What is 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.
Why Aggregator Matters for Podcasters
In the podcasting ecosystem, an aggregator (often called a 'podcatcher' or 'podcast app') acts as the bridge between the creator and the listener. Unlike YouTube, where the video lives on the platform, podcast aggregators usually do not host the actual audio files. Instead, they read the RSS feed provided by the podcast host. When a podcaster publishes a new episode, the RSS feed updates, and the aggregator detects this change, displaying the new episode to subscribers and allowing them to stream or download the audio file from the host's server. Major aggregators include Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, and Google Podcasts (now YouTube Music). Understanding how aggregators parse metadata is crucial for SEO, as this determines how show notes, artwork, and titles appear on the listener's device.
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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.
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.
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.
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.