iTunes 4.9 Incorporates Podcast Downloads and UPLOADS
iTunes 4.9 was launched today. The biggest news for unsigned artists? Anyone can UPLOAD podcasts -- check out the shiny new button in the iTunes Store:
If you have a podcast ready, this is your chance to get it heard before throngs of podcasters storm the iTunes store. (It's a little more complicated than it sounds -- see requirements here)
The iTunes store seems a little buggy and slow, however. I tried to create an "Apple Account", and got the following error message:
Thinking I might have created an account some time ago, I tried to send myself my password info:
What's going on, Apple???
Despite extremely annoying glitches, this is exciting news: Podcasting has officially become mainstream.
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Comments
Mainstream, yes. But too early? Most of the podcasts right now are just, in the words of Om Malik "time-shifted radio".
Will corporate interest in podcasting crush independent podcasters or help content-organize the mass of independent podcasters? (how many times can we talk about the "long tail"?)
Posted by: Taylor | June 28, 2005 04:51 PM
Om Malik is completely right -- in terms of "User Experience," all Podcasts are are "time-shifted radio". However, podcasting differs a great deal from radio in terms of accessibility to the public. I certainly don't have the ability to construct a radio tower in my backyard and start broadcasting across the airwaves. Podcasts, however, are relatively simple to create.
You bring up a valid point -- I do believe corporate podcasts will indeed dominate the space. However, I believe the Long Tail IS still very relevant here. Some subset of independent podcasts will be found, loved, and spread among fans. Also, Indies aren't currently monitored for quality or content, giving them an advantage of rawness (which can be good or bad, in different cases), which can be appealing to some.
In any case, there's no question -- now is the best time to introduce a podcast, as it's still early in the space...
Posted by: MB | June 29, 2005 06:54 AM
Podcasts are distinctly different from radio in the accessibility to broadcasters (content-creators) rather than listeners. And that is what creates the long tail.
Is there a first-mover advantage in podcasting?
Speaking of which, when is GarageBand starting a podcast?
Posted by: Taylor | June 29, 2005 10:31 AM
Great question, Taylor. And I assume you were asking about a GarageSPIN podcast? :)
A podcast _is_ coming soon..! I'm just not sure exactly when...it depends on how quickly I can figure out the iTunes podcast tag requirements.
-MB
Posted by: mike | June 29, 2005 01:41 PM