Whether you are new to the world of podcasts or an old pro, it can be both overwhelming and exciting to find a consistent favorite.
Some podcasts are simply electronic companions to popular shows (NPR favorites, The Soup, etc.) while others exist only in the podcast medium, with cult-like followings. Follow these tips and tricks to navigate the sea of podcasts and uncover a treasure.
Watch or Listen?
Your first job is choosing if you want to watch or listen to a podcast episode. If you are a visual learner or a YouTube junkie, then begin your search with video podcasts. If you are often on the move (i.e. commuting, jogging), then opt for audio podcasts. You can browse in the podcasts section of the iTunes store or on Google Play's BeyondPod.
Determine Your Need
There is so much to choose from that it helps to identify your reason for listening. Do you want to catch up on the news? Laugh out loud? Learn a language? Catch up on favorite shows and celebrities? Or find a how-to podcast with educational tips? Choosing a focus will help narrow down your options and increase your chances for finding a new favorite.
Choose a Category
You've decided you want to catch up on the news. So, what type of news? You can start on iTunes's podcast section, which is arranged by category. Want to catch up on the 2012 Presidential Election? Begin your search with "News and Politics." From there, keep narrowing down the options with the additional tabs.
What's Hot: This is a great way to find popular content. Use this list to help find editors' picks and popular podcasts. Scrolling through this will give you an idea of just how much content is out there.
News and Noteworthy: These are the podcasts that are new to iTunes and the podcast world. Often, these are the podcasts being promoted. If you want something mainstream and new to the market, then this is your best bet.
Top Charts: The numbers don't lie, and neither does the content. This is how you can easily find the most popular episodes among your fellow listeners. The content here is fairly popular, so if you are looking for something specific or an undiscovered gem, then keep searching -- it is out there!
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