How to Listen to Podcasts Easily and for Free on Any Device

Are you looking for an easy and free way to listen to podcasts on any device? Do you want to know how to find the best podcasts, delete episodes, and stay updated with new content—all without paying? Look no further! This step-by-step guide will provide answers to all your podcast-related questions, from discovering new episodes and genres to subscribing to and playing them on various devices.

Reviews of the top podcast apps—including Google Podcasts and Spotify—as well as streaming options, such as Bluetooth and Alexa capabilities, are included in this article. Additionally, subscribers will learn how to watch a podcast or play one directly through their computers.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to join the exciting world of podcasting with this helpful guide!

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What is a Podcast, and How Do I Start Listening?

In our increasingly hectic lives, listening to podcasts often offers the perfect break – an easy and convenient way to relax and entertain ourselves with interesting content. Podcasts can be accessed from any smartphone, computer, or device, and most are free to download, so you can always access your favorite stories, conversations, and ideas while on the go.

When it comes to podcast listening, there are a variety of apps available for both iOS and Android phone users. Therefore, depending on the device being used, different apps may offer different experiences. Apps like Pocket Casts, Spotify, and Apple’s built-in app are popular podcast apps that offer a range of features solely dedicated to improving the podcast listening experience. Specific features include the ability to search for podcasts, the ability to subscribe to a podcast and receive new episodes as they are released, playback speed control, and a sleep timer.

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Find a Podcast App

In order to begin podcast listening, it can be difficult to decide which app is the best fit. Apple’s integrated Podcasts app offers a simple and familiar experience for iOS users, while other apps such as Castbox, Overcast, and Pocket Casts have specific features designed to enhance podcast listening. For example, Pocket Casts uses tags, filters, and smart playlists to curate podcasts based on themes and preferences. Additionally, listeners can hide listened episodes, modify playback speeds or set sleep timers within the app.

Pocket Casts (iOS & Android)

Pocket Casts is one of the leading podcast apps available on both iOS and Android, providing an accessible and simple interface for all listeners. With a $19 yearly subscription, users gain access to additional handy features in the app, such as volume boost, the Trim Silence feature, and audio effects. To access the sleep timer function, tap the moon icon located at the lower right of the screen. It’s no surprise that many users find themselves returning to this powerful podcast app for their listening needs.

The app costs $3.99 but also offers a seven-day trial version. Alternative podcast apps accessible from the iOS store include Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Spotify. To play a podcast episode on Pocket Casts, simply tap the episode of your choice and press the play button on the left side of the episode title or click on the cover image. You can precisely control the playback of an episode by dragging the slider below the show’s artwork. This will allow you to jump to a specified point in the episode.

Spotify

Spotify is best known for its vast library of music, podcasts, and other audio content. Existing subscribers can access a variety of features such as personalized playlists, artist radio stations, and more. To start listening to podcasts on Spotify, simply search for the podcast you want to listen to or browse through the “Podcasts” section in the app. If you want to listen to podcasts through your computer instead, just open up your web browser and go directly to spotify.com/podcasts/. Additionally, shows with partnerships are often featured on the service too! Unfortunately, though, there is no notification when subscribing to a podcast, so make sure you check back regularly for new episodes!

iOS Podcasts App

The integrated iOS Podcasts App is a powerful tool that has been part of the Apple ecosystem since 2012. It allows users to sync their podcasts across all devices with iCloud, so they can pick up where they left off no matter what device they’re using. The app also offers playback controls, offline listening capabilities, and search/follow/bookmark options for easy access to favorite shows. With such an array of features, it’s no wonder why this app is so popular – how could you not love it?

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Google Podcasts (Android Only)

Unlike iPhone users, Android users are like a ship without a sail, struggling to find the right podcasting app. Enter Google Podcasts: an intuitive and time-saving solution for Android users. With its easy-to-use interface, Google Podcasts sorts episodes into categories such as “Most Popular,” “New & Noteworthy,” and “Recently Played” so that listeners can quickly find what they’re looking for.

Searching For & Adding a Podcast

Podcasts are audio recordings that are gaining popularity as a way to stay informed and entertained. With so many podcasts available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, searching for podcasts is easy with keywords or topics of interest. Once you find the podcast you want, subscribing is simple and allows you to receive notifications when new episodes become available. On the podcast page, you will find information such as episode titles and descriptions, release dates, ratings from other listeners, and more. Additionally, some apps offer recommendations based on your listening habits or allow users to follow their favorite hosts or shows. Finally, there are several features in podcast apps that make them even more enjoyable, such as speed controls for faster playback or sleep timers for those who like falling asleep while listening.

Google Podcasts

Google Podcasts is a great way to access your favorite shows and discover new ones. With its easy-to-use interface, you can quickly find the perfect podcast for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something to listen to on your morning commute or just want some background noise while working from home, Google Podcasts has it all.

The Explore Shows tab is an excellent place to start when searching for podcasts. Here, you’ll find curated lists of popular shows as well as recommendations based on what other users are listening to. You can also browse by genre or topic so that you can easily narrow down your search results and find exactly what you’re looking for.

If there’s a specific show that you have in mind, simply type it into the search bar at the top of the page and hit enter! This will bring up all available episodes related to that show so that you can start listening right away.

You don’t even need an app installed on your device in order to access Google Podcasts – simply open up a browser window and head over to podcasts.google.com! From here, everything works just like it does within the app itself; use the Explore Shows tab or search bar feature if needed before hitting play on whatever episode catches your eye (or ear).

Finally, if there’s a particular podcast feed that isn’t already listed in Google Podcasts’ library, then no worries – simply add it using its RSS feed URL! All of this makes finding new content easier than ever before, so why not give it a try? Start exploring google podcasts here today and see where each episode takes you!

How to Listen to Podcasts on Your Smartphone

Listening to podcasts on a smartphone is one of the most convenient ways to stay up-to-date on your favorite topics and engage with amazing content. After all, most of us have our smartphones on hand for pastimes like commuting or waiting in line. There are various podcast apps available for both iOS and Android phones, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. Popular apps such as Pocket Casts, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts offer features like playback speed adjustment, sleep timers, bookmarking, and other useful options.

To get you started listening again, it’s essential to know how to search for and add podcasts to these apps. Generally, apps make it easier to find new episodes; some auto-download them, so you don’t miss a single episode! Additionally, certain apps give you the option to adjust playback speed, so if you don’t have enough time – you can always speed listen through an episode!

As a rule, all podcast apps feature a “Now Playing” screen where you can control how you listen: skip parts, go back, etc. So now that you know the basics, let’s dive into the details regarding iOS and Android podcast apps.

iPhone/iOS Podcast Apps

IPhone users can take advantage of the native Apple Podcasts app that comes preloaded on their device. This app natively allows users to browse through popular shows and categories or search for specific podcasts. If desired, users can download episodes to their device for offline listening – enabling them to enjoy their favorite shows anytime, anywhere.

To start listening, users will first open the app – from there, they can browse popular podcasts and similar apps or conduct personalized searches. Once a podcast is selected, the next step is to click on the respective show, to reveal episodes and their corresponding descriptions. Finally, users can hit play to begin listening.

Android Podcast Apps

Android devices have access to numerous podcast apps, including Pocket Casts, Spotify, the Google podcasts app, Podcasts, and more. Of those, Google Podcasts is the most popular and easiest to use. Here, users can easily follow podcasts, thus ensuring they never miss a new episode.

Additionally, they can sync their listening progress—so even if they switch between devices, their progress, and listening app will still remain synced across multiple devices. Google Podcasts also stores unplayed episodes in its queue and provides opportunities to discover new shows according to user interests.

Headphones for Podcast Listening

If you plan to listen to podcasts on your phone or computer, you’ll definitely want to invest in a good pair of headphones. While earbuds can do the trick sometimes, over-ear noise-canceling headphones and microphones provide more accuracy and better sound quality, no matter the setup. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy podcasts without distractions, whether you’re in the car, on public transport, or on your morning jog.

Additionally, some podcast apps have downloadable controls so you can navigate through episodes and control playback with ease when using headphones. All in all, having a good set of headphones will help you enjoy your podcasts even more!

How to Listen to Podcasts on Your Computer

Listening to podcasts on your computer has never been easier. You can do so either directly through a podcast website, an app such as iTunes, or simply by navigating to Spotify and searching for the podcast you want. When you find the podcast page in question, all you need to do is look for the play button and click it. The advantage of this approach is that you’ll be able to access the most current episodes without having to download them from any other source.

Additionally, it’s easy to stay up-to-date with new releases by subscribing to the podcast once it’s added to your app or directory source. Doing this will allow you to enjoy listening to the latest episodes on practically any device, including your computer.

If you want to save yourself some trouble, you can also use Bluetooth headphones or PC speakers to keep on listening to the podcast while doing other things around the house. This way, you won’t need to be tethered to your phone or tablet while browsing or reading documents.

In conclusion, there are plenty of ways to listen to podcasts from your computer, and many of them include some degree of convenience and ease. So if you’re looking for a quick and fuss-free way to get into podcast listening, using your computer might be the perfect fit for you.

How to Listen to Podcasts in the Car

Listening to podcasts while on the go has become immensely popular in recent years, and it’s not surprising that one of the most common places to do so is in the car. Whether it’s a busy summer road trip or just a quick daily commute, listening to podcasts can make a drive much more enjoyable.

And if you want to listen in the car, there are two main ways of doing so – Bluetooth and old-school cables.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth has become ubiquitous in recent years, and it’s becoming an increasingly popular way to listen to podcasts in the car. Of course, the biggest advantage here is that Bluetooth is wireless and provides much greater freedom of movement than having to be tethered to the car’s audio system with a cable.

So, how does one connect a smartphone to a modern car’s audio system via Bluetooth? Well, it’s actually quite straightforward. First, make sure both your device (phone or tablet) and your car are set up for Bluetooth pairing. Once both devices have been paired, turn the car’s sound system on and select the option for Bluetooth media playback.

Next, choose the podcast you want to listen to on your device and hit play. Finally, control the audio on your phone by controlling the volume, starting, stopping, and skipping back/forward as you would with any other podcast streaming app.

No Bluetooth? Go Old-School-Cable

If your car isn’t set up for Bluetooth, listening to podcasts can still be possible with a cable connection. To use this type of connection, you will need an auxiliary cable and an adapter that fits your car’s audio system. Using a cable connection has many benefits; it is like a bridge between the digital world and your car’s sound system, allowing you to experience podcasts in all its glory. With this type of connection, the sound quality is enhanced by metaphors of clarity and richness, while personification gives life to each podcast episode as if they were speaking directly to you. Alliteration adds emphasis on certain words or phrases so that no detail goes unnoticed. A cable connection provides an immersive experience that allows you to enjoy podcasts in the car without sacrificing sound quality.

How to Listen to Podcasts on Alexa or a Smart Speaker

Listening to podcasts on Alexa or a Smart Speaker is easy and convenient. To get started, you’ll need to set up your Echo device. Once that’s done, playing a podcast is as simple as asking Alexa to play it for you. Additionally, there are other things you can do with your smart speaker related to podcasting, such as subscribing to podcasts and creating custom playlists of your favorite episodes.

How Do I Subscribe to or Follow a Podcast?

Subscribing to a podcast is simple and free, so you can easily keep up with the audio content that interests you. To subscribe to a podcast, simply open it on your app or phone, tap the “subscribed” button, and manage the subscribed podcasts in your account settings.

For premium podcasts, you may have to pay a one-off or recurring fee. Once you’re subscribed, the app often has options to auto-download or download automatically and get notifications whenever a new episode is released. This makes keeping control of all your podcasts easy and convenient.

If you’re unsure about how to unsubscribe from a podcast or get notified when new episodes are released, check out our knowledge base outlined in Section 7.1.

Is Google Play Music a Podcasts App?

Google Play Music is an all-in-one platform that lets listeners discover and stream podcasts, music, and other audio content. With this app, browser, and streaming service, users can access music more easily, browse podcasts networks like NPR and Listen to Notes, as well as create personalized stations based on their listening preferences.

The standout feature of Google Play Music is its Smart Suggestion feature that helps identify unplayed podcast episodes tailored to your specific interests. In addition, it is easy to add a podcast to your Google Play Music app. All you need to do is open google podcasts, search for the podcast you want, select it, and click the ‘+’ icon to add the podcast to your app. From here, you can listen to or download the episode to your device.

There are also other options for customization, as well as subscription services for even more convenience.

How to Find Podcasts to Listen To

Listeners of all types are sure to find something to suit their interests, with millions of podcasts available online and across various devices. There are two primary methods for discovering podcasts: Top Charts, where popular podcasts are highlighted, and Rephonic, an algorithm-driven tool that can be used to discover new and innovative podcasts. For example, Michelle Obama recently launched her own podcast on Spotify, Barnard College’s Objectified, which features interviews with inspiring women.

On listening platforms such as iTunes and Stitcher, users can access the ‘Browse’ section–a directory containing multiple genres of podcast content. Those who enjoy investigative true crime shows, for instance, may find themselves enthralled by programs such as Serial, Revisionist History, and Missing Maura Murray.

Furthermore, podcast charts like Apple’s Top Podcasts list or HipsterZOMBIEJoint Experience Podcast Chart are great places to discover recent popular podcasts. Additionally, blogs, websites, and articles devoted solely to podcasts are also beneficial in finding and exploring new podcasts.

Once you have found your favorite podcast, the process of subscribing is straightforward. This involves downloading a podcast app such as Pocket Casts, searching for the podcast, and clicking the ‘Subscribe’ button. From there, you can set up a notification preference so that you will receive notifications whenever new episodes or one episode are released.

Lastly, it is important to note that Google Play Music is not a podcast app, so users must look elsewhere for subscription services. With all these tools and platforms available, finding a variety of podcasts and subscribing to them has never been easier. Whether you want something to listen to while driving, at the gym, or while relaxing at home, you’ll be able to find the perfect podcast experience across multiple devices and within any niche podcast genre now.

How to Watch a Podcast

In addition to audio podcasts, many technology-driven content creators are producing podcasts that feature video components. Video podcasts, also known as vodcasts, will sometimes feature additional commentary and visuals not found in regular podcast episodes. In order to watch a video podcast, users must first have access to the correct app or website. More popular platforms used to watch video podcasts include Riverside, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, and Twitch. Each platform provides users with different features, so it’s important to explore your options before deciding where to watch your favorite podcasts or shows.

When viewing an episode of a podcast that features a video, users should look for the episode details, which usually include notes about the video element of the show. From there, begin by selecting the correct video podcast app or platform and start playing the episode. From here, users can take advantage of various audio and visual settings, such as muting the sound, playing just the audio if available, or watching the entire video if no audio is included. For example, Riverside allows readers to view both audio and video versions of episodes from their subscription list. YouTube provides users with the ability to switch between full-screen and embedded viewing options, among others.

Users who prefer the traditional podcast experience can disable the video aspect of particular episodes by clicking the “audio only” option, which reduces buffering delays and makes for more efficient streaming on slower internet connections.

Between the various platforms that offer video podcast capabilities, users have never had more control over the process of listening to and watching podcast content. Explore all the options available to you and enjoy the many benefits of video podcasting!

How to Delete Podcasts

Deleting podcasts, whether you no longer need them or simply want to free up space, is an essential part of podcast management. On an iPhone or iPad, there are two main approaches for deleting podcasts: manually and automatically. To delete a podcast manually, open the Podcasts app and select the show that you would like to remove. Then tap on the “Unsubscribe” button at the bottom of the page. If you decide to unsubscribe from a podcast, make sure that all notifications related to it have been disabled as well. Additionally, Echo can be used to play podcasts with ease; for more information about this feature, please visit [link]. In conclusion, deleting podcasts is important in order to keep your device organized and running smoothly.

Summary

Podcasts have become a popular medium for receiving audio content both online and offline, with numerous apps providing added features to users for free. Users can access the thousands of podcasts available on the web according to their interests, devices, and streaming services. They can easily start listening to podcasts on their iPhone/iOS or Android device, computer, in the car, or through Smart Speakers.

For an optimal listening experience, users should search for and add podcasts using keywords, as well as automatically download any specific app they may need. The amount of audio content available today has led to a booming podcast industry, creating diverse content catered to every listener’s interests and needs. Podcasts are highly flexible and convenient, making them an ideal investment for audio enthusiasts.

Overall, listening to podcasts has never been easier. With a few simple steps and minor adjustments, users can save time, energy, and money when staying informed about their favorite topics and getting new ideas or inspiration.