The Best Podcast Format for Your Show
When creating and planning for your show, your podcast format is generally one of the first decisions you will have to make.
We’ve spoken previously about how to map out your content to ensure you’re providing value to your audience.
Your podcast format can also make a big impact on how your audience reacts and relates to your show.
It determines how you’ll deliver your content, how your audience will experience it, and even how much work you’ll need to put in each week.
You want to understand the frequency in which you should be providing this content to your audience as well as in which form (just audio or audio and video?).
So, let’s dive into all of this today.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PODCAST FORMATS?
There are a lot of podcast formats, and there is no one-size-fits-all option. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular podcast formats:
1. Solo Podcast Format
In a solo podcast, it’s just you and the mic.
It’s your time to showcase your expertise, share your experience, or offer a fresh perspective on a subject.
Solo podcasts are great if you love being in full control of your content.
Don't get put off by the mere idea of speaking into a microphone alone. Solo podcasting is often one of the most genuine ways to reach your audience.
There's something particularly great about addressing your podcast listeners directly, sharing your knowledge and experiences in your own voice.
Think of shows like The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial. He makes fantastic episodes by sharing insights and motivation directly with his audience.
He treats every episode like he's talking to a friend.
Why it’s great: You don't need to depend on someone else and you can keep recording as you see fit.
Why it’s tricky: It can be a bit strange to speak to yourself at first, and you'll need to keep your energy up in order to maintain the interest of the audience.
2. Interview Podcast Format
This is one of the most common podcast formats. In an interview podcast, you ask guests to talk about their knowledge, experiences, or stories.
It is also excellent for building trust and providing an interesting fresh take.
Think of The Tim Ferriss Show, where Tim brings on innovators from different fields to reveal their strategies for success.
Why it’s great: You have the pleasure of featuring interesting guests, and their audience might tune in to hear them.
Why it’s tricky: It takes time to identify and schedule guests, hence you’ll need to do some research to ask good questions.
You don’t have to stick to big-name guests, though. Everybody has a story to tell and the better you get at interviewing, the better you'll make your guests feel.
3. Co-Hosted Podcast Format
With a co-host, you’re not doing this alone. There's something special about the energy of two hosts bouncing ideas off each other.
This format often feels spontaneous and unscripted so it’s perfect for casual or conversational topics.
Co-hosted shows create a unique chemistry that solo or interview formats can't match.
When you find the right co-host, your show feels like listeners are eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation between friends.
The Marketing School podcast with Neil Patel and Eric Siu is a great example.
They create short, daily episodes where they share marketing insights, playing off each other's expertise and making complex topics feel accessible through their natural conversation style.
Why it’s great: Two voices can bring more variety and energy, and you can split responsibilities like editing or promotion.
Why it’s tricky: Scheduling can be tough, and you'll need good chemistry with your co-host.
If you love collaborating or enjoy debates and discussions, a co-hosted podcast could be just what you need.
4. Roundtable/Panel Podcast Format
In this format, a "standard" panel expert group addresses questions, and debates, and delivers interactive discussion.
The magic happens when ideas collide, which results in deep discussions that couldn’t be brought by one or two people.
Sports podcasts are the kings of this format, with analysts, pros, and reporters discussing how a team is performing and expressing their views on game trends.
Why it’s great: Podcast listeners love hearing different perspectives.
Why it’s tricky: Managing schedules and keeping the conversation focused can be difficult.
5. Narrative/Storytelling Podcast Format
This style is suitable for both fiction and non-fiction content and allows you to come up with really compelling narratives that keep listeners coming back for more.
True crime podcasts often use this format masterfully.
Shows like Serial that use storytelling with investigative journalism can create addiction-like listening experiences.
But narrative podcasts aren't limited to true crime—you can use this format for historical events, etc.
Why it’s great: Stories captivate listeners and draw them back to hear the next.
Why it’s tricky: Writing and producing a story takes time, and you’ll need good editing skills to bring it to life.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT FORMAT?
Choosing your format comes down to three main questions:
What does your audience want?
Think about who you’re making this podcast for.
Are they busy parents who need short, bite-sized episodes? Or professionals looking for deep dives into complex topics? Your audience’s preferences should shape your format.
What works for your strengths?
If you love sharing your expertise, try a solo podcast. If you’re a great conversationalist, an interview format might be better.
Pick something that plays to your natural talents.
What’s realistic for you?
Be honest about how much time and energy you can commit. If you’re juggling a full-time job, maybe shorter episodes or a simpler format is the way to go.
Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint, so start with something manageable.
DO I HAVE TO STICK TO ONE PODCAST FORMAT?
Podcast beginners oftentimes don’t realize they actually have options as far as podcast formats go.
They don’t recognize the endless possibilities they have available to them in terms of how they format their show.
Another common misconception about podcasting is that you must stick to the same format you started with.
This is incorrect.
The podcast format is fluid.
It is something that can shift and change when you want it to.
You can start with interview episodes and start weaving in solo teaching episodes.
Basically, you can change this format up however you see fit, whenever you see fit.
Your podcast's success hinges on one crucial principle: prioritizing your audience's needs.
That's the golden rule.
However…
Podcasting isn't just a case of showing up week after week—it's also structuring your show in a way that holds consistency.
Think of your format as the framework of a building. It holds everything together and creates a predictable experience for your podcast listeners.
Listeners love knowing what to expect.
A predictable format can make them feel more connected to your show because they know how it’s going to flow. For example:
If you always start with a personal anecdote, it feels familiar and welcoming.
If you add on a Q&A segment at the end, you give them something to look forward to.
At the same time, consistency ≠ rigidity. It’s okay to deviate from the format now and then for special episodes, etc. For example:
Bonus episodes can surprise/delight your audience.
"Best of" episodes are perfect for recapping a podcast season's highlights.
If you stick to a structure most of the time, you’re building trust with your audience, which is important to a successful podcast.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR PODCAST BE?
The length of your episodes depends on your content and your audience.
Some topics need more time to explore, while others work best in short bursts. It also depends on when and where your audience is listening.
Short-form podcasts (10–20 minutes): For quick tips or busy people like parents or commuters.
Medium-length podcasts (20–40 minutes): Sweet spot that gives enough time for storytelling/interviews without overwhelming the listener.
Long-form podcasts (40-60 minutes or more): Great for deep talks, especially with complex topics or passionate audiences.
Pro Tip: Trim the length or rearrange your segments if your audience isn’t sticking around to the end of your episodes.
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
No matter your format, the right equipment can make podcasting a lot easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Microphone: Invest in a good-quality mic to improve your sound quality.
Editing Software: Audacity or GarageBand are great for beginners.
Hosting Platform: Services like Buzzsprout distribute your podcast to platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Recording Space: A quiet room with soft furnishings can help minimize echo and background noise.
No need to spend too much on good equipment. Start with just a basic microphone and headphones and upgrade as your show grows.
YOUR PODCASTING SCHEDULE
If there's one thing that separates successful podcasts from those that fizzle out, it's consistency.
Most find that weekly episodes work really well for them. It keeps you present in your listeners' minds without overextending your production capacity.
Think about your favorite TV shows—they train you to expect new content on specific days. Your podcast should do the same.
Some podcasters worry that weekly episodes might be too much to handle.
If that's you, here's a pro tip: batch recording can be your best friend.
Set aside one day to record multiple episodes, then release them over several weeks.
This approach gives you breathing room while maintaining a consistent presence with your audience.
THE QUALITY QUESTION: AUDIO MATTERS
No matter which format you choose, your audio quality needs to be solid.
You don't need expensive equipment to start—many successful podcasts began with basic setups.
What matters most is having clear, clean audio that doesn't distract from your content.
For interview shows, make sure you test your recording setup before each guest session.
There's nothing worse than finishing an amazing conversation only to discover audio problems.
For co-hosted shows, try to maintain similar audio quality between hosts—significant differences can be jarring for listeners.
We can help you start your podcast with the best audio possible - ask us how.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR AUDIENCE ENGAGED
No matter which podcast format you choose, engagement is what keeps your listeners coming back for more.
Here are some strategies to keep your audience hooked:
1. Start Strong
Your introduction sets the tone for the rest of the episode. Avoid long, rambling openings. Instead:
Use a catchy hook or ask a thought-provoking question.
Preview what the episode is about so listeners know what to expect.
For example, if you’re doing an interview, you could start with an intriguing fact about your guest or a teaser for a big reveal later in the episode.
2. Add Variety
Even if you stick to one format, you can make each episode feel fresh by adding segments or switching up your approach. For example:
Try storytelling or case studies to illustrate points.
Listeners enjoy surprises, so sprinkling in new elements now and then can keep your content exciting without overhauling your format.
3. Engage With Your Audience Directly
Your audience wants to feel involved in your podcast. Here’s how you can do that:
Encourage feedback through social media or email.
Use polls to let listeners vote on future episode topics.
Read out listener comments or reviews during episodes.
This two-way communication builds a stronger connection and shows your audience you value their input.
WHICH PODCAST FORMAT WORKS BEST?
Let’s discuss audio versus video.
Video works really well for short-form teaching, interview, or tutorial-style episodes.
Video can be a great podcast format if you’re wanting another way to connect with your audience.
However, as these videos are generally not very visually engaging, YouTube doesn’t prioritize these styles of videos.
This means you will need to be the main driver of traffic to your videos.
There is always the option to just start with audio and add video later.
It adds complexity and a face to your show, which can be great for engagement.
Next, we need to discuss long-form content or short-form content.
Really this comes down to how much time your audience has to listen and what style of content you are sharing.
If you’re doing teaching-style episodes, whether solo or with a co-host and it’s very direct, short can work very well.
If you are conducting interviews, you generally want to give more time to dig deeper into questions and expose more of the stories and emotion-based responses.
ADAPTING TO FEEDBACK
Once your podcast is up and running, don’t forget to listen to your audience.
Feedback is a gift—it tells you what’s working and where you can improve.
How to Collect Feedback:
Check analytics to see which episodes perform best.
Ask for reviews and comments on platforms like Apple Podcasts.
Create polls or surveys to gather input on future topics.
What to Do With Feedback:
Shorten your episodes if listeners are dropping off early.
Adjust your format if your audience requests more variety or depth.
Experiment with new segments or styles to meet listener preferences.
Remember, your podcast evolves with your audience. Staying open to change will help you stay relevant and keep your listeners engaged.
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