Popular Podcast Formats and Styles

Early on in your podcast, you'll make a decision on the format and style of your podcast. On today's episode we explain the differences between the two and provide the most popular examples of different types of podcast formats. What type of podcast format did you choose for your show?

Today’s Hosts: Todd Cochrane and MacKenzie Bennett

Format: Delivery method - Interview podcast

Structure: Content within said method - Intro, interview segment, outro

These decisions are some of the first you’ll make when you’re working on your podcast. It may come to you immediately and you know exactly what you want to do, but it could be a larger discussion and come from lots of brainstorming to finalize your best idea on releasing your content.

Listen to podcasts with all of these formats to help you make an informed decision.

Podcast Formats

Interview

Host a guest on the show to speak on a specific topic, riff and/or join you in whatever type of discussion you’d like.

Solo

Speak from the heart or plan it all out with a script. Pick the style you’re most comfortable with, because you only have yourself to rely on.

Co-Hosts

Takes off a lot of the pressure of solo shows and puts more focus on the relationship than interviews.

Journalistic/Education - Storytelling

Exploded in the past 8-9 years, with true crime, investigative reporting, etc.

Fiction/Drama - Storytelling

Oftentimes original content; can be scripted, off the cuff, etc. Lots of ways to go about this, but it’s all focused on immersing the audience in entertainment.

Panel

Grab new guests each episode to discuss a specific topic, used on all genres, easy to keep things going.

Combination

A little bit of everything. Throw in the ability to do anything you’d like at the time of recording. Can be fun, but potentially difficult to cultivate a loyal audience as they never know what to expect.

Changing Your Format and/or Structure

Don’t be afraid to change your mind if something isn’t working.

Over the years we have changed the format and the structure of Blubrry’s company show, what you’re listening to now as Podcast Insider. Our most recent format AND structure change happened just a few months ago.

The best place for support with any Blubrry product or service is our ticket system (https://blubrry.com/support/). Tickets give the whole team access rather than direct emails or calls.

Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider

Schedule a one-on-one with Todd (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]

Schedule a tech checkup with Mike (hosting customers only). Email [email protected]

Send us your podcast sticker and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and we will send you a Blubrry care package.

Our mailing address:

Blubrry – MacKenzie

150 E. Campus View Blvd. #180

Columbus, Ohio 43235