Podcast Formats- Select the right one for your show
Podcasts are quite effective in offering entertainment or awareness to your audiences. You can choose various topics to discuss on your podcast shows. However, in addition to selecting a topic, it is equally important to decide on the format of your show. Once you have decided on the podcast format, you can rent a podcast studio in Singapore to create your shows.
8 types of podcast formats for your show
The following are the different podcast formats you can consider for your show. Let’s discuss them further.
Interview Podcast
It features a host that interviews a new guest in each episode. These guests share their unique expertise with audiences. The role of the host is to ask their guests questions and guide the conversation to hold the audience's interest.
One of the key advantages of this type of podcast is that you don't have to prepare any script, as your guests will be the ones who will talk for most of the show. On your end, you need to be attentive and ask questions to help the guest stay on the topic and not stray off-topic. Having filler words during conversation is okay as your audiences will likely overlook. These shows help you reach a wider audience through your guest's existing fan base. You may need some time to practise and hone your interviewing skills.
Moreover, you may need to conduct thorough research to invite relevant guests to your show and gain a deeper understanding of their expertise to ask appropriate questions. Not all guests can entertain your audiences; in such cases, you must add your perspectives to keep your audience interested and engaged.
Solo/Monologue Podcast
If you possess expertise on a specific topic and want to share the same with your audiences, this format is ideal for you. This format is simple, as you simply need to talk on a microphone.
One key benefit of this type of show is that you do not have to look for guests or learn in-depth about their expertise. You will run the show by yourself and can set your schedule. Besides, it is quite effective in building yourself or your brand as an authority on a specific subject.
On the other hand, making such shows engaging requires a lot of effort from your end. For instance, the average length of a podcast is around 30 to 40 minutes. Hence, if you alone need to talk for that long, you must plan your podcasts accordingly. In this regard, creating an overview of topics and sub-topics you should discuss in each show can greatly help you. Besides, it might help if you practise before recording your podcast to deliver an engaging and entertaining show to your audience.
Co-hosted Podcast
It involves two people having a conversation over a specific topic. Contrary to interview podcasts, here, both people will play the role of a host. Each of them will be responsible for a specific role throughout the conversation.
Since both hosts are equally responsible for the show, the pressure of keeping their audience engaged doesn't fall on any single person. Besides, this type of show makes audiences feel like they are part of the discussion.
Both hosts need to be clear about their roles to deliver an entertaining show and avoid possible conflict. Further, you need to select topics you are both comfortable talking about.
Panel Podcast
It is quite similar to an interview podcast but involves more people. There is usually a single host and multiple guests.
Audiences learn different perspectives, opinions, and insights about a specific topic. Since the panel of guests are responsible for most of the conversation, it is the host's job to ask appropriate questions to keep the discussion going.
Like interview podcasts, you need to put lots of effort into selecting the right guests for the panel. You also need to coordinate their schedules. Further, you must ensure all the guests feel involved and participate equally in the discussion.
Fictional Storytelling Podcast
These are fictional stories that the host tells their audiences over multiple episodes. In some stories, the narrator tells the entire story. In other cases, you might need the help of voice actors to create sound effects and other audio elements. These shows offer great entertainment value to audiences. However, on your end, you need to tell your stories entertainingly, such as adding pauses, cliff hangers, etc., to keep your audiences engaged and encourage them to return for future episodes. If you are creative and have the skills to tell engaging stories, this podcast format is just right for you.
Non-fictional Storytelling Podcast
This format involves engagingly telling real-life events. You can tell a single event per episode or make an entire series. Your listeners for this type of podcast are interested in learning about a specific event. You can include audio elements, such as news broadcasts, movie clips, etc., to improve the listening experience. As a host or narrator, you must gather as much information as possible about a specific topic to share with your audience. Hence, much of your time will go into researching the topic. There is no shortage of topics to choose from when sharing non-fictional stories.
Repurposed Content Podcast
Converting any available content in written or other formats into a podcast makes up this type of show. For instance, some bloggers may convert their existing textual content into podcasts. If needed, you may add more information to improve the value of your podcasts.
Hybrid Podcast
This type of podcast can break free from its standard format for one or multiple episodes. For instance, a co-hosted podcast can be a solo show for one or two episodes if one of the hosts has expertise about a specific topic and wants to share it by themselves.
You can experiment with various podcast formats and ask for feedback from your audiences. However, we advise you to avoid experimenting with different formats frequently, as that can cause an inconsistent listening experience, and you may lose regular podcast subscribers.
Therefore, you can select any podcast format discussed above for your show. LFG Content Co. is a podcast studio for rent in Singapore that allows you to record your podcast shows in your preferred format. Have you already decided on your podcast topic and format? Now, it's time for you to rent our studio for podcast production.