An Exploratory Study of User Goals and Strategies in Podcast Search

We report on an exploratory, qualitative user study designed to identify users’ goals underlying podcast search, the strategies used to gain access to podcasts, and how currently available tools influence podcast search. We employed a multi-method approach. First, we conducted an online survey to obtain broad information on overall trends and perceptions regarding podcasts in general and podcast search in particular. Second, we used a diary study and contextual interviews to gain more detailed insights into the goals and behavior of key users. We find that goals underlying podcast search may be similar to those for blog search. Study participants report searching for podcasts to look for personal opinions and ideas, and favor topics like technology, news, and entertainment. A variety of search strategies is used to gain access to interesting podcasts, such as query-based search, directed and undirected browsing, and requested and unrequested recommendations. We find indications that goals and search strategies for podcast search are strongly influenced by perceptions of available tools, most notably the perceived lack of tools for online audio search.

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