8). Podcasting Terminology Every Beginner Should Know:

An Exhaustive Glossary
So you'd like to podcast? If you're starting your own show, or simply want to get a grasp on the fundamentals, learning the lingo of podcasting is necessary. From your initial take-through to publishing it on the major platforms, you'll encounter all manner of technical and industry-specific terminology.

In this convenient glossary, we simplify the most essential podcasting jargon you'll ever have to master—categorized—so you can enter the realm of podcasting confidently and comfortably.

Common Podcast Terminology
These fundamental terms are used in every podcast show, format, and platform.

Podcast – A series of digital audio material that can be either downloaded or streamed, typically focused on a particular issue or topic.

Episode – One audio episode from a podcast series.

Show Notes – A typed transcript of each episode that can contain timestamps, links, guest bios, and episode highlights.

Host – The main voice or personality of the podcast who steers the discussion.

Guest – A guest expert or special guest who appears on a show with the host for interviews or debate.

Recording & Production Terminology
Mastering these will allow you to create professional-sounding episodes.

Mic (Microphone) – The device to capture the sound. It's very diverse in terms of quality, so you must purchase a quality mic.

Pop Filter – A screen placed in front of a microphone to reduce "p" and "b" consonant popping.

Gain – Your input level on your microphone; determines how loud you will be when recording.

Editing – The act of shaping raw sound by eliminating errors, pauses, background sounds, and improvement of sound flow.

Multitrack Recording – Recording each audio source (e.g., host, guest, background music) individually so that they can be edited individually.

Sound Quality & Format Jargon
Great audio makes great podcasts. These terms will help you understand how to fine-tune your sound.

Mono vs Stereo – Mono uses a single sound channel (same sound in both ears), while stereo uses two (left and right), which gives spatial effects.

Bitrate – The amount of audio data per second (e.g., 128 kbps). Higher bitrate = better quality audio, but larger file size.

Compression – An effect to equalize sound levels, amplifying soft sounds and reducing loud ones to an even experience.

Noise Reduction – Techniques used to remove background hiss, hum, or ambient noise.

Equalization (EQ) – Controls frequency ranges (bass, mid, treble) to improve tone and clarity.

Terms of Hosting and Distribution After you have prepared your podcast, these words are paramount to getting it out there.

RSS Feed – A file containing information regarding your podcast and shows. Applications utilize it to give notifications to users.

Podcast Host – A place (such as Buzzsprout, Anchor, Podbean) where your podcast files are hosted and your RSS feed is created.

Directory – A listening platform such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts where episodes are discoverable and accessible.

Streaming or Downloading – Streaming is listening online but not storing the file; downloading downloads the audio for playing offline.

Marketing & Monetization Terminology

These affirmations assist you in building your audience and possibly making money from your program.

CTA (Call-to-Action) – A call to action that tells people to do something such as subscribe, leave a comment, or go to a website.

Ad Spot – A planned spot in your show for an advertisement.

Sponsorship – A financial partnership with a company or brand that you support through episodes.

Affiliate Marketing – Marketing products/services through a unique link; you get a commission on those made using it.

Analytics – Statistics showing your audience activity: downloads, listening time, locations, device types, etc.

Optional/Advanced Vocabulary

After you feel confident, these other terms will make your technical understanding stronger.

ID3 Tags – Metadata within your MP3 files, for example, episode title, artwork, artist name, and genre.

Bumper – A short audio clip (e.g., music or slogan) to separate periods or build brand recognition.

Intro/Outro – Pre-recorded introductions at the beginning or end of your programs that give you consistency.

Dynamic Ad Insertion – Technology to automatically insert ads or to swap them out within podcast episodes even after they have already been published.

Conclusion

Podcasting doesn't have to be complicated. Once you're comfortable with the jargon, you'll be at ease creating, recording, releasing, and promoting your show. Whether you're placing your very own mic or dissecting your episode statistics, this guide will have you feeling at ease and confident in your podcasting projects.

Tip: Bookmark this blog or save the glossary as a reference guide to look at whenever you need it. And if you're ready to take your podcasting to the next level, take a look at our posts on: How to Start a Podcast Business in 2025 Top Podcast Hosting Sites Compared Podcast Equipment Checklist for Beginners