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Thanks to the increasing trend, the number of podcasts available today is immeasurable. With so many new podcasts popping up each day, you’re bound to find at least one that interests you.
Of course, you also have to find a way to listen to podcasts. Luckily, the podcast streaming industry is booming in kind, with numerous ways to keep track of your favorite shows. And if you’re not certain about how to start listening to podcasts, this write-up has all the information you need.
How to Listen to Podcasts on iPhone
To be able to listen to podcasts on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to install a dedicated app. Since Apple has its own podcast streaming service, that’s the easiest way to go. The app in question is Apple Podcasts and it’s available for download at the App Store. After installing the app on your iPhone, open it and look for some podcasts.
If you’re not sure which podcast to listen to, tap “Browse.” You’ll find different podcast categories and genres. You can also look into the “Featured” section to see what’s hot right now. If you know exactly which podcast you’re looking for, simply tap the “Search” field and enter the name of the podcast or the broadcaster. Of course, you can search by genre as well.
Besides Apple Podcasts, you can also use third-party apps and services. They work pretty much the same except for the content. One of the largest audio streaming services today is Spotify, which has many exclusive podcasts.
Of course, there are other services you should check out as well, like Stitcher, Podbean, and Overcast, just to name a few.
How to Listen to Podcasts on Android
Just like with iOS devices, you’ll need to use a dedicated app on your Android to listen to podcasts. You can start by installing Google Podcasts in Google Play. When you open the app, tap the “Explore” icon (like a magnifying glass).
This menu allows you to search podcasts by name, author, or genre, as well as browse various categories. When you find a podcast you’d like to listen to, simply tap the “plus” icon on the podcast’s cover art. This will add the podcast to your subscription list so you can return to the podcast whenever.
When you’re done, tap the “Home” button in the bottom left corner. This menu lists the episodes of each of the podcasts that you follow in the order of release. The newest episodes will appear at the top of the list. This is a great way to keep track of new content, you may agree.
Besides Google Podcast, you can also try Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, or Podcast Addict. If these apps don’t suit your needs, you can always search Google Play for more of such apps.
How to Listen to Podcasts on a Windows, Mac, or Chromebook Computer
To listen to podcasts on any computer desktop or laptop, you can either use web players or install a dedicated app.
Using a web browser to listen to podcasts is probably the most convenient. Since playing podcasts is a pretty simple task, web players offer almost all options as found in standalone apps. Some of the best websites for this experience are Google Podcasts, Podbean, Stitcher, and Spotify.
In particular, Podbean and Stitcher will require you to log in to listen to any content intended for those 18 and up. Of course, creating a profile is both free and easy and should take just a minute or two to complete.
If you don’t want to play podcasts on a browser, you can always download and install a podcast app for your computer. Any of the podcast services mentioned above have an app for computers as well. Visit the website, install the app, and enjoy.
How to Listen to Podcasts on Sonos
Besides being small works of art, their speakers are also quite convenient to use. Interestingly enough, most Sonos speakers don’t come with integrated Bluetooth. That being said, they have Wi-Fi connectivity for syncing with any device.
You can use certain podcast streaming services with your Sonos speakers. TuneIn and Pocket Casts are official Sonos partners, so hop over to the respective website and create your account. Since TuneIn is already in the Sonos controller app, the process is super simple.
- Open the Sonos app on your mobile device. It’s available for both Android and iOS.
- Tap the “Search” tab.
- Tap “Podcasts & Shows.”
- Now look for the podcast that you want to listen to using the search bar. You can also tap the “Browser” tab to find new podcasts and shows.
Sonos can also connect to any mobile device. To listen to podcasts from your iPhone, simply connect it to the Sonos speaker over AirPlay. It’s not that simple with Android devices, as you can see below.
- Create the “Podcasts” folder in the root directory of your Android device.
- Download podcasts to this folder.
- Open the Sonos app on your Android.
- Tap the “Browse” tab.
- Tap “On This Device.”
- Tap “Podcasts.”
- Choose the episode you want to listen to and press “Play.”
How to Listen to Podcasts Offline
Listening to podcasts in offline mode is easy to achieve. Almost any podcast streaming platform allows you to download podcast episodes. Just look for the download button next to each episode. Once you’ve downloaded a podcast episode, you can either play it in your preferred podcast app or use an audio player of your choice.
How to Listen to Podcasts on Apple Watch
Recognizing the demand, Apple Watches come with a pre-installed podcast app. The app automatically syncs one episode of each of the top ten podcast shows in your iPhone’s Listen Now app. This way you’ll have hours of entertainment without having to do anything.
If you want to listen to a specific podcast, you can do that as well.
- Start the “Apple Watch” app on your iPhone.
- Tap the “My Watch” option.
- Now tap “Podcasts.”
- Tap “Custom.”
- Finally, tap to enable the podcasts you’d like to have on your Apple Watch.
Your Apple Watch will sync up to three episodes of the podcasts selected. To refresh the episode list, simply tap “Up Next.” If there are any new episodes, they’ll appear on your Apple Watch.
Additional FAQ
Where can I find good new podcasts?
To be able to attract new listeners, podcast streaming platforms come up with various lists that can show you trending podcasts. Also, you can find curated suggestions in most podcast apps. If you’re looking for a podcast in a certain genre, simply use the app to search for relevant shows.
How do I subscribe to podcasts to always get the most recent?
Most apps allow you to add podcasts to your subscriptions or favorites list. Whenever a new episode comes out, you’ll be able to see it in the app or even get a notification. It all depends on the platform that you’re using to listen to podcasts.
Are podcasts free?
Yes. The very purpose of podcasts is to provide information and entertainment without any kind of gatekeeping. Of course, there could be certain exclusive shows that rely on a subscription-based model. So far, this is more an anomaly than the norm.
Podcasts on Your Terms
Hopefully, now you know how to listen to podcasts on almost any platform. You can use your computer, speakers, mobile device, or even an Apple Watch to keep up with your favorite shows. Of course, if you don’t want to spend your mobile data on hours of podcasts, you can download them for offline enjoyment.
Which platform do you find most comfortable for listening to podcasts? Do you have any favorite podcasts that you don’t mind sharing? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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