A podcast is an MP3 audio file you can listen to in a variety of ways, such as on your computer or a portable MP3 audio player. People use the term to refer to content and the method of delivery.
To make a podcast, you upload an MP3 file to your Web page or blog, and then allow people to download it.
Another popular way to share and experience podcasts is through a podcast feed.
Sharing Podcasts - Podcast Feeds - Syndication
A podcast feed is similar an online bookmark that allows someone with the right software to find your podcast. There are a growing number of podcast shows, where people regularly put up new material. The podcast feed allows you to have your computer automatically download the latest file, so you can listen to it any time.
Syndication is simply the process of making your podcast available to others, through a podcast feed. Syndication can be thought of as making a podcast in to a show—making it available to anyone who is interested in listening to it. For example, when a radio show in a particular city becomes popular, it is often syndicated. The same show is made available through radio stations in other cities. Basically, a podcast feed puts the power of syndication in your hands.
Again, it is possible to make an MP3 file available as a download right from your Web page; and many people call this a podcast. The most popular way to experience a podcast is through a feed because it allows someone to receive the latest file automatically.
NOTE: A podcast feed is also referred to as a syndication feed.
For example, if you wanted to have a weekly podcast show, you would
set up a single podcast feed and add a new audio file to that feed each
week. Then, anyone who subscribed to the feed will receive the latest
podcast as soon as it is available, or by clicking the Update
button in iTunes.
Working with Podcasts
The podcast file can be any audio file converted into MP3 format. Control Panel's Podcast tool allows you to upload the MP3 file and generate a link to the podcast.
The podcast is delivered is through the feed. To access the feed, free podcast-friendly software such as iTunes or iPodder is required.
You can copy and paste the podcast link to share through e-mail or a Web page. People can subscribe to the podcast—although, iTunes or iPodder software is required to receive the podcast correctly.
Getting Started
One of the best ways to get started is to download free software like iTunes or iPodder, try exploring the podcast directory, and listening to a podcast. Then, you can try making your own podcast.
You can find additional helpful information at the following links:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/tips.html
http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/faq.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast