Where does "podcast" come from?

You're bound to have heard of podcasts around you. It's in every ear, in the car, in the park and in the kitchen. Podcasts have become a medium in their own right, and are becoming an increasingly important part of French people's lives. Which makes it a formidable communications tool for brands and companies. But where does it come from? Follow the story of the podcast by Calliopé.

The history of podcasting

First of all, what does the term "podcast" mean? It was unintentionally coined in 2004 by BBC journalist Ben Hammersley by contracting the terms "iPod", Apple's world-famous MP3 player, and "broadcast". In June 2005, Apple seized on the term by adding a "Podcast" tab to its iTunes software, enabling users to synchronize their iPods. Today, it's in daily use the world over! The definition of a podcast is an audio program accessible online or by download. It can be listened to on platforms such as Apple Podcast, Spotify or Deezer. Podcasts come in various forms:- replays of radio programs from radio stations (France Inter, RTL, etc.) that can be listened to as many times as you like;- native podcasts whose audio content is created by an independent, a company or a brand, with or without the help of a podcast studio, such as the Calliopé agency.

The marketing impact of podcasts

According to Médiamétrie, in April 2022, 149 million French podcasts were listened to in France. Which suggests an infinite potential of customers or prospects for a brand to reach. A podcast can have different structures, depending on the format you choose: interviews, fictional stories or audio documentaries. You can afford to adopt a more natural or offbeat tone than on conventional media. Corporate podcasts give you the opportunity to approach your customers and partners differently. It's a new way of building customer loyalty, with the aim of making them want to come back and listen to the rest of your adventures. You become the reference in your field, and you can use this audience in your marketing campaign.  

Calliopé at your side to create your branded podcasts

Whether you want to inform your consumers with a podcast about your brand's history, or entertain your listeners with authentic stories, Calliopé is here to help. Specializing in the creation and recording of branded podcasts, Calliopé takes care of everything: design, production, broadcast and promotion of your corporate podcast. Discover our different offers to find the one best suited to your needs.