The Real Definition of a Podcast

Podcasting has been around for more than two decades. You would think the definition would be settled by now. Yet here we are in 2025, and people are still confidently giving advice in large Facebook groups while misunderstanding what actually makes a podcast a podcast.

In this episode, I walk you through a recent thread inside a group, devoted to the topic of podcasting, with more than 103,000 members. Someone asked a simple question about whether video is required for podcasting. I explain how after reading the answers that followed, I felt compelled to jump in. I also share the exact comments I made, along with the misinformation that prompted them.

You’ll hear the real definition of a podcast. Not the internet myth. The accurate definition that has been true since the beginning.

A podcast is episodic media content (Audio, Video, and/or Even PDF) that is delivered through a media enclosure in an RSS feed.

That is the foundation this entire industry was built on.

I also talk about why this matters.

When tens of thousands of newer creators are watching these conversations, I want them to understand the medium they are working with. I want them to know why audio only is still a powerful choice. I want them to see that video can play a role, but it isn’t required. And I want them to understand the technical heart of podcasting so they can make informed decisions rather than follow trends.

Inside this episode, you’ll hear:

Why the debate about “audio only” versus “video podcasts” keeps resurfacing.
How misinformation spreads inside creator communities.
The real, technical definition of a podcast.
When video files can, in fact, can be a podcast.
Why audio first is still my personal preference.
A mention of two podcast episodes from 2024 where I have shared thoughts on the role of video in your content strategy.
A reminder that Podcasting A to Z is officially back for a new session starting January 26.

Links Mentioned In The Show

Episode 469 - Is It Worth Having A Video Version of Your Audio Podcast?
Episode 473 - The Magic of Audio First Content Production
You can submit them through SpeakPipe - http://speakpipe.com/podcastanswerman

Podcasting A to Z

If you are ready to launch a podcast with clarity, confidence, and a proven step-by-step workflow, my next session of Podcasting A to Z begins soon. I will personally coach you through every stage of the process so your show is live by the end of our four weeks together.

476 - Twenty Years In and We’re Still Arguing About This - The Real Definition of a Podcast