What are some advantages and disadvantages of podcasts?

One of the advantages of podcasting is that the “rules” are still being written. So there is plenty of room for creativity. For example, you don’t necessarily have to produce a podcast with slick audio effects in a professional studio. And you can use a podcast to create an impression of immediacy by, for instance, recording one on the floor of a trade show that you’re attending to remind your customers that you’re on top of the latest developments in your industry.

You can send fresh information out to target audiences. You can become a leader in your industry, for example, if you own a construction company, talk about different building products that are energy efficient today.  If you sell clothes, talk about fashion trends.    Just being involved with Podcasting says that your company is on the cutting edge.  Your involvement may produce buzz in your industry and interest coverage by news media.

Because the podcast is available at any time, customers are able to listen as they wish on their computer or MP3 player, or even burn it to a CD to listen to in their car or while on a jog. In this form, your message becomes both portable and time-shifted. Even better, customers can subscribe and get your podcast updates downloaded to their computer automatically, with no additional work from you.

Even though there are many advantages using podcasts, there is also many disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages are Podcasts are not always easily searchable. Although there are several search engines you can use, it is impossible to directly search within the audio file itself. This could be a huge disadvantage for many individuals, especially those who prefer to gather their data by quickly scanning through the texts.  Accessibility problems, large files demand not just a broadband connection, but a connection that is fast enough.   Not all podcasts files formats are compatible with all mobile devices, some are just for iPods alone.  

Not everyone owns a mobile device.  Podcasting may just divide the market and alienate those who cannot have access to it. Some people are also just not interested in having to download files from the Web in order to have access to them, and some will prefer reading instead of listening to an audio file.