The term “podcast” has become increasingly ambiguous with the rise of video podcasts, leading to questions about whether the name still accurately reflects the medium. As Netflix begins streaming original podcasts and Apple announces a new video experience on its app, the definition of a podcast has expanded to include any form of episodic audio or video content featuring people speaking into microphones.
The word “podcast” was first coined in 2004 by British journalist Ben Hammersley, and it was a clever play on words referencing the iPod. However, with the iPod now obsolete, the term has become outdated. According to Jonathan Miller, CEO of Integrated Media Co, “The consumption is moving more and more toward video-based podcasts… At some point, there needs to be a new name. But it’s not going to happen easily.” YouTube has become the top podcast platform in the US, with over 1 billion active users, while Apple‘s audio-only app has lost market share, going from 15.7% in 2022 to 11.3% in 2025.
As the medium continues to evolve, it’s unclear whether the term “podcast” will stick or if a new name will emerge. Some, like Matt Sandler, general manager of creator services at Amazon, see the shift to video as a natural evolution of the medium, while others, like Adam Curry, believe it’s an addition to the existing format. The rise of video podcasts has significant implications for the industry, with Netflix and other streaming services investing in original podcast content. According to a YouGov survey, the top podcast-consuming situations are while doing chores, commuting, or working out, highlighting the ongoing importance of audio-only content.
The popularity of video podcasts also raises questions about how they will be consumed and what they will be called. Some suggest terms like “Social media TV” or simply “episodes.” As the industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that the term “podcast” will remain, even if it no longer accurately reflects the medium. As Adam Curry notes, “We still use paperclip icons to attach a file, and a floppy disc icon to save something… Sometimes, words continue to survive long after the idea that inspired them becomes redundant.”
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