own set of unique advantages. What is it about these two formats that make them popular to many internet users around the world?
In this article, we will discuss how these two pieces of content are alike as well as how they are different. We’ll also talk about how you can use either one for your benefit in content marketing!
What are podcasts?
Podcasts are a form of audio broadcasting that can be listened to through podcast apps, such as iTunes. They allow the user to subscribe and download it for free on their phone or other listening devices. Podcasts are also a way to distribute media in order for people to listen on their own terms and schedule.
The term “podcast” was first coined in 2004 by Ben Hammersley, a British journalist. He combined the words from “iPod” and “broadcast.” He was trying to describe online audio files that were downloadable and playable through syndication or streaming services like iTunes, Google Play Music, Pandora Radio, etc.
What started as an audio-only format has now expanded into video, text articles, and more. Podcasts first became popular during the early 2000s, and their popularity has been on the rise ever since. This is due in part to an increase in inconvenience as well as more people adopting smartphones for entertainment purposes.
How are podcasts different from blogs?
Podcasts and blogs have a few key differences that set them apart from each other.
In length
Podcasts differ from blogs because they have an episodic feel and shorter length. Blogs often contain more informal content where people can express themselves through writing. What’s nice about blogs is that the author has complete control of the content and can post as often as they like without being censored.
Podcasts are great for people looking for quick and easy ways to learn more about a topic. Blogs tend to focus on long-form content while podcasts cover shorter pieces: this is because the majority of podcasts are only 15 minutes in length and are easily consumed.
What’s more is that blogs tend to have a slower response time, while podcasts’ topics cover a range of different subjects. This means that you could listen to one episode on your commute home from work or download multiple episodes to cater to your needs!
In form
Podcasts differ from blogs in how they are consumed. Podcasts can be listened to on the go, while a blog requires you to sit down for an extended period of time and read through it. This difference has its advantages as well as disadvantages too!
For instance, podcasts may not require your full attention which means that you can still focus on other tasks while listening. On the other hand, podcasts often come with time limits that impose how much you can listen to in a day which may mean missing out on information if there is not enough time to sit and read through it all. Podcasts differ from blogs because of how the media format differs too!
Podcasts also differ from blogs because they are typically one-sided conversations or interviews whereas blog posts are articles that can be read whenever. Since podcasts only have one or two people talking, they may not be as in-depth as blogs which often include more research and how the writer feels about a topic. In the end, the kind of format you want to consume your content means that some people would prefer one format over the other.
In content
Podcasts differ from blog posts because they cover specific topics whereas most blogs are written on an ongoing basis with no set topic. Podcasts may cover one topic for a few episodes whereas blogs will often address topics that are going on at the moment or how an author feels about something current in society.
Podcasts usually have a set list of content to be covered within an episode making it easier to organize and plan ahead!
While both of these formats allow the host to speak unfiltered, podcasts have a formal feel and are made for entertainment purposes only. Blogs, on the other hand, often contain more informal content where people can express themselves directly or indirectly with their words which made them so popular to readers.
What’s nice about blogs is that the author has complete control of the content; they can post as often as they like and include any information that will help readers to connect with them better!
The way podcasts are published sets them apart from blogs as well. Blog posts usually have a set publishing schedule whereas podcasts will be posted whenever there is time to record it and then publish it for listeners.
What are podcasts good for?
Podcasts can be used to provide thoughtful content on various topics that will always exist no matter what. They’re also great if you have something interesting or informative to tell listeners but don’t have the time to write an article.
What they lack in length, they make up for in quality and substance. What’s nice is that podcast listeners are less likely to skim through or skip content as well!
Podcasts also serve a specific purpose. They entertain the listener with pre-recorded audio or educational podcasts for learners who want to learn more about something particular.
Plenty of podcasters have found a niche in the podcast world, and they all have a different style depending on their content. What this means is that there’s something for everyone in podcasts.
How do you use them?
Podcasts are great for people who are looking for a quick and easy way to learn more about a topic.
What’s nice is that you don’t need any special equipment in order to listen; all you have to do is download the audio file onto your phone or laptop, put on some headphones, and press play!
Blogs are great for people who want an open forum where they can express themselves without being censored.
What’s also nice about blogs, is that they’re easy to access since you don’t need any special equipment in order to read them online!
How are podcasts similar to blogs?
Podcasts are like blogs because people can give their opinions or talk about various topics without the restriction of response time.
However, both formats differ in many ways. Blogs and podcasts can be consumed as quickly or as slowly as the reader/listener wants.
What’s more, the two forms of media have a personal connection for those who consume them.
Conclusion
Podcasts are a great way to get information and entertainment on the go. Whether you’re driving for hours or stuck in an airport, podcasts can be there with engaging content that’s just as relevant now as it was when they were first published.
Blogposts may also offer up-to-date news stories but require more time commitment from their readers – you have to read them all!
Despite their differences, podcasts and blogs have entertained and helped many readers and listeners alike! Whether or not you want to listen to podcasts and read blog posts depends on what you want as a consumer.
Thank you Kevin for explaining the differences and similarities. I just started to do my podcast after a few years of letting it go. I like the ease and quickness of it. I’d love to start interviewing folks on it as well. It is easier than writing a blog post. Between the formatting of the post and finding images and maybe doing a video, a podcast is less time-consuming!
What’s your podcast, Lisa? Leave a link here so I (and others) can check it out 👊😃
Thank you, Kevin, it is: https://anchor.fm/lisa-sicard
I had done it several years ago and just started back up again. I plan on doing one podcast per week. Would love some folks to interview as well in the future podcasts.
You’re very welcome, Lisa, and thank you for sharing your podcast link here for my readers 👊😃 If your podcast is even close to as good as your blog content, I predict it will be very successful.