This is a term that derives its name from the iPod™ manufactured by Apple Incorporated. The iPod is an electronic gizmo that allows downloading files in .mp3 or AAC (Apple iTunes™ format). To date, the primary file download use has been for music for the iPod to be used as a mobile music player. The iPod is manufactured in various hard disk capacities that predict the download of other, larger-sized files, such as video, in the future.

The name "podcast" is no longer specifically related to the iPod but to any software and hardware combination that permits the downloading and playing of files in user defined timeframes.The concept of podcast is a new technology application of an electronic broadcast concept "narrowcasting."