What's a podcast?

A picture of a girl listening to an ipod

There are podcasts available for almost every subject

Listen to expert Which? advice at home or on the move

The term ‘podcast’ sounds very technical, but it’s actually a very simple idea. 

It’s like tuning in to a radio show, but instead listening to a live broadcast, you download a programme – known as a podcast – from the internet so that you can listen to it when and wherever you want.

Like radio shows, podcasts are often published at regular intervals. And you can set your podcast software to automatically download new versions of a podcast as soon as it is published on the internet.

Once done, you can either listen to it from the comfort of your own desk or transfer the podcast to your digital music player, Smartphone and enjoy it on the move.

Download podcasts for free

Podcasts are usually free to download and consist of audio and, occasionally, video or slideshows. You will need to have a free podcast client software on your computer such as Juice or iTunes to subscribe and download podcasts. 

There are podcasts on just about every topic you can think of, ranging from BBC Radio 4 programmes such as ‘Women’s Hour’ and Melvyn Bragg’s ‘In Our Time’ to debates on articles appearing in the magazine ‘New Scientist’, and video clips released by comedian Ricky Gervais.

Which? produce a range of podcasts on everything from money tips to the latest tech gadgets. You can subscribe to our podcasts by choosing the links below:

Finding new podcasts

If you want to track down a particular podcast, try searching on either Podcast.com or Podcastingnews.com or from within iTunes.

These podcast directories contain links to all sorts of different types of podcasts; simply click the different topic headings to find one on a subject you’re interested in.

It is also worth visiting the website of your favourite radio station, as you'll often find a link to a particular show or DJ’s podcast. 

Though iTunes is by far the most popular podcast download site, you don't have to use an iPod to get podcasts. You can listen to them on your computer or any MP3 player and most smartphones.

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