9 Podcast Formats and Types: Pros, Cons, and Examples

Whether you're into true crime, marketing, or stories about outer space, there's a podcast just for you. The popularity and versatility of podcasts have made them a more popular content marketing platform for savvy brands. They offer an opportunity to develop a loyal audience of listeners, deep customer relationships, and solidify the brand's reputation for expertise.

Podcast fans also tend to be business decision-makers and lead comfortable lifestyles. More than half of podcast consumers ages 18+ have a household income of over $75,000. Brands want to tap into this lucrative market, but they need to start by finding the right podcast format.

Despite the almost infinite subject matter available to podcasters, there are nine essential podcast formats. From interviews to storytelling, each has a distinct flavor.

Here's the lowdown on each of the top podcast types — pros and cons, examples, and how to choose the right one for your brand, niche, and objectives.

What Is a Podcast Format?

A podcast format is like the blueprint for your show. It establishes your basic structure for each episode and lets your audience know what to expect.

If you were a true crime buff, you might listen to several podcasts, each with a different format. One might start with a thrilling intro to tease the story and follow up with interviews with experts who unravel each thread of the case. In another, the host could narrate the tale solo, and a third might have cohosts informally chat about the crime.

The podcast format determines your audience's listening experience, and a clear vision will help you stand out.

Importance of Choosing Your Podcast Structure Early On

Choosing your podcast structure early on is crucial. A solid plan and clear format allow you to create a coherent podcast strategy and content schedule.

Early planning is even more critical if you need to invite guests or perform extensive research. You want to give participants plenty of notice and yourself a comfortable cushion for prep time.

Factors To Consider When Selecting a Format

Before you lock in your format, refine your vision. How will you stand out in a crowded podcast universe?

Understanding Your Goals

Clearly defining your goals guides your creative decisions and focuses your content. What do you want to achieve? Are you looking to educate, entertain, or inspire your listeners? 

Let the answers shape the format you choose. For example, if you want to share expert advice, you might opt for an interview-based podcast.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Who do you want to listen to your podcast? Consider consumer archetypes, demographics, and interests. Weekend warriors looking for quick input on their next adventure won't gravitate to the same types of podcast formats as scholarly technophiles demanding deep investigations of the latest devices or trends.

Evaluating Your Competition

Listen to other successful podcasts. How do they structure their episodes? Identify gaps in the market as well as tried-and-true formulas you can repeat. The formula for success is often a blend of familiar traditions and innovation.

Determining Content Type

Think about the topics you want to cover. What formats do they suggest? Do you want to present multiple perspectives or detail a single case study? Or maybe you want to invent a fictional universe to explore themes or offer broad insights about current trends.

Decide how long each episode should last and whether structured segments or a loose outline will work best. How can you maintain your audience's focus and attention throughout the episode?

Pro tip: The more complex your subject, the more structure you'll need to help your host and audience stay on track.

9 Popular Types of Podcast Formats With Their Pros and Cons

There are nine main types of podcast formats. Any of these can be wildly successful, so pick the one that best fits your niche, talents, and goals.

1. Interview Podcasts

An interview podcast features conversations between the host(s) and their guests, providing listeners with their insights and expertise. It lets you bring in a variety of perspectives and cover wide-ranging topics. You can tap into guests' authority to help you establish your thought leadership, which top goal brands cite when launching a podcast.

Pros of Interview Podcast Formats

Interviews introduce variety to your podcast while opening up opportunities for growth and networking. Here are some pros of interview podcast formats:

• Dynamic content: Each episode features a new guest, bringing different viewpoints and keeping audiences intrigued and entertained.
• Networking opportunities: Hosting guests helps build connections and credibility within the industry, potentially expanding the podcast's audience.
• Audience engagement: The conversational style makes listeners feel involved in the discussion, enriching their overall experience.
• Low production cost: Compared to narrative podcasts, interview podcasts require minimal production efforts and expenses, making them budget-friendly for creators.
• Established guest base: Inviting well-known guests can draw in their followers, increasing the podcast's reach and attracting a larger audience.

Cons of Interview Podcast Formats

While interview podcasts are engaging, they come with challenges. It can be hard to find the right guests or ensure high-quality discussions. The cons of interview podcasts are:

• Guest selection: Finding podcast guests whose insights match the podcast theme can be tricky and time-consuming, requiring thorough research and planning.
• Audio quality: Guests often use different equipment, making it a challenge to maintain consistent sound quality. This may demand extra effort during editing.
• Scheduling conflicts: Coordinating the availability of guests and hosts can lead to delays, potentially affecting the regular release of episodes and decreasing listener interest.
• Maintaining focus: Conversations can stray off-topic, requiring the host to guide discussions back to relevant material.

Interview Podcast Examples To Learn From

Looking for some inspiration to shape your interviewing style?

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard takes advantage of Shepard's access to equally famous guests, but listeners are drawn to the show's blunt honesty and no-holds-barred questions. After all, the show brands itself as "a podcast that celebrates the messiness of being human."

How I Built This with Guy Raz aims to entertain and inspire its audience with the personal experiences of entrepreneurs. Raz skillfully guides guests through their journey, highlighting the strange moments, struggles, and successes that led to their current position.

If you want to host an interview podcast, you need to find your unique voice, but strong interview skills are non-negotiable. Research guests thoroughly before they come on your show, listen to their responses to questions, and follow up on the threads they introduce into the dialogue.

2. Solo or Monologue Podcasts

Solo or monologue podcasts put the spotlight on the host. With no guests to share the mic, the host can dive deep into topics they are passionate about, share personal experiences, or provide expert insights. This format allows for a more intimate connection with listeners as they tune in to hear the host's voice and perspective.

Pros of Solo Podcasts

Solo podcasts offer the advantages of creative freedom and personal connection to an audience. Hosts can focus on delivering a clear, uninterrupted narrative. Here are some of the major pros of solo podcast formats:

• Creative freedom: Hosts can express their ideas without interruptions, allowing for a cohesive, personal narrative that resonates with listeners.
• Simplified scheduling: With no need to coordinate with guests, hosts can record content on their own time.
• Reduced logistical challenges: Managing just one voice limits the potential for technical issues.
• Personal connection: Solo podcasts' direct communication style makes listeners feel like the host is speaking directly to them, which can foster a truly loyal audience.

Cons of Solo Podcasts

Although solo podcasts offer creative freedom, hosts can struggle to keep their content fresh and engaging. Here are some common drawbacks:

• Sustaining interest: Hosts must work extra hard to maintain listener engagement without guest interactions to break up the content. This requires significant preparation and creativity.
• Limited perspectives: Solo hosts draw from their own experiences and research, which can limit discussions or alienate listeners looking for various viewpoints.
• Demanding creation: The host is responsible for all content creation, which can be time-consuming and demanding. Don't take on a solo podcast unless you can commit enough time and effort to the project.

Best Solo Podcast Examples

Katherine Ryan's Telling Everybody Everything nails the art of personal storytelling. The celebrated comedian dives into her experiences with warmth, making you feel like a close friend. Her stories range from everyday adventures to reflections on socio-political issues without ever losing a sense of humor.

Podcasts don't have to be epic tales or hour-long adventures. The Daily Pep! from Meg Kissack delivers daily segments that last between three and five minutes. She encourages her audience in bite-sized pep talks.

3. Narrative Fiction Podcast

Narrative fiction podcasts blend storytelling and audio performance. They transport listeners into rich, imaginary worlds, often using sound effects and voice acting to create an immersive experience that rivals traditional media like television and film.

Pros of Narrative Fiction Podcast

Narrative fiction podcasts are a powerhouse for creativity and can captivate listeners. This format excites the imagination and provides diverse storytelling opportunities. Here are some key strengths of narrative podcasts:

• Imaginative engagement: By using sound to craft vivid scenes, listeners are encouraged to imagine the story for themselves.
• Storytelling flexibility: Creators can weave complex, episodic plots that unfold over time, keeping audiences hooked and anticipating each new episode.
• Fan base: Narrative podcasts can build a loyal following, fostering a strong sense of community among listeners.

Cons of Narrative Fiction Podcast

Crafting narrative fiction podcasts is a thrilling but demanding venture. Here are some of the hurdles in telling this kind of story:

• Time and resources: High-quality narratives demand substantial investments of time and resources. From scriptwriting to recording and editing, the process requires much of its producer.
• Technical difficulties: Balancing voice acting, sound effects, and music is crucial. Without skilled audio engineering, these elements can detract from the experience instead of enhancing it.
• Maintaining interest: It takes work to keep listeners engaged. The plot needs to advance at the right pace, and a solo host needs the skill to distinguish characters and keep up the energy of the podcast.

Great Narrative Fiction Podcast Examples You Should Know

Ready to get lost in a good story? Check out Limetown, one of the original hits of the genre. It's a sci-fi mystery about a vanished town and its secrets. The eerie atmosphere and well-developed characters will draw you in, and intriguing plot twists will entice you to hit "play" on the next episode...and then the one after that.

Not all narrative fiction sprawls across seasons. The Truth delivers short story episodes that each last about 20 minutes. Known for its high production quality, the podcast's mini audio dramas are sure to capture your imagination.

4. Conversational or Co-Hosted Podcasts

Conversational or co-hosted podcasts feature lively dialogue, often between multiple hosts. They thrive on host chemistry, making each episode feel like a chat among friends.

Pros of Co-Hosting Podcasts

Co-hosted podcasts strike a balance between a solo podcast and one with multiple guests. Here are some key benefits of this format:

• Diverse perspectives: A dialogue format lets cohosts approach subjects with nuance and depth. Multiple viewpoints also make it easier to find topics that a single host might overlook.
• Shared workload: Tasks like research, recording, and editing can be split, lightening the load for each host. This division of labor can improve quality and regularity and help prevent creative burnout.
• Community building: In successful co-hosted podcasts, the hosts' rapport enhances listener engagement, giving them the sense of belonging to a tightly knit group.

Cons of Co-Hosting Podcasts

While co-hosted podcasts offer dynamic interactions, their challenges can affect the flow and consistency of the show. Here are some common hurdles:

• Scheduling issues: Just like with interview guests, multiple hosts have their own plans and lives to navigate. This can lead to recording delays and irregular episode releases, which frustrates an audience.
• Personality clashes: Differing opinions or styles can disrupt conversations. Careful handling is required to ensure the dialogue remains respectful and constructive. More than one successful podcast has imploded due to clashing hosts. For example, Teresa Giudice and Melissa Pfeister have spoken at length about their podcast-ending feud.
• Uneven participation: If one host dominates the discussion, episodes can become lopsided and possibly alienate listeners. Balancing speaking time is crucial.
• Technical challenges: As with interviews, managing sound quality with multiple voices is challenging.

Best Examples of Co-Hosting Podcasts

Sports fans should check out Knuckleheads with ex-NBA pros Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles. It's an insider's look at the game that incorporates interviews with famous athletes. The podcast takes advantage of the hosts' ability to engage with stars as peers, letting their listeners participate in the experience.

We Can Do Hard Things gets into weightier issues. Led by Glennon Doyle, her wife Abby Wambach, and her sister Amanda Doyle, each episode covers everything from the ins and outs of sex and gender to the ups and downs of parenting and blended families. Their candid chats have gained a huge fanbase and attracted iconic figures such as Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey to be guests on the show.

5. Storytelling or Nonfiction Podcasts

Storytelling or nonfiction podcasts bring real-world events to life, offering a deep connection to true stories. They blend factual accounts into compelling narratives, making them educational and entertaining. They can cover topics from history to business case studies to personal experiences.

Pros of Storytelling Podcasts

Storytelling podcasts invest their audiences in the subject matter through a compelling nonfiction narrative. Some of the appeals to this format include:

• Educational value: People remember stories about  20 times more than facts alone. These podcasts can make learning fun by attaching the lesson to an engaging narrative, helping listeners relate to and remember the information.
• Emotional connections: Nonfiction podcasts touch listeners' hearts by sharing real-life stories. They foster empathy and understanding in their audiences.
• Audience loyalty: The emotional impact and relatable content combine to inspire a devoted following, with listeners eagerly returning for more thought-provoking stories.
• Ample source material: Hosts can draw from countless events and experiences. No matter the field, there are endless possibilities for a good tale.
• Diverse perspectives: Storytelling podcasts also allow for the incorporation of external voices without necessarily hosting a guest.

Cons of Storytelling Podcasts

Storytelling podcasts, while powerful, demand a blend of magic and hard work. Here are some cons to the genre:

• Extensive research: Crafting quality narratives demands thorough research. Creators must commit time and resources to do the job well.
• Authenticity: It's essential to ensure that stories are authentic and accurate, especially when dealing with factual or sensitive topics. Hosts must maintain high standards of truthfulness and check every fact, quotation, and detail.
• Creative pressure: To keep listeners hooked, podcasters must continuously innovate and provide fresh content. Although there may be plenty of source material, this task is still difficult.

Storytelling Podcasts Examples

Some podcasts rely on their host's expertise. Others witness the narrator's growth in a (relatively) new-to-them field. Dan Carlin has always loved history, but he's worked as a political commentator and radio personality rather than pursuing a career in academia. His Hardcore History weaves narratives across episodes, allowing him to dig deep into the stories and complex viewpoints of the past.

Serial set a new standard for the genre, winning a Peabody Award for its first season. It's an investigative journalism podcast that pursues the story of a single criminal case or institution each season, highlighting flaws in the American justice system. Its topics are weighty, but storyteller Sarah Koenig always presents each case as an engaging narrative.

6. Panel Podcast

Panel podcasts bring together a group of experts or enthusiasts to discuss a topic in a lively, interactive format. These podcasts thrive on diverse opinions and insights and can be the perfect platform for thoughtful exchanges.

Pros of Panel Podcasts

Panel podcasts create rich tapestries of interwoven ideas and voices. Here are some of the standout advantages:

• Diverse viewpoints: With multiple panelists, these podcasts provide a wide range of perspectives, enriching discussions and offering listeners a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Dynamic discussions: The interactive nature of panel podcasts fosters lively debates and spontaneous insights, potentially leading to unexpected revelations.
• Creative collaboration: The collaborative atmosphere encourages creativity and deeper analysis as panelists build on each other’s ideas.
• Unique mixes: Hosts can seat seasoned experts next to passionate newcomers or assemble other combinations of guests for a custom-made blend of viewpoints.

Cons of Panel Podcasts

Successful panel podcasts require careful management. Here's the downside to panels:

• Scheduling conflicts: Coordinating multiple panelists is even trickier than navigating a series of individual guests. Guests are rarely all in one place; they can be spread across different geographic areas and time zones.
• Maintaining focus: Effective moderation is essential to keep conversations clear and on track.
• Balanced participation: Ensuring every panelist gets to have their say can be tough. Hosts run the risk of alienating their guests if another commands more airtime. It's important to manage dominant voices without censuring them.
• Technical difficulties: Juggling different sound setups and internet connections can result in audio issues.

Panel Podcast Examples You Should Listen To

Delve into all things culinary with The Kitchen Cabinet from BBC Radio 4. Jay Raynor hosts a panel of food experts, including food historians, writers, and chefs, who tackle the public's questions and embrace foodie challenges like learning to brew beer.

Other podcast panels take on hard-hitting political news. On CNN's Inside Politics, Dana Bash hosts a revolving door of seasoned reporters in this weekly rundown of the biggest U.S. news stories.

7. Roundtable Discussions

Roundtable discussions are similar to panels but consist of less structured dialogues about given topics. Instead of prepared talking points heavily moderated by a host, the host encourages more open conversation and organic interaction.

Pros of Roundtable Podcasts

Roundtable podcasts shine when they include a diverse group of voices. This setup sparks deeper understanding and engaging debates. Here are some roundtable pros:

• Varied perspectives: Different voices help listeners see multiple sides of an issue or various options to resolve their pain points.
• Vigorous debate: The format stimulates debate, leading to critical thinking about an issue.
• Dynamic dialogue: The back-and-forth among participants leads to spontaneous and fresh content. Even when guided, discussions are spontaneous and attractive to listeners.

Cons of Roundtable Podcasts

Roundtable podcasts have similar drawbacks to panels. Their disadvantages include:

• Scheduling complexities: As mentioned several times, organizing multiple participants can be challenging.
• Equal time: With a less forceful hand at the helm than in a panel, moderation needs to be subtle but allow for a fair, inclusive discussion.
• Maintaining focus: With diverse opinions, conversations easily drift.
• Navigating viewpoints: Constructively blending opinions demands tact. The host needs to prevent conflicts from overshadowing the conversation without making participants feel reproached or overly managed.

Roundtable Podcast Examples With Great Structure

Try Two Beers In: A Tipsy Political Roundtable with hosts Cody Lindquist and Charlie Todd. They lead panels of comedians, journalists, and politicians as they explore weekly political topics.

On the tech front, there's This Week in Tech. Each Sunday, Leo Laporte leads a group of tech insiders in a discussion of the hottest tech news, from AI developments to privacy concerns. It's a must-listen for technophiles.

8. Repurposed Content Format

Repurposed content podcasts transform existing material from other formats into audio experiences. This approach breathes new life into written articles, blogs, or videos so audiences can choose how they consume content. Podcasts are the perfect format for multitaskers or people who don't have time to read or watch material.

Pros of Repurposed Podcasts

Repurposed podcasts maximize reach and impact. Here are the benefits:

• Efficiency: By using existing material, creators can churn out episodes faster while keeping the quality intact.
• Broader reach: This format taps into distinct, possibly new audiences that prefer to consume information on the go.
• Enhanced content value: The audio format can enrich a piece with new elements, such as interviews or expert opinions.

Cons of Repurposed Podcasts

With repurposed podcasts, there are possible issues to consider:

• Content translation: Moving content from text to audio isn't always seamless. Careful adaptation is needed for the material to retain its context and impact.
• Risk of staleness: The podcast may seem repetitive for audiences familiar with the original content.
• Creative adaptation: Repurposed podcasts must offer something new. This involves creatively reimagining the content with a new structure or additional elements.

Repurposed Podcasts Examples You Should Check Out

If you prefer to listen to your newspaper rather than read it, check out The Daily from The New York Times. It digests the top news stories each day into audio format.

Elsewhere in big-city media, The New Yorker magazine builds on its reputation for short fiction excellence. The New Yorker: Fiction episodes start with a reading but add a discussion with fiction editor Deborah Treisman.

9. Hybrid Podcast Format

A hybrid podcast blends styles and elements. It might integrate interviews, storytelling, or roundtables in set combinations or as appropriate for each topic. This flexibility lets creators experiment and innovate, keeping listeners engaged.

Pros of Hybrid Podcasts

The best hybrid podcasts are versatile powerhouses. Here are some standout pros:

• Versatility: By mixing formats, hybrid podcasts can adapt to each episode's unique needs, delivering in its most compelling form and reinvigorating the listening experience.
• Broad audience appeal: These podcasts cater to a wide range of preferences. They potentially offer something for everyone, whether they love interviews, lively debates, or intriguing narratives.
• Complexity: Hybrid podcasts can tackle complex topics from assorted angles for fuller coverage.
• Engaging content: This format avoids the pitfalls of monotony. The average podcast is between 20 and 60 minutes long, which is a substantial time to hold the listener's attention. Hybrid podcasts deliver the most varied listening experiences.

Cons of Hybrid Podcasts

A world of possibilities comes with a world of challenges. Here are the potential stumbling blocks:

• Balancing elements: If not executed well, a hybrid format can result in disjointed episodes, leaving listeners puzzled and weakening the impact.
• Production demands: The diverse nature of hybrid podcasts requires high production effort, and each additional format has its own demands.
• Consistency and quality: Maintaining high standards is essential for keeping an audience engaged and loyal through every episode's twists and turns. That might mean that a host has to be as good at interviews as they are at monologues, for example.
• Coordination challenges: The more complex the episode, the more involved the coordination required to get it on the air.

Best Hybrid Podcast Examples You Will Love

Radiolab takes an investigative journalism approach to big questions, researching major issues in science, philosophy, and politics. It blends storytelling, interviews, and expert panels, tailoring its approach to each topic.

The Tim Ferriss Show, hosted by the titular host, combines deep-dive interviews with storytelling and practical advice. It features diverse guests and topics and inspires listeners to personal and professional growth.

Best Practices and Tips for Podcast Structure

Creating a podcast is like crafting a story — a solid structure establishes the expectations and firm control that invite listeners to return. Here are a few tips to help you shape your podcast.

Center Each Episode Around a Single Theme

Focusing each episode on a central topic helps content flow smoothly, creating a roadmap for the conversation and connecting different sections.

Pick themes related to your central interest and hit the right midpoint between specificity and breadth. A topic that's too narrow might not give you enough to explore, while one that's too broad could cause the discussion to lose focus.

For example, instead of trying to cover all of Asia in one chunk of a travel podcast, you could hone in on solo travel experiences in Southeast Asia. Or rather than limiting an eco podcast to an episode about reusable bottles, you could explore several strategies to reduce plastic waste.

Follow a Consistent Structure or Format

A consistent structure makes creating content easier and helps you build a following among listeners with clear expectations for each episode.

Find your formula for success and experiment until you hit your stride. Some of the best podcasts are grounded in surprising structures. Take The Dollop, for example. It features cohosts and comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. Anthony is a history buff who starts each episode by reading Reynolds a new-to-him historical anecdote, occasionally producing hilarious results.

Start With a Strong Opening

Your podcast's opening sets the tone and theme for the entire episode. Begin with a hook that grabs attention — perhaps a question, an intriguing fact, or a snippet from the episode's content. It's also smart to orient your audience with a quick overview of what to expect in the episode.

Organize Content With Clear Segments

Breaking your podcast into distinct segments can help maintain listener interest and provide clarity. Consider using recurring themes or features like interviews, stories, or expert insights. Each segment should have a clear purpose, so your audience knows what to expect and when.

Segments also allow for flexibility in content creation. You can easily swap or modify sections to refresh old material.

Keep Transitions Smooth

Transitions serve as bridges, linking different elements of the podcast. Use music, sound effects, or a brief commentary to guide listeners from one part of the episode to the next.

End With a Memorable Conclusion

Just as a strong opening is important, so is a memorable conclusion. Summarize key points, leave your audience with a thought-provoking question, or offer a call to action. This reinforces your message and encourages listeners to reflect or engage further with your content.

You might also encourage interaction by inviting listeners to share their thoughts or feedback.

Practice Authenticity

Listeners can tell when someone is being disingenuous or trying too hard. Speak with confidence, letting your personality shine through.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or show vulnerability — it humanizes you and makes you more relatable to your audience. Let yourself laugh, pause for emphasis, or add personal anecdotes.

Authenticity builds trust and connection with listeners and sets the tone for a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience.

Release Episodes on a Regular Schedule

Consistency is more important than frequency in building and maintaining an audience. Choose a release schedule that works for you and stick to it. Listeners need to know when to expect new content.

Continually Refine Your Format

Podcasting is an evolving art form. Regularly seek feedback and monitor podcast analytics to identify what works and what doesn’t. Be open to experimenting with new elements or adjusting the format to better suit your audience's interests and preferences. This iterative process ensures your podcast remains fresh and relevant.

Perfecting Your Podcast and Content Strategy

As you establish your podcast, stay flexible and open-minded. While it's important to pick a format and stick to it, leave yourself enough room to evolve. Seek feedback, analyze listener data, and stay informed about podcasting trends.

That said, engaging your audience effectively requires more than the right format. Pay attention to the structure, pacing, and tone of your episodes.

And if you want more content tips and engaging audio content, check out Compose.ly's podcast, Content Matters. Each episode is packed with expert advice and interviews with innovative marketers who will inspire your own content game.