“Podcast” and “broadcast” are very similar words that many may think refer to the same thing. However, the differences are major!
How?
Podcasts
Podcasts are audio files available online at any time and from anywhere, even without an internet connection. You may consider them as radio programs listened to on-demand, distinguishing them from traditional radio and television programs.
Podcasts offer many benefits to listeners, creators and businesses, and can be used to spread information, express ideas, or even promote a specific product.
Podcasting was derived from broadcasting, hence the name: Podcast=Broadcast and iPod.
What does the word broadcast mean then?
Broadcast
Broadcast means the transmission of visual or audio content through electronic means of communication to a large number of audiences. Commonly, broadcasts are live on radio and television and are often done through a medium based on the use of electromagnetic waves.
The differences between podcasts and broadcasts are numerous:
Timeline: Podcasts do not follow a specific timeline, as the creator can record an episode at any time, and can edit the content several times before publishing it on the Internet.
As for the broadcast, it follows a specific schedule because it is a live broadcast and at a specific time.
Download Content: Listeners can download and listen to podcast content at any time and without the internet.
Broadcasts are subject to copyrights, and cannot be published, although sometimes broadcasts are available online.
Podcasts and broadcasts are two important means of entertainment, but what distinguishes podcasts is that they are always available to you, everywhere and at any time, giving you the freedom to choose the topics you would like to enjoy, while broadcasts are non-customizable and are time-bound.
So what will you choose?