Downloads
Downloading means saving something on your device so that you can listen to it when you're not connected to the internet. So if you've downloaded a radio programme, podcast or music mix, you can refer to it as a download.
On a phone or tablet, you can download most of our radio programmes, podcasts and music mixes to listen to again via the BBC Sounds app. You can’t download radio programmes or music mixes on computers or via the website but you can download podcasts on your computer - we'll explain this below.
Radio programmes and music mixes are subject to rights restrictions and so are only available for a set period of time, even after they’ve been downloaded. In most cases this will be 30 days but some downloads, mostly sports events, may only be available for shorter periods or not at all.
Check our How do I download on the BBC Sounds app? to find out how to download on your mobile or tablet.
Podcasts
A podcast is an edited piece of content which can be a complete radio programme, an edited extract or highlights from a programme, or completely unique content with a particular theme made to be subscribed and listened to as a series.
You can download and listen to podcasts on your computer, laptop, mobile or tablet, and they're also available to listen to on some internet radios. Unlike downloaded radio programmes and music mixes, most podcasts don't expire once you’ve downloaded them and are yours to keep. However, not all radio content is available as a podcast.
Streaming
Streaming a programme, podcast or music mix means listening to it online, i.e. without downloading it. You can stream a programme or live radio station by finding it on the BBC Sounds website or BBC Sounds app and pressing Play.
