A Podcast is a digital media file, audio or video, but usually audio. Think of it as an audio book, but in small chunks. These files are distributed via the Internet and can be played back on the computer or a portable device like an MP3 player or a smart phone. Podcasts are sort of like a radio show. Anyone can listen to them, create them and distribute them. As an author, podcasts can provide a new way for you to market you and your books. Podcasts can be archived on tools like iTunes. They vary in length and are often downloaded to your computer but can also be streamed from a website. Podcasts can be heard on almost many devices, including smart phones, MP3 players, or your computer. All you need is Internet access and speakers. The recorded nature of the file and the common ability to download it into archives (like iTunes) is what makes podcasts accessible. You can listen to it whenever you want to and not have to wait until that commercial is over on the radio. Podcasts are becoming more and more popular in the writing world. Check out other articles here on the Author Learning Center to see how authors can use podcasts and how to create one.