Podcast Launch: How to Choose the Right Podcast Format
There are several formats to choose from when launching a podcast. Each format has its pros and cons, here we lay out your choices.
Conversational
Whether the host is talking directly to the audience, to another host, or with their guest(s), Conversational podcasts are more raw and focus on the personalities of the people talking. They require some research and preparation, but mostly rely on the host’s skill as an interviewer and conversationalist.
Solocast:
The host speaks directly to the audience. Here are some best-in-class podcasts in that use the Solocast format:
Interview:
The host leads a conversation with a guest or guests. The audience listens in. Here are some best-in-class podcasts in that use the Interview format:
Panel Discussion:
The host, or hosts, have a conversation with a guest or guests. The audience listens in. Here are some best-in-class podcasts in that use the Panel Discussion format:
Storytelling
Every podcast tells a story in one form or another. Storytelling podcasts rely heavily on the narrative arc - introduction, conflict, climax, resolution. A lot more hours are put into pre-production, recording, and post-production; and is often augmented with sound design.
Narrative:
Each episode consists of carefully selected, edited, and pieced together audio that tells a specific story guided by a narrator or host. Here are some best-in-class podcasts in that use the Narrative format:
Theater/Drama:
Each episode is played out by a cast of different voices, each playing their own character or characters. This is often scripted, but can be improvised. This format harkens back to the old days of radio dramas. Here are some best-in-class podcasts in that use the Theater/Drama format:
Hybrid
There are many ways to combine the styles of Conversational and Storytelling. A Hybrid podcast usually establishes a frame by introducing an interview or conversation with a short form narrative, or inserting narration into an interview or conversation to drive the story forward or provide background.
Hybrid Interview:
Narration, and sometimes sound design or additional audio, is inserted into an interview or conversation to drive the story forward or provide background. Here are some best-in-class podcasts in that use the Hybrid Interview format:
Frame Story:
An interview or conversation is introduced, and sometimes concluded, with a short form narrative. This can work in reverse, where a narrative s introduced, and sometimes concluded, by an interview or conversation. Here are some best-in-class podcasts in that use the Frame Story format:
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