4th generation iPod from 2004When podcasts became popular in late 2004, there was one mp3 player that dominated the market: the iPod 4th generation. The whole reason why an audio clip made for downloading over the internet was called a podcast was because the first broadcasts were made for the iPod. The iPod, at that time, was limited to audio only until the introduction of the iPod Photo. Looking at pictures in color was now a possibility, but was never intended to play videos. In essence, the iPod was an audio only device so it would make sense that podcasts made for it would only contain sound.
Podcasts on 2004 iPod menuAs the iPod lineup grew and its capabilities expanded to include video playback and WiFi connectivity, podcasts could now be coupled with a combination of audio and visuals. Yet many podcasters stuck to the traditional audio only format. Once iPods focused more and more on the video aspect with a larger screen and downloadable games like on the iPod Touch, podcasts weren't keeping up. Now iPod users can play YouTube clips, surf the internet, and use a slew of applications. So why would anyone want to download any podcast, let alone one without any visuals?
5th generation iPod playing a podcastPodcasts were a great idea at the time since one could download news broadcasts, comedy routines, stories, interviews, and other original content which acted as a nice break from the music. It made sense that they were so popular when all people had were devices that only played audio files. When the color screen came along, it was a case of video killed the podcast star. Why would anyone rely on podcasts to get alternative entertainment when he/she could upload their favorite TV shows, movies, and online clips? Podcasts had a niche following already, but were losing new subscribers fast when the process of having to download the podcasts and then uploading them became too much a hassle for many. Customers of mp3 players were no longer looking for just a music playing device, they wanted multimedia and different applications at their fingertips. Podcasters were following suit by releasing video clips, but, besides devoted fans, no one wanted to explore audio podcasts anymore when most of them could be found elsewhere like radio, television, and the internet.
Podcasts on the iPhone and iPod TouchIn order to attract new subscribers, podcasters need to make their content more appealing. Instead of simply putting parts of or full radio segments online for distribution through podcasts, they should include original visuals. When a host mentions a celebrity, book, quote, or other reference, there should be a visual that corresponds. That way the podcasts are unique and, therefore, desireable as well as enticing to those wanting more than just another audio file. There might also be a solution in interactivity within a podcast too. Perhaps a "choose your own adventure" podcast. Although there will always be those who desire simple audio podcasts, that audience won't be around forever and with changing times comes a shift in expectations and interests. Podcasts should look towards the future instead of dwell in the past and go by the way of the print newspaper today.
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for filling me in on the whole podcast thing! Haha...seriously, though, I didn't know that much about podcasting before I read your post. I just assumed they were audio clips created for the iPod and didn't think much more about it. But recently, I have realized that podcasts are quite the phenomenon. I work for a nonprofit arts presenter and they are in the process of developing a podcast in order to compete with other organizations (like the Kennedy Center). And as we've seen in class, NPR relies on the podcast to retain loyal (yet busy) fans. I agree with you, though, that those who create podcasts need to be more innovative. I don't have an iPod with video capabilities, but you're right--why would you listen to a podcast when you could watch something comparable on video? This is something we need to take into account as we create our own enhanced podcasts. I'll remember your words as I work on my own. Thanks for your insight!
Vinal
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I agree with you on the matter of adding more visuals to podcasts. I regularly download a variety of podcasts to my computer and my iPhone. Some podcasts like "This American Life" are just audio, while others like "Style.com" are a mix of audio and video. I find myself listening to podcasts mostly when I am studying or at work, and so I like just listening to the audio file and not having to worry about missing something visual. I think it really depends on the subject matter of the podcast. Ira Glass doesn't need a picture to tell his stories, but obviously my fashion podcasts wouldn't be very interesting if the visual element was missing. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned, but I still love listening to a story and imagining the images myself, much a I did when the radio and books on tape were the latest in technological advancements.
A choose your own adventure podcast--that I'd like to see. Interesting version of podcasting history in this post. I have to admit to still enjoying the audio version of podcasts sans images. There is something very satisfying about relying solely on my ears to take in a story. I think I'm with Emily on this one.
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