5 Amazing Podcast Formats To Consider For Your Show

Wondering what kind of format, you will use for your podcast? Well, stop frying your brain cells and take a look at the different kinds of formats described in this article.

What is a podcast format?

A podcast format refers to the structure and style of a podcast episode. It can vary from a simple monologue to a fully produced audio drama. Choosing the right format for your podcast can greatly impact its success.

Podcasting has seen significant growth in recent years. In 2021, there are over 2 million podcasts available to listeners, with over 48 million episodes available to stream.

The number of people who listen to podcasts has also grown steadily, with over 155 million people in the United States alone listening to a podcast at least once a month (Source: Edison Research).

Choosing the right podcast format is crucial to standing out in the crowded podcasting space. The format you choose should align with your goals, content, and target audience.

It’s important to consider the type of content you want to produce, how often you want to release episodes and the resources you have available to produce the podcast.

Let’s look at the Podcast formats with their pros and cons.

1. Interview Format

The interview format is one of the most popular formats for podcasts. In this podcast format, the host interviews a guest about a particular topic, idea, or experience.

The guest can be an expert in a specific field, a celebrity, an influencer, or anyone with an interesting story to share. The host usually prepares a set of questions in advance and guides the conversation toward the desired outcome.

Example: Simon Says Podcast

Pros:

• The interview format allows the audience to learn from the guest’s experience and knowledge.
• The host can bring in guests who have a large following, which can help to increase the podcast’s reach.
• It is relatively easy to prepare for this format, as the host can prepare a set of questions in advance.
• Guests can bring fresh perspectives and insights to your show.
• You can establish credibility by featuring well-known experts in your field.
• It can lead to valuable networking opportunities.

Cons:

• This format can be challenging for hosts who are not skilled at interviewing.
• If the guest is not engaging, the episode can be dull and uninteresting.
• The interview format can become repetitive if the host only interviews guests from the same field or with similar backgrounds.

2. Solo Format

The solo format is the opposite of the interview format. In this format, the host speaks alone about a particular topic or idea.

The host can share their experiences, opinions, and knowledge about a particular subject. This podcast format allows the host to connect with their audience and build a loyal following.

Example: Kenyan Stories by Daniel Duwa

Pros:

• The solo format allows the host to share their personal experiences and opinions.
• The host can control the content and direction of the episode.
• This podcast format is relatively easy to prepare for, as the host only needs to have a clear idea of what they want to discuss.

Cons:

• This format can become repetitive if the host only talks about the same topics or ideas.
• It can be challenging to keep the audience engaged if the host is not skilled at storytelling.
• The solo format can be isolating for the host, as they are speaking alone without any feedback from a guest.

3. Panel Format

The panel format involves a group of people discussing a particular topic or idea. The panel can consist of experts, influencers, celebrities, or anyone with an interest in the topic.

The host usually moderates the conversation and guides the panel toward the desired outcome.

Example: The Mics Are Open

Pros:

• The panel format allows for a diverse range of opinions and perspectives.
• The audience can learn from the experts and influencers on the panel.
• This podcast format can be engaging and entertaining, as the audience can hear different voices and personalities.

Cons:

• It can be challenging to manage a large panel and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to speak.
• The panel format can become chaotic and disorganized if the host is not skilled at moderating.
• It can be challenging to find a group of people who are available at the same time to record the episode.

4. Narrative Format

The narrative format is a storytelling format that involves the host telling a story. The story can be fictional or based on real-life events.

This podcast format allows the host to connect with the audience emotionally and build a loyal following.

Example: Nipe Story buy Kevin Mwachiro

Pros:

• The narrative format can be engaging and entertaining for the audience.
• The host can use storytelling techniques to connect with the audience emotionally.
• This format can be an excellent way to share important messages and ideas.
• Provides a unique and immersive listening experience.
• Can build a loyal audience that tunes in to each episode.

Cons:

• It can be challenging to create a compelling story that captures the audience’s attention.
• The narrative format can become repetitive if the host only tells stories from
• requires extensive planning and preparation.
• Can be time-consuming and require a significant amount of resources.
• Not all topics lend themselves to the narrative format.

5. Roundtable Format

The roundtable format is a panel discussion that includes multiple hosts or guests. It’s a great way to provide different perspectives on a particular topic.

This type of podcast format is best suited for shows that require diverse opinions or viewpoints.

Pros:

• Provides a variety of perspectives on a particular topic.
• Can lead to lively and engaging discussions.
• Allows for the development of a diverse range of opinions.

Cons:

• It can be difficult to coordinate the schedules of multiple hosts or guests.
• The format can be chaotic if not properly moderated.
• Can become repetitive if the same guests or hosts are featured regularly.

>>>>>The Top 10 Best Podcasts In Kenya 2023

After considering the pros and cons of each podcast format, it’s important to choose the one that best aligns with your goals and target audience. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a podcast format:

1. Goals: Consider what you want to achieve with your podcast. Do you want to educate, entertain, inspire, or inform your audience? Are you looking to build a community or establish yourself as an expert in a specific field? Understanding your goals will help you choose the right format to achieve them.
2. Target audience: Whom are you trying to reach with your podcast? Are they busy professionals who prefer short, easily digestible episodes, or are they avid listeners who enjoy in-depth conversations? Consider your target audience’s preferences and interests when choosing a format.
3. Content: The type of content you want to create will also play a role in choosing the right format. Are you planning on conducting interviews, telling stories, or providing expert insights? The format you choose should complement your content and help you deliver it in the best possible way.
4. Time and resources: Some podcast formats require more time and resources than others. Consider how much time and effort you can realistically commit to creating and producing your podcast, and choose a format that fits within those constraints.
5. Competition: Take a look at what other podcasts in your niche are doing and consider how you can differentiate yourself. Choosing a format that is unique or offers a fresh take on a popular format can help you stand out from the crowd.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a podcast format, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to choose a format that aligns with your goals, content, and audience.

Whether you choose the interview format, solo show format, panel discussion format, roundtable format, or one of the other podcast formats mentioned in this article, the most important thing is to create a podcast that is engaging, informative, and entertaining for your listeners.

The Twiva Studios is an ultra-modern studio that serves Businesses and Influencers. We offer amazing product shoots, photo shoots, green screen services, and podcasting services. 

If you need professional help creatively and professionally curating content around your products, please reach us at 0708 088114 or email [email protected].  

Authored by Emmaculate Wamboi
Emmaculate is the Studio Content Manager at Twiva. She loves everything creative, outdoorsy, and writing! Reach me by email