There are many types of podcasts that today’s audiences are listening to, but is there one style that attracts listeners more than any other? This question has been debated by podcasters for years, and the conclusion continues to be unclear.
It is evident from the ever-growing podcast industry that all types of podcasts have an audience. It is hard to say which style has the strongest following, but it may be helpful for podcasters to consider each type of podcast and understand how they can best appeal to their target listeners.
In this article, we will focus on the eight main types of podcasts.
Interview Podcast
The first type of podcast is the Interview Podcast. This style of podcast is set up to have multiple people discussing a topic in length. They break down the topics into their individual parts, giving room for everyone’s input on that subject. The interviewer will usually begin with general questions then progress into more detail as they discuss it further. They are usually formal and serious, not conversational. This is often used for news because this style is best suited to be informational.
Pros:
- This type of podcast is great for those who want to be informed. It also allows people to hear other opinions on the same topic as well as any expert input they may have about it.
Cons:
- Although this style can be used in a comedic way, the overall tone of this type of podcast is very formal and isn’t conversational. This may be seen as boring to some listeners.
Conversational Podcast
The second type of podcast is the Conversational Podcast. This style of podcast is set up with more than one person talking. They are casual and to-the-point, typically covering several topics in each episode. Conversational podcasts are mostly informal. Conversational podcasts can cover more topics than an interview podcast since you don’t need to worry about having another person there to ask questions. They are best used for entertainment purposes because they are laid-back and casual. Listeners will feel like they’re listening in on the conversation of two friends.
Pros:
- This type of podcast is great for those who want to just enjoy a conversation without feeling pressured. It also gives the listener a chance to hear other opinions on different topics, not just one person’s point of view.
Cons:
- The conversational style isn’t usually formal so there may be some rambling and stumbles along the way. Also, it can be hard for listeners to feel like they are listening to a serious discussion.
Monologue Podcast
The third type of podcast is the Monologue Podcast. This style of podcast is set up for one person to talk into a microphone, like with Conversational Podcasts, but they only cover one topic in every episode. They are conversational and informal. The main difference between this and the Conversational Podcast is that they don’t have any interruptions or other people to give their input. Monologue podcasts are best for comedians who want to use the podcast as a platform for their standup routines since there are no restrictions about what they can talk about.
Pros:
- This type of podcast is usually great for comedy. It allows the comedian to get their views out without any restrictions or interruptions.
Cons:
- This style isn’t usually used in informative podcasts because there are no other people giving their input on the topic. Also, this style can be difficult if you don’t have a strong practice of speaking into a microphone.
Theatrical Podcasts
The fourth type of podcast is Theatrical Podcasts. This style of podcast is frequently used by radio stations to re-purpose existing content from their shows. They are typically very comedic, with many sound effects and musical interludes in the background to add a more theatrical feel. This is different from a Conversational Podcast in that it is not casual or laid back. It’s made to be entertaining rather than conversational.
Pros:
- This type of podcast is great for those who enjoy sound effects and musical interludes. Also, it’s a good way to add humor or other comedic elements into your existing content from your radio shows.
Cons:
- Since Theatrical Podcasts typically re-use audio from existing content or shows, the audio quality may not be as good as other podcasts since they didn’t record it especially for their show.
Narrative Podcasts
The fifth type of podcast is Narrative Podcasts. This style is used to tell stories with a beginning, middle and end. They are typically very dramatic, with the storyteller speaking in an accent or with different voices for each character in their story. This is different from Theatrical Podcasts because this podcast isn’t meant to be funny. It’s made to entertain through storytelling.
Pros:
- Since this style is based around narrating, the audience will be entertained due to the story being told rather than relying on sound effects and other background elements.
Cons:
- This style isn’t as versatile as some other types so it might not be as effective at drawing in the listener’s attention. Also, there aren’t many expert opinions or points of view that will be shared because the podcast is focused on narrating.
Roundtable Podcast
The sixth type of podcast is the Roundtable Podcast. This style of podcast is typically used for a discussion to get everyone’s input on one topic or idea. They are conversational and serious. It would be best used in an educational setting to discuss a concept at length with several people giving their ideas and input on the topic.
Pros:
- This type is very useful when there are a group of people who want to share their knowledge on a particular concept in length.
Cons:
- The style may not be as effective in gaining listeners since it’s mostly conversations and not stories or other entertaining elements that will draw in an audience.
Repurposed Content Podcasts
The seventh type of podcast is Repurposed Content Podcasts. This style of podcast may take existing content from a TV show or movie and turns it into a podcast in order to reach a different audience. They are typically dramatic in their delivery, focusing more on getting the original actors’ voices onto tape through video clips and sound clips from the movie or TV show. These podcasts are different from Theatrical Podcasts because they aren’t trying to be entertaining, but rather informative and a new twist on a familiar story.
Pros:
- Since this style of podcast is only using audio from a show or movie, the audio quality will be very high because it was produced in a studio.
Cons:
- The audience being targeted may not have interest in listening to something that they have already seen or heard before. Also, there may not be as much information shared because it’s mostly just dialogue from the movie or TV show.
Hybrid Podcast
The last type of podcast is the Hybrid Podcast. This style of podcast takes two existing styles – for example, an interview-style podcast that adds in sound effects and other background noise to make it conversational. This is different from Conversational Podcasts because the focus isn’t on asking questions; it’s about taking two different podcasts styles and combining them into one new podcast.
Pros:
- This style is great at getting the best of both worlds between two different types of podcasts because it will have the sound effects and background noise from an Interview Podcast combined with the casual conversation style of a Conversational Podcast.
Cons:
- The audience may not be interested in listening to something that is a mix between two podcast styles because they can choose between two different podcasts that already exist. Also, the podcast may not be as effective because voices are muffled by sound effects and background noise.
Conclusion
These are the different types of podcasts, each with a unique format and purpose. The best type of podcast for you will depend on what you want the podcast to do – inform, entertain, or a mixture of both – and what your goals are for your podcast.
Though it may take some trial and error to determine the podcast style that will be most effective for you, one thing is certain. People want to listen to podcasts of all different styles, from roundtable discussions to investigative journalism stories. The key is finding what format of podcast appeals most to your individual interests and strengths as a podcaster.
At the end of the day, your audience is what matters. If you’re unsure which style of podcast will work best for your listeners and brand, remember to keep it casual and stay true to yourself.