Podcast Glossary
Learn the essential podcasting terminology. From CPM and RSS feeds to ID3 tags and audiograms, understand the terms that matter for growing and monetizing your podcast.
Monetization
CPM (Cost Per Mille)
CPM stands for Cost Per Mille, which means cost per thousand downloads. It is the rate advertisers pay for every 1,000 downloads of your podcast episode.
Learn more →Pre-Roll Ad
A pre-roll ad is an advertisement that plays at the very beginning of a podcast episode, before the main content starts. These ads typically last 15-60 seconds and are the first thing listeners hear.
Learn more →Mid-Roll Ad
A mid-roll ad is an advertisement placed in the middle of a podcast episode, typically during a natural break in the content. These ads usually command the highest CPM rates because listeners are most engaged at this point.
Learn more →Post-Roll Ad
A post-roll ad is an advertisement that plays at the end of a podcast episode, after the main content has concluded. These ads typically have lower CPM rates because not all listeners reach the end of episodes.
Learn more →Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI)
Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) is a technology that allows podcast hosts to insert different advertisements into episodes after they've been published, without re-editing the audio file. This enables targeted, up-to-date ads that can be changed over time.
Learn more →Fill Rate
Fill rate is the percentage of available ad slots that actually get sold and filled with advertisements. A 70% fill rate means 7 out of 10 potential ad placements are monetized.
Learn more →Sponsorship Deck
A sponsorship deck is a professional presentation document that showcases your podcast's audience, statistics, and advertising opportunities to potential sponsors. It's essentially a sales pitch for your show.
Learn more →Media Kit
A media kit is a comprehensive one-page document that presents your podcast's key information, statistics, and branding to potential sponsors, partners, or media outlets. It's your podcast's professional resume.
Learn more →Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a monetization strategy where a podcaster promotes a product or service and earns a commission for every sale made through their unique link or promo code.
Learn more →Baked-In Ad
A baked-in ad is an advertisement that is recorded as part of the actual podcast audio file. It lives in the episode forever, unlike dynamic ads which can be swapped out.
Learn more →CPM (Cost Per Mille)
CPM stands for 'Cost Per Mille' (thousand). It is the standard advertising rate in podcasting, representing how much an advertiser pays for every 1,000 downloads of an episode.
Learn more →Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI)
Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) is a technology that allows podcasters to automatically swap different ads into an episode based on the listener's location, time of download, or other data points.
Learn more →Exclusive Content
Exclusive content is audio material available only to a specific group of listeners, usually paid subscribers on platforms like Patreon, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, or Spotify.
Learn more →Fill Rate
Fill rate is a metric in programmatic advertising that represents the percentage of available ad slots in a podcast that were successfully filled with paying ads.
Learn more →Host-Read Ad
A host-read ad is an advertisement delivered by the podcast host in their own voice, rather than a pre-produced radio-style commercial.
Learn more →Live Read
A live read is an advertisement read by the host during the recording of the episode, often integrated seamlessly into the conversation rather than being pre-recorded.
Learn more →Mid-Roll Ad
A mid-roll ad is an advertisement placed in the middle of a podcast episode. Because listeners are already engaged in the content, mid-rolls typically have the highest retention and cost the most.
Learn more →Patreon / Crowdfunding
Patreon is a platform that allows listeners to support creators financially with a monthly subscription in exchange for perks like bonus episodes, merch, or early access.
Learn more →Paywall
A paywall is a system that prevents access to content unless the user pays a fee or has a subscription. It is used for premium podcasts or archives.
Learn more →Post-Roll Ad
A post-roll ad is an advertisement that plays at the very end of a podcast episode, after the content has finished.
Learn more →Pre-Roll Ad
A pre-roll ad is an advertisement that plays at the very beginning of an episode, before the main content starts.
Learn more →Programmatic Advertising
Programmatic advertising is the automated buying and selling of podcast ad slots in real-time, similar to how display ads work on websites.
Learn more →Sponsorship Deck
A sponsorship deck is a visual presentation (slides) used to pitch a podcast to advertisers. It expands on the Media Kit by offering specific campaign ideas and packages.
Learn more →Technical/Audio
ID3 Tags
ID3 tags are metadata embedded directly into MP3 audio files that store information like the episode title, artist name, album name, and cover art. They help podcast players display the correct information about your episodes.
Learn more →Metadata
Metadata is descriptive information about your podcast episode that helps platforms, players, and search engines understand what your content is about. It includes titles, descriptions, tags, and embedded file information.
Learn more →Background Noise / Noise Floor
Background noise (also called noise floor) is the unwanted ambient sound present in your recording, such as air conditioning hum, computer fan noise, or room echo. It can distract listeners and make your podcast sound unprofessional.
Learn more →Transcription
Transcription is the process of converting spoken audio into written text. For podcasters, transcriptions make content accessible, improve SEO, and enable repurposing into blog posts or social media content.
Learn more →WAV vs MP3
WAV is an uncompressed audio format that preserves full audio quality but creates large files, while MP3 is a compressed format that reduces file size significantly with minimal quality loss. Most podcasters use MP3 for distribution.
Learn more →Bitrate
Bitrate is the amount of data used to encode one second of audio, measured in kilobits per second (kbps). Higher bitrates mean better audio quality but larger file sizes.
Learn more →AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
AAC is a standard audio file format that offers better sound quality than MP3 at the same bitrate. It is the preferred audio format for Apple Podcasts and iTunes.
Learn more →Audio Interface
An audio interface is a hardware device that connects professional XLR microphones to a computer, converting analog audio signals into digital data for recording.
Learn more →Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) is a feature in recorders or software that automatically adjusts the volume levels to keep the audio consistent, boosting quiet sounds and lowering loud ones.
Learn more →Background Music (Music Bed)
Background music, or a 'music bed,' is instrumental audio played underneath the spoken dialogue to set the mood, pace, or tone of a podcast segment.
Learn more →Background Noise / Noise Floor
Background noise (or noise floor) refers to the unwanted ambient sounds captured in a recording, such as air conditioning, computer fans, or traffic.
Learn more →Bitrate
Bitrate is the amount of data processed over a given amount of time in an audio file, usually measured in kbps (kilobits per second). It determines the balance between sound quality and file size.
Learn more →Bleed (Mic Bleed)
Bleed occurs when a microphone picks up sound from a source it wasn't intended to capture, such as a guest's voice entering the host's microphone.
Learn more →Boom Arm
A boom arm is a mechanical stand that attaches to a desk and holds a microphone, allowing the podcaster to position the mic perfectly in front of their mouth.
Learn more →Cardioid Pattern
The cardioid pattern is a microphone setting that captures sound primarily from the front while rejecting sound from the back and sides. It is the most common pattern for podcasting.
Learn more →Clipping (Peaking)
Clipping is a form of audio distortion that occurs when the volume level exceeds the maximum limit the equipment or software can handle, resulting in a harsh, crackling sound.
Learn more →Codec
A codec (Compressor-Decompressor) is the software technology used to compress raw audio data into a manageable file size (like MP3) and decompress it for playback.
Learn more →Compression (Audio)
Audio compression reduces the dynamic range of a recording, making the quiet parts louder and the loud parts quieter, ensuring a consistent volume level for the listener.
Learn more →Condenser Microphone
A condenser microphone is a sensitive type of mic that captures high-frequency detail and nuance. It is ideal for studio environments but requires a quiet room.
Learn more →Copyright / Fair Use
Copyright is the legal right of a creator to control their work. 'Fair Use' is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes like criticism or commentary.
Learn more →DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is the software used to record, edit, mix, and master audio files. Popular examples include Audacity, Adobe Audition, and GarageBand.
Learn more →De-esser
A De-esser is an audio tool used to reduce sibilance—the harsh 'S', 'T', and 'Ch' sounds that can be piercing to the ear in vocal recordings.
Learn more →Double-Ender
A double-ender is a remote recording method where each participant records their own audio locally on their computer. The files are later combined, ensuring high quality regardless of internet connection.
Learn more →Dynamic Microphone
A dynamic microphone is a durable, less sensitive type of mic that is excellent at rejecting background noise. It is the most popular choice for home podcasters.
Learn more →Dynamic Range
Dynamic range is the difference in volume between the quietest and loudest parts of an audio recording. In podcasting, a controlled dynamic range is preferred for easier listening.
Learn more →Editing
Editing is the post-production process of cutting out mistakes, silences, and irrelevant content, as well as arranging segments to create a cohesive episode.
Learn more →EQ (Equalization)
EQ, or Equalization, is the process of adjusting the volume of specific frequencies within a recording to improve the tone, clarity, and balance of the voice.
Learn more →Fader
A fader is a sliding control on a mixing console or in software that adjusts the volume level of a specific audio track or channel.
Learn more →Gain
Gain is the input volume level of a microphone. It controls how much the signal is amplified before it enters the processing chain or recording software.
Learn more →Guest Release Form
A Guest Release Form is a legal contract signed by a podcast guest granting the host permission to record, edit, and distribute their voice and likeness.
Learn more →GUID (Globally Unique Identifier)
A GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) is a unique string of characters assigned to each item in an RSS feed. It allows podcast apps to identify episodes and prevent duplicate downloads.
Learn more →Headphones (Closed-Back vs. Open-Back)
Closed-back headphones isolate sound and prevent leakage, making them ideal for recording. Open-back headphones sound more natural but leak sound, making them better for mixing.
Learn more →ID3 Tags
ID3 tags are metadata embedded directly into an MP3 file, containing information like the episode title, artist name, podcast artwork, and year.
Learn more →Intro / Outro
The Intro and Outro are the pre-recorded segments at the beginning and end of a podcast episode, typically featuring theme music, the show's name, and a hook.
Learn more →Jingle
A jingle is a short, catchy musical phrase or sound effect used to identify a podcast segment, transition between topics, or brand the show.
Learn more →Limiter
A limiter is a type of compressor that acts as a safety ceiling for volume. It prevents the audio from ever exceeding a specific level, ensuring no clipping occurs.
Learn more →Lossy vs. Lossless
Lossless audio (WAV) preserves 100% of the original data but creates huge files. Lossy audio (MP3, AAC) removes imperceptible data to create smaller files suitable for streaming.
Learn more →Loudness (LUFS)
LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) is the industry standard for measuring perceived loudness. The target standard for stereo podcasts is -16 LUFS.
Learn more →Mastering
Mastering is the final step of post-production. It involves balancing the overall tonal mix, setting the final loudness (LUFS), and ensuring the audio sounds consistent across all playback devices.
Learn more →Mix-Minus
Mix-Minus is an audio routing setup that allows a remote guest to hear everything in the broadcast (host, music) *minus* their own voice, preventing a distracting echo.
Learn more →Mixing
Mixing is the process of blending individual audio tracks (voice, music, sound effects) together to create a balanced, cohesive final audio file.
Learn more →Mono vs. Stereo
Mono audio puts all sound in a single channel (centered), while Stereo splits sound between left and right channels. Most talk podcasts should be Mono; audio dramas should be Stereo.
Learn more →Multitrack Recording
Multitrack recording involves capturing each participant's voice on a separate audio track/file, allowing for independent editing and mixing of each person.
Learn more →Normalization
Normalization is a mathematical process that increases the gain of an entire audio file so that the loudest peak hits a specific target level (usually -0.1 dB or -1.0 dB).
Learn more →Phantom Power (48v)
Phantom Power is a method of sending 48 volts of electricity through an XLR cable to power condenser microphones and active equipment.
Learn more →Plosives
Plosives are the loud, popping sounds caused by a blast of air hitting the microphone capsule, typically occurring when speaking words starting with 'P' or 'B'.
Learn more →Pop Filter
A pop filter is a screen (usually mesh or metal) placed between the speaker's mouth and the microphone to disperse air blasts and prevent plosive sounds.
Learn more →Remote Recording
Remote recording is the process of recording a podcast where the host and guests are in different physical locations, connected via the internet.
Learn more →Room Tone
Room tone is the sound of 'silence' in a specific recording environment. It is recorded separately to help editors patch gaps and smooth out edits.
Learn more →Royalty-Free Music
Royalty-free music is music that you pay for once (or get for free) and can use forever without paying ongoing royalties or fees to the composer.
Learn more →RSS Feed
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a standardized web feed that allows podcast apps to automatically detect and download new episodes when they are published.
Learn more →Sample Rate
Sample rate is the number of times per second audio is sampled (captured) during recording. The standard for video is 48kHz, while the standard for music/podcasts is 44.1kHz.
Learn more →Shock Mount
A shock mount is a suspension device that holds a microphone, using elastic bands to isolate it from mechanical vibrations and handling noise.
Learn more →Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) compares the level of the desired sound (your voice) to the level of background noise. A higher ratio means a cleaner, professional recording.
Learn more →USB vs. XLR
USB mics plug directly into a computer and are easy to use. XLR mics require an audio interface but offer higher quality and expandability.
Learn more →WAV vs. MP3
WAV is a high-quality, uncompressed audio format used for recording and editing. MP3 is a compressed format used for the final distribution to listeners.
Learn more →Waveform
A waveform is the visual representation of an audio signal, showing the amplitude (volume) over time. Editors use it to 'see' the sound.
Learn more →Marketing & Growth
Audiogram
An audiogram is a short video clip that combines audio from your podcast with a visual waveform and your cover art, creating shareable social media content that promotes your show.
Learn more →Waveform
A waveform is a visual representation of audio that shows the amplitude (loudness) of sound over time. In podcasting, waveforms are used in audiograms and editing software to visualize audio.
Learn more →Show Notes
Show notes are written summaries or bullet points that accompany each podcast episode, typically including key topics, guest information, timestamps, and links to resources mentioned in the episode.
Learn more →RSS Feed
An RSS feed is a standardized XML file that contains information about your podcast episodes, including titles, descriptions, audio file URLs, and publication dates. It's how podcast directories and apps discover and update your show.
Learn more →Podcast Directory
A podcast directory is a platform or app where listeners can discover, browse, and subscribe to podcasts. Major directories include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
Learn more →Aggregator
An aggregator is an app or platform (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Overcast) that collects RSS feeds from various hosting sites and plays them for listeners.
Learn more →Analytics
Podcast analytics are data points that track the performance of a show, including downloads, unique listeners, geographic location, and listener retention rates.
Learn more →Artwork (Cover Art)
Podcast artwork is the square image that represents a show in directories. It is the first thing a potential listener sees and is critical for branding and click-through rates.
Learn more →Attribution
Attribution is the process of tracking which marketing channel or specific ad caused a listener to download an episode or purchase a product.
Learn more →Audiogram
An audiogram is a short video clip featuring a static image, a moving audio waveform, and captions, used to promote podcast episodes on social media.
Learn more →Back Catalog
A back catalog refers to all the previously published episodes of a podcast. These older episodes can generate significant 'evergreen' traffic and revenue long after their release.
Learn more →Call to Action (CTA)
A call to action (CTA) is a specific request you make to your listeners, such as asking them to subscribe, leave a review, visit your website, or follow you on social media.
Learn more →Chapters / Markers
Podcast chapters are metadata markers embedded in an audio file that allow listeners to jump to specific sections of an episode, often accompanied by specific images or links.
Learn more →Cross-Promotion
Cross-promotion (or promo swapping) is a marketing strategy where two podcasters promote each other's shows to their respective audiences to gain new listeners.
Learn more →Downloads
A download is counted when a unique device requests an audio file from the podcast host. It is the primary metric used to measure the size and popularity of a podcast.
Learn more →Embed Player
An embed player is a piece of HTML code provided by a podcast host that allows you to display a playable audio widget directly on a website or blog post.
Learn more →Evergreen Content
Evergreen content refers to podcast episodes that remain relevant and valuable to listeners long after they are published, as opposed to time-sensitive news or current events.
Learn more →Explicit Tag
The Explicit Tag (E) is a marker in the RSS feed that warns parents and listeners that the episode contains strong language or mature themes.
Learn more →Hosting Platform
A hosting platform is a service that stores your podcast's audio files and generates the RSS feed necessary to distribute the show to apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Learn more →IAB Certified (Interactive Advertising Bureau)
IAB Certification means a podcast host's analytics adhere to the strict measurement standards set by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, ensuring download numbers are accurate and comparable.
Learn more →Link in Bio
The 'Link in Bio' is the single clickable URL allowed on social media profiles like Instagram and TikTok, often leading to a landing page with links to the podcast, merch, and sponsors.
Learn more →Listener Retention
Listener retention (or consumption rate) is a metric that shows the percentage of an episode that people actually listen to, revealing where they lose interest and drop off.
Learn more →Media Kit
A media kit is a digital document (usually a PDF) that pitches a podcast to potential sponsors and guests. It includes download stats, audience demographics, and pricing.
Learn more →Metadata
Metadata is the information that describes your podcast content to computers and search engines. It includes the show title, episode description, author tags, and keywords.
Learn more →Narrative Podcast
A narrative podcast is a highly produced, storytelling-style show (like 'Serial' or 'This American Life') that uses scriptwriting, sound design, and editing to tell a story.
Learn more →Network (Podcast Network)
A podcast network is a collection of podcasts produced or distributed by the same company. They pool resources for cross-promotion and sell advertising inventory in bulk.
Learn more →Podcast Directory
A podcast directory is a catalog or search engine (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts) where listeners go to find, subscribe to, and listen to podcasts.
Learn more →Private Feed
A private feed is an RSS feed that is not listed in public directories. It is password-protected or tokenized, used for corporate communications or premium subscriber content.
Learn more →Producer
A podcast producer is the person responsible for the creation of the show. Their role can range from technical editing to booking guests, writing scripts, and managing the production schedule.
Learn more →Review / Rating
A rating is a star score (1-5) given by a listener. A review is a written comment accompanying the rating. Both serve as social proof to attract new listeners.
Learn more →Season / Serialized
A serialized podcast tells a single story across multiple episodes (a season), requiring listeners to start at the beginning. Episodic podcasts can be listened to in any order.
Learn more →SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Podcast SEO involves optimizing your show title, episode titles, and show notes with keywords so that your podcast appears in search results on Google and podcast apps.
Learn more →Show Notes
Show notes are the written summary and resource links that accompany a podcast episode. They appear in the podcast app and on the website.
Learn more →Smart Speaker
A smart speaker is a voice-activated device (like Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple HomePod) that allows users to listen to podcasts via voice commands.
Learn more →Teaser / Trailer
A trailer is a short (1-2 minute) promotional audio clip released before a podcast launches or before a new season begins, designed to generate hype and subscribers.
Learn more →Timestamp
A timestamp is a specific time marker (e.g., 14:35) listed in the show notes that corresponds to a specific topic or event in the audio file.
Learn more →Transcription
Transcription is the process of converting spoken audio into a written text document. It is essential for accessibility (deaf/hard of hearing) and SEO.
Learn more →Unique Listeners
Unique Listeners is a metric that counts the number of distinct individuals (devices) that downloaded an episode, regardless of how many times they pressed play.
Learn more →Vodcast (Video Podcast)
A Vodcast (Video Podcast) is a podcast that includes video footage of the recording session, distributed on platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
Learn more →