Podcasting

Podcasts can be found on both streaming platforms and dedicated websites. Streaming providers allow you to easily access and listen to your favorite shows on various devices, while dedicated websites often offer additional content and features for podcast enthusiasts. Here are some popular platforms and websites to get you started:

List of Popular Podcast Platforms (Streaming Providers):

1. Amazon Music: A music streaming platform that has integrated podcast support, allowing streaming and downloads for its users.
2. Apple Podcasts: A podcast app that comes pre-installed on iOS devices, allowing you to download and listen to podcasts.
3. Google Podcasts: A free podcast app for Android users, offering streaming and downloads.
4. iHeartRadio: A streaming service that provides a mix of music, radio, and podcasts on a single platform.
5. Spotify: A popular music streaming service that also offers a vast library of podcasts for streaming.

List of Popular Podcast Websites:

1. Castbox: A podcast app with website access and features like in-app recommendations and personalized playlists.
2. Overcast: A user-friendly iOS podcast app with website access, featuring unique features like Smart Speed and Voice Boost.
3. Pocket Casts: A cross-platform podcast app with website access, known for its user-friendly interface.
4. Podbean: A podcast hosting and monetization platform that also provides a directory of podcasts, often with website access for additional content.
5. Stitcher: Offers a broad range of podcasts, with an option for website access and a premium subscription service for ad-free listening.

Podcast plugins make it easy for website owners to add podcasts to their own websites. This includes inserting audio or video players, setting up podcast directories, and displaying episodes in an organized manner.

The plugin below is a widget (html code) that we've placed on the website as a demonstration. The widget allows a web editor to control aspects of the podcast player like track and volume controls, playlist sorting, player theme, position and size. Additionally, once the RSS url is entered the widget allows display of RSS details such as podcast title, cover art, artist name, and descriptions. Many platforms will offer an embed code which may be a dedicated widget set up for a particular podcast or a portion of web content that leads to the podcast's hosting site (see Embed Code box below).    

This player loads the RSS feed for Amplified (https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/amplified). Check out episode 8 (2022 June 21) which features Douglas College instructor Jill Fellows!

For those publishing on the web one way to drive readers to your podcast is by placing embed code one your webpage. This might load a podcast player preset to your episode or direct your audience to your podcast pages on a hosting platform. 

The example below was created using the embed code found on the Share function from the OpenEd hosting site in their player. See: https://gendersextech.opened.ca/podcast/episode-one-interview-with-lisa-smith/ 

Note: "Gender, Sex, and Tech: Continuing the conversation" is one of two podcasts produced by instructor Jill Fellows at Douglas College!