What podcasts are and where to find them
A podcast is a series of audio episodes you can listen to whenever you want — think of it like a radio show that waits for you instead of broadcasting on a schedule. Episodes cover everything from true crime to cooking to news to comedy, and most are free. You don't need special equipment; your phone, tablet, or computer works fine.
Podcasts live in dedicated apps, not on regular websites. The most common way to listen is through a podcast app — a program designed specifically to find shows, download episodes, and play them back. Your device probably came with one already installed, or you can download one for free from your device's app store.
The three biggest podcast apps are Apple Podcasts (on iPhones and iPads), Google Podcasts (on Android phones), and Spotify (which works on almost everything). Each one has millions of shows in its library, and they're all free to use. You can also listen through a web browser if you prefer not to install an app.
Key Takeaways
- Podcasts are free audio shows you listen to on demand through an app or web browser, not on a schedule.
- Most phones come with a podcast app already installed — check your home screen or app drawer before downloading a new one.
- You search for shows by name or topic, subscribe to the ones you like, and new episodes download automatically.
- You can listen while doing other things: driving, exercising, cooking, or doing chores.
- Pausing and resuming works across devices if you use the same account — start on your phone and pick up on your tablet.
Finding podcasts on iPhone or iPad
On an iPhone or iPad, open the Podcasts app — it's usually on your home screen or in the app drawer, with a purple icon that looks like a microphone. If you can't find it, swipe down from the top of the screen and search for "Podcasts" by name.
Once the app opens, tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom to search. Type in what you're looking for: a show name, a topic like "cooking" or "history," or even a person's name if they host a show. Results will appear as you type. Tap any show to see its description, how many episodes it has, and what listeners say about it.
When you find something you want to hear, tap the plus sign or "Subscribe" button. The show will be added to your library, and new episodes will download automatically when they come out. Tap any episode to start listening right away — you don't have to wait for it to download first.
Finding podcasts on Android phones
Android phones use Google Podcasts or sometimes a different app depending on your phone's manufacturer. Look for an app called Google Podcasts, Podcasts, or Podcast Manager. If you can't find it, download Google Podcasts free from the Google Play Store — search for "Google Podcasts" and tap Install.
Open the app and tap the search icon (magnifying glass). Type in a show name, topic, or host name. Tap any result to see details about the show and read reviews from other listeners. When you find one you like, tap the plus sign to subscribe.
New episodes will show up in your library automatically. Tap an episode to play it — it will start streaming right away, or you can tap the download icon to save it to your phone so you can listen without an internet connection later.
Using Spotify to listen to podcasts
If you already use Spotify for music, you can listen to podcasts in the same app without switching back and forth. Open Spotify and tap the search icon. Type in a podcast name or topic. When you find a show, tap "Follow" to add it to your library.
New episodes will appear in your library under the Podcasts section. Tap any episode to play it. Spotify works the same way on phones, tablets, and computers, so you can start listening on one device and pick up where you left off on another using the same account.
Spotify's free version plays podcasts with occasional ads, just like music. You don't need a paid subscription to listen to podcasts — the free version works fine.
Listening to podcasts through a web browser
You don't have to use an app at all. Open any web browser on your computer or phone and go to podcasts.apple.com, podcasts.google.com, or spotify.com. Search for a show the same way you would in the app — type the name or topic in the search box.
When you find a show, click or tap it to open the show page. You'll see all the episodes listed. Click or tap any episode to play it right in your browser. The audio will start playing immediately, and you can pause, rewind, or skip forward using the player controls.
Listening through a browser works well if you're at a computer or if you don't want to install an app. The downside is that your progress doesn't sync across devices the way it does in an app — if you pause an episode in your browser, the app on your phone won't know where you stopped.
Managing your subscriptions and playback
Once you subscribe to a show, it stays in your library until you unsubscribe. Most apps let you organize shows into folders or mark them as favorites so your most-listened-to shows appear at the top. In Apple Podcasts, tap Edit in your library to rearrange shows. In Google Podcasts, long-press a show to see options.
All podcast apps remember where you stopped in an episode. If you pause halfway through and come back the next day, the app will pick up at that exact spot. If you use the same account on multiple devices — your phone and a tablet, for example — most apps will sync your progress across them, so you can start listening on your phone and continue on your tablet without losing your place.
To stop getting new episodes from a show, find it in your library and look for an unsubscribe or remove option. This varies by app — in Apple Podcasts, swipe left on a show and tap the trash icon. In Google Podcasts, long-press the show and tap Unsubscribe.
Downloading episodes to listen offline
If you know you won't have internet access — on a plane, in a tunnel, or in an area with weak signal — you can download episodes ahead of time. In most apps, tap or long-press an episode and look for a download option. The episode will save to your phone and you can listen to it without using data.
Downloaded episodes take up storage space on your device, so most apps delete them automatically after you finish listening. You can usually change this setting in the app's preferences. If you want to keep an episode, look for a "Save" or "Keep" option in the app menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to listen to podcasts?
No. Almost all podcasts are free to listen to. Some shows offer bonus episodes or ad-free listening if you pay, but the main episodes are always free. Podcast apps themselves are also free — you don't pay to use Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify's free version.
Can I listen to podcasts without downloading an app?
Yes. You can listen through a web browser by going to podcasts.apple.com, podcasts.google.com, or spotify.com and playing episodes directly. The downside is that your progress won't sync across devices the way it does in an app.
What happens if I unsubscribe from a show?
The show will be removed from your library and you'll stop getting new episodes. Episodes you've already downloaded will stay on your device until you delete them manually. You can always subscribe again later if you change your mind.
How do I listen to podcasts while doing other things?
Once you start playing an episode, you can close the app or lock your phone and the audio will keep playing. You can also use your phone's volume buttons, headphones, or car speakers to control the sound. The episode will pause if you get a phone call, and resume when the call ends.
Can I listen to the same podcast on my phone and my computer?
Yes, if you use the same account on both devices. Subscribe to a show on your phone, and it will appear in your library on your computer too. Your progress syncs across devices — if you pause an episode on your phone, you can pick up at that same spot on your computer.