Which Podcast Format is Right for You?
1. Interview Format
The host or hosts interview guests relevant to the overall theme of the podcast.
Pros
Guests do most of the talking.
Guests bring their own following to the show.
Cons
Doing good interviews harder than most people think.
Booking guests can be difficult.
2. Solo Monologue/Commentary Format
The host spends the entire episode talking about a topic or theme.
Pros
Simpler editing – just one voice!
Clearer to market and advertise – listeners identify with the host.
Cons
It's hard to talk about something for 15 minutes or more and keep people engaged.
Continually creating fresh and new content can be a struggle.
3. Co-host/Conversational Format
Two (or more) hosts spend an episode discussing various topics or themes.
Pros
Less burden on one person for content creation.
Listeners feel like their part of the conversation.
Cons
Co-hosts need to be on the same page.
Co-hosts need to be able to align their schedule and availability.
4. Panel Format
Like the interview format, but with multiple guests.
Pros
Multiple guests attract a wider audience.
Show can establish itself as an industry leader/influencer.
Cons
You think booking just one guest is hard? Try three or four at a time!
A LOT of post-production and editing work.
5. Storytelling Format
This podcast tells a story, real or fictional.
Pros
People love a good story!
Addition of clips and audio effects can enhance the appeal.
Cons
A LOT of post-production and editing work.
A LOT of work to discover and tell original stories.
6. Repurposed Format
This repurposes material from elsewhere into a podcast, such a live radio show or church message into a podcast.
Pros
Content already exists.
Generally simpler to edit and produce.
Cons
Same content available elsewhere.
May not be as desirable via podcast format.
Not sure which format is right for you? – Resonate Media is here to help!