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Definition of a Podcast

By Sam Costello, About.com

Definition:

Podcast - A podcast is an audio or video program formatted to be played on the iPod and made available for free or for purchase over the Internet.

Podcasts are shows, similar to radio or TV shows, that are produced by professionals or amateurs and posted to the Internet for download and listening or viewing. Many podcasts are made available for free, though some must be purchased.

The name derives from the combination of broadcast and iPod.

Podcasts can be downloaded individually or subscribed to so that each new episode of the podcast is automatically downloaded to the subscriber's computer. You can subscribe to a podcast at the iTunes Store or websites for the podcasts. Podcast subscriptions are usually facilitated using RSS

Podcasts can be browsed, previewed, and downloaded at the iTunes Store Podcast Directory.

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