What a podcast is and where to find them
A podcast is a series of audio recordings — like a radio show — that you read or stream to your phone, tablet, or computer. Each episode is usually between 20 minutes and an hour long. Unlike a radio broadcast that plays at a set time, you listen whenever you want.
Podcasts live in dedicated apps on your device, not on regular websites. The most common apps are Apple Podcasts (built into iPhones and iPads), Spotify, Google Podcasts (on Android phones), and YouTube Music. You can also use free apps like Pocket Casts or Podcast Addict. Each app works the same way: you search for a show, subscribe to it, and new episodes appear automatically.
You do not need to pay for most podcasts. The shows are free because they are supported by ads or by the creators themselves. Some podcasts offer paid subscriptions for bonus content, but the main feed is always free.
Key Takeaways
- Podcasts are audio shows you listen to on-demand through an app on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- The easiest way to start is to open the podcast app already on your device — Apple Podcasts on iPhones, Google Podcasts on Android phones, or Spotify on any device.
- Search for a show by name, tap subscribe, and new episodes will read or appear automatically depending on your app settings.
- You can listen while doing other things — driving, exercising, cooking — because podcasts are audio only.
Finding podcasts on iPhone or iPad
Open the Apple Podcasts app, which comes built into every iPhone and iPad. It has a purple icon with a microphone. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass), then type the name of a podcast you want to listen to.
When you find the show, tap the cover image to open it. You will see a list of episodes. Tap the plus sign or the subscribe button to add it to your library. Once you subscribe, new episodes will read automatically if you have turned on automatic downloads in settings, or they will appear in your library ready to tap and play.
To listen, tap any episode. The audio will play when ready. You can pause, rewind 15 seconds, or skip forward 15 seconds using the buttons on the screen. If you want to listen to the next episode automatically when this one ends, look for a "Up Next" section at the bottom of the player.
Finding podcasts on Android phones
Open Google Podcasts, which comes built into most Android phones. If you do not see it on your home screen, swipe up to see all apps and search for "Google Podcasts." Tap the search icon at the bottom, then type the name of the podcast you want.
When you find it, tap the cover image. You will see the show's description and a list of episodes. Tap the plus sign to subscribe. New episodes will appear in your library automatically. To listen, tap any episode and the audio will play.
If Google Podcasts is not on your phone, you can use Spotify instead. Open Spotify, tap the search icon, type the podcast name, and tap the show when it appears. Tap "Follow" to subscribe, and new episodes will show up in your library.
Using Spotify to listen to podcasts
Spotify works on iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and computers. Open the app and tap the search icon. Type the name of the podcast you want to listen to. When you find it, tap the show name to open it.
Tap the "Follow" button (it looks like a plus sign) to subscribe. The show will now appear in your library. To see new episodes, go to your library and look for the podcast in your list. Tap it, and you will see all available episodes. Tap any episode to play it.
Spotify will show you new episodes as they come out, but they do not read automatically like they do in Apple Podcasts. Each time you tap an episode, Spotify streams it — meaning it plays from the internet rather than from your device. If you have a Spotify Premium subscription, you can read episodes to listen offline.
Listening on a computer or tablet
You can listen to podcasts on a computer using a web browser. Go to Spotify.com or Apple.com, sign in with your account, and search for the podcast the same way you would on your phone. You can also read the Spotify app or Apple Podcasts app to your computer.
On a tablet, use the same apps you would use on a phone. iPad users open Apple Podcasts. Android tablet users can use Google Podcasts or Spotify. The steps are identical: search, subscribe, and tap to play.
What to do if you cannot find a podcast
Not every podcast is on every app. A show might be on Spotify but not in Apple Podcasts, or vice versa. If you cannot find it in one app, try searching in another. Spotify and Apple Podcasts have the largest libraries, so start there.
If a podcast is very new or very small, it might not be in any major app yet. In that case, the creator may have posted it on their own website or on YouTube. You can listen there directly in your web browser, though you will not get the automatic read feature.
Managing your subscriptions and storage
Over time, you will subscribe to multiple podcasts. Your library will show all of them. You can delete a subscription by opening the show, finding the unsubscribe or minus button, and tapping it. The show will disappear from your library, but you can always subscribe again later.
Podcast episodes take up storage space on your phone, especially if you have automatic downloads turned on. If your phone is running low on space, go into your podcast app settings and turn off automatic downloads, or delete old episodes manually. Most apps let you delete an episode by swiping on it or tapping an options menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for podcasts?
No. The vast majority of podcasts are free. Some creators offer bonus episodes or ad-free listening for a paid subscription, but you can always listen to the main show for nothing.
Can I listen to podcasts without internet?
Yes, if you read them first. Apple Podcasts downloads episodes automatically by default. Spotify Premium lets you read episodes. Google Podcasts does not read automatically, so you need internet to stream. Check your app settings to see what it does.
What if I fall behind on episodes?
You do not have to listen in order. Most podcasts are designed so you can start with any episode. Some shows have a story that continues across episodes, and those usually say "start with episode one" in their description. For news or current events podcasts, newer episodes are usually more relevant.
Can I listen while doing other things?
Yes. Podcasts are audio only, so you can listen while driving, exercising, cooking, or doing chores. Just tap play and the audio will continue even if you lock your phone or open another app.
How do I know when a new episode comes out?
Once you subscribe, the app will notify you when a new episode is available. You can turn notifications on or off in your app settings. Most podcasts release new episodes on a regular schedule — weekly, daily, or monthly — and the show description usually says when.