Apple Podcasts

Podcasting is defined as distributing audio or video files, such as radio programs or music videos over the Internet using either RSS or syndication for listening on mobile devices and personal computers.

Definition
The term podcast originates from its introduction to Apple'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. Usually, the podcast features one type of "show" with new episodes either sporadically or at planned intervals such as daily, weekly, etc. In addition to this, there are podcast networks that feature multiple shows on the same feed.

Podcasting's essence is about creating content (audio or video) for an audience that wants to listen when they want, where they want, and how they want.

Apple and podcasting
With the introduction of podcasting support in iTunes 4.9 for Mac OS X and iPods, Apple opened the floodgates to the world of podcasting. Literally overnight, more and more Mac users were subscribing to podcasts, and new podcasts were churned out at a notable rate. Apple further made podcasting easier accessible to the general public when it integrated podcast-recording features in GarageBand 3 in January 2006. Podcasts can now be accessed on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS through the dedicated Apple Podcasts app with support for subscriptions.

Google and podcasting
The term has become genericized as Google also 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.