How to Use Podcasts on an MP3 Player

Catch up with your favorite talk shows or news podcasts.

Podcasts are downloadable spoken-word (as opposed to music) audio files that individuals can subscribe to over the Internet. They can be uploaded onto virtually any MP3 player. You'll need to use software that is compatible with the MP3 player and to be sure that the MP3 player has enough hard drive space to store the podcasts.

Instructions

IPod

1. 

   Apple's IPod is one of the most popular MP3 devices.

   Subscribe to the desired podcasts using iTunes, which can be found by clicking "Advanced" and then "Subscribe to podcasts" or by clicking the "Podcasts" icon in the iTunes Library. If you cannot see this icon, make sure it is checked in the "Show" section within iTunes' general settings in "Preferences."

2. Once you are in the "Podcasts" menu, you can choose to arrange your settings so your iTunes will only hold onto the most recent podcasts or only those you have listened to or all of them.

3. Plug in your iPod and once the device shows up in iTunes, click on your iPod's icon. Then click on "Settings" and check the box next to "Sync podcasts."

Zune

1. 

   Microsoft's Zune is also a popular MP3 player used to play podcasts.

   Use the Zune software application (downloadable from Zune.com) to manage podcasts. Download podcasts off of the Zune website or through the Zune software.

2. Transfer or play podcasts that you downloaded elsewhere in the Zune software by clicking "Collection," then "Podcasts."

3. Manage your podcasts in the software by clicking "Settings," then "Podcasts" and choose the settings that you desire for podcast playback on your Zune MP3 player.

4. Connect the Zune MP3 player to the computer through the USB cable to transfer the podcasts to your player.

Other MP3 Players and Podcast Software

1. 

   Many MP3 players can be synced with your computer for podcasts.

   Check your MP3 player's manual or with the manufacturer to see if there is a software program created for your MP3 player.

2. Use another podcast management software program if your MP3 player does not offer a software program, as these are widely available on the Internet for downloading.

3. Download RSS feeds with an external player to manage feeds, enabling you to download feeds to the software and to your individual MP3 player, depending on its capabilities.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a lot of podcasts from external sources and are downloading from numerous websites, it may be helpful to use an external podcast software program (not manufactured by a specific MP3 manufacturer) to manage your podcasts efficiently.

• You cannot sync text RSS feeds or podcasts to some MP3 players because they lack the storage space or because they are older and lack this capability.

References

• Zune User Guide: Sync FAQ

Resources

• External Podcast Software Programs