Seven most popular types of podcast formats
We’re big fans of not reinventing the wheel each time you sit down to create something. So, instead of trying to think of some never-been-done-before podcast style, it’s usually best to choose a tried and true format that you can apply your personal twist to.

Here are the pros and cons of some of the most popular podcast formats.

1 – Interview podcasts
When you think of a podcast, the interview podcast format is probably one of the first to mind.
Interviews guests is arguably the most common podcast format, with a consistent host (or hosts) talking to a new guest each week. While guests and topics can vary, there’s always a theme that ties them together.

There is already an abundance of interview podcast format shows. You’ll need to think of a unique spin or niche to make yours stand out.

2 – Conversational (co-hosted format)
Conversational podcasts have a couple of hosts that spend each episode taking on a topic. It feels like a casual discussion between friends and is the preferred format for an ever-growing list of celebrities.

Here at ConvertKit we have two conversational podcasts: Deliverability Defined and The Future Belongs to Creators.

3 – Educational podcasts
Educational podcasts can be similar to an interview or conversational podcast, but they focus on teaching about a topic, such as growing a business or improving your painting skills. Since these podcasts can pack in a lot of info, show notes are essential to help consolidate learnings and link out to other resources.

4 – Solo podcasts
No co-host, no worries. Solo podcasting is an easy way to start since you don’t need a co-host or connections with guests. All you need is an idea, some basic recording equipment, and a free hosting platform.

5 – Non-fiction storytelling + news
Not sure how to come up with a new topic each week? You could create a podcast that follows a true story or shares the latest updates in a niche. Traditional news outlets are even getting in on the podcast game, with daily podcasts like NPR’s Up First.

If you want to plan your podcast further in advance than the night before recording, you can try non-fiction storytelling like the award-winning Serial podcast.

6 – Podcast theater
Fiction writers—here’s a podcast format just for you. Like radio shows of years passed, you can use a podcast to tell a fictional story over audio episodes. You can create a new story for your podcast or recreate your existing work in a new format.

7 – Bite-sized content or limited run podcast series
Maybe you (or your audience) aren’t interested in 40-minute podcast episodes. You can still create a podcast! Bite-sized episodes or limited-run podcast series let you dip your toes into podcasting or keep lessons short and snappy.

 

 

Resources : ConvertKit - 7 Popular Podcast Formats: Which One is Right For You?
https://convertkit.com/resources/blog/podcast-formats

Date of Input: 24/04/2024 | Updated: 24/04/2024 | aslamiah