What Is a Podcast? Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Your Own
Podcasts are everywhere and they’re here to stay, but what actually IS a podcast and why are they so popular? Let’s start with the basics and make you think about why you should start your own, today…..
If you’ve ever asked yourself “What exactly is a podcast?”, “Can anyone start one?”, or “Is it too late to begin now?”—you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative, or just someone with a story to tell, we’re here to break down the podcasting basics in plain English—no tech jargon, no fuss.
So, What Actually Is a Podcast?
Let’s keep it simple: a podcast is like an on-demand radio show. It’s a piece of audio or video content that you can listen to (or watch) anytime, anywhere—whether you're walking the dog, commuting, or cooking dinner.
Unlike traditional radio, podcasts aren’t tied to a schedule. Instead, they’re distributed online via something called an RSS feed. This might sound technical, but don’t worry—you won’t need to understand it in detail to get started. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes tech that sends your episode from your hosting platform (like Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Captivate) out to places like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
Who Can Start a Podcast?
Anyone.
You don’t need a media degree, expensive equipment, or a big team behind you. If you’ve got something to say—about your business, your passion, your personal journey—then you’re already halfway there.
Podcasting has become incredibly accessible. Today, you can start recording with just your phone and a quiet room. And the best part? You can grow from there. As your confidence builds, you can upgrade your setup and improve your production quality step by step.
Why Are Podcasts So Popular Right Now?
Podcasting isn’t new—it’s been around since the iPod days (hence the name). But the last few years have seen a huge surge in popularity. Why?
Here are a few key reasons:
Low barrier to entry: Equipment is affordable, user-friendly, and often unnecessary to begin with.
Flexible format: Your podcast can be 5 minutes or 3 hours long. You make the rules.
More approachable than video: Not everyone wants to jump on camera or film a TikTok. Podcasts let you focus on the message without the pressure of visuals.
Niche is good: Whether you're talking about vegan food, vintage motorbikes, or parenting twins, there's an audience out there for you.
Simply put, podcasting gives people a voice—and the freedom to use it however they want.
Myth-Busting: Podcasting Is Too Technical or Expensive
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that podcasting is difficult or costly. The truth is: it doesn’t have to be.
You could record your first episode today on your phone, upload it for free, and have it live on Spotify by tomorrow. No joke. Of course, if you want to eventually grow your show and improve your production value, there are plenty of tools and services to help. But they’re not essential on day one.
There are no fixed rules about format, length, or frequency either. Want to post every day? Great. Once a month? That works too. Podcasting is about finding a rhythm that suits you.
Is It Too Late to Start a Podcast in 2025?
Short answer: absolutely not.
Yes, there are millions of podcasts out there—but here's the catch: over 90% of them never make it past episode 10. That means the vast majority fizzle out early, often before finding their groove.
Consistency is what sets successful podcasts apart.
Think of it this way: no one ever said, “We’ve made enough TV shows now, let’s stop making new ones.” The same goes for podcasts. New voices, new perspectives, and new stories are still in demand. If anything, podcasting is still growing.
Final Thoughts: Just Start
If you're thinking about starting a podcast, the best advice we can give you is: just start.
You don’t need to wait until everything’s perfect. You don’t need the best microphone or a professionally designed cover. What matters is your message, your voice, and your consistency.
In the next episode of the Creative Content Studio Podcast, we’ll be diving into different podcast formats—from interviews to solo episodes, roundtables to narrative storytelling—and helping you decide which style might suit you best.
And yes… if we’re wearing the same clothes, we may have batch-recorded. Behind-the-scenes secrets!
Need help launching your podcast?
Visit www.creativecontentstudio.co.uk to book a free discovery call, or follow us on Instagram at @creativecontentstudiowestberks for tips, tools, and behind-the-scenes content.