7 Popular Types Of Podcasts

Podcasts have revolutionized the way we consume audio content, offering an immersive and on-demand experience that has captivated millions of podcast listeners worldwide.

With their rising popularity, podcasts have become a dynamic medium for storytelling, education, entertainment, and so much more. But did you know that the world of podcasts is incredibly diverse, encompassing broad types of podcasts, formats and genres?

Whether you’re a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, a science lover, or a fan of heartwarming personal stories, there’s a podcast out there just for you. Expand your horizons and ignite your imagination as we explore the diverse world of podcasts.

Get ready to be entertained, enlightened, and inspired. Let’s kick-start this adventure and dive headfirst into the captivating world of podcasts!

What Is A Podcast?

Podcasts have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity over the past few years, permeating not only the entertainment industry but also various aspects of people’s lives. This medium has become a powerful platform, enabling individuals from all walks of life to have their voices heard and share their unique stories.

Before diving into the different types of podcasts, let’s take a moment to understand what exactly a podcast is, what is podcast format and the main purpose of podcasts.

What is it?

A podcast is a digital audio or video file that is available for download or streaming on the internet. It is a form of multimedia content that allows individuals or organizations to share their ideas, true stories, information, and entertainment with a wide audience.

Typically, podcasts consist of multiple episodes that are released regularly, like a weekly podcast, forming a series or season.

To listen to podcasts, you can use various podcasting platforms or apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or dedicated podcasting apps. These platforms provide podcast listeners with a vast library of different podcast genres and interests, making it easy to discover new episodes, podcast shows and follow your favorite hosts.

Types of podcasts, podcast format?

Types of podcasts refer to the broad categories or genres that podcasts fall into based on their content. Some common types of podcasts include true crime, comedy, news and politics, storytelling, self-help, business, technology, and many more.

On the other hand, podcast format refers to the podcast structure or style in which the content is presented within a podcast. Formats dictate how the podcast is organized, the hosting style, the flow of the episodes, and the interaction with guests or co-hosts. Some most popular podcast formats include interviews, solo, panel discussions, and narrative/storytelling podcasts…

7 Popular Types Of Podcasts

Each type of podcast offers a unique listening experience for its own target audience, catering to different interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking entertainment, knowledge, or a captivating story, the diverse world of podcasts has something for everyone.

Interview Podcast

Interview podcast format is a common format in the podcasting world, where a podcast host invites guests to engage in insightful conversations. Interview podcasts can provide captivating and thought-provoking content for a diverse audience.

This type of podcast allows for dynamic discussions and provides a platform for individuals with interesting stories, expertise, or unique perspectives to share their insights with a wider audience.

Here are some pros of interview podcasts:

Advantages

• Feature diverse guests and their expertise.
• Foster a conversational atmosphere and allows for spontaneous discussions.
• Capture a wide range of listeners by featuring interesting stories and insights.

However, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

Disadvantages

• Require skillful moderation and preparation by the host.
• Co-hosted podcasts may require additional coordination and rapport between hosts.

The success of interview podcasts relies on the host’s ability to ask relevant questions, maintain a smooth flow of conversation, and manage time effectively.

Proper planning and skillful podcast hosts are essential for creating an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.

Interview podcast examples

Here are the best interview podcasts, as my recommendation:

• The Joe Rogan Experience
• The Tim Ferriss Show
• Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

Conversational Podcast

Conversational podcasts are casual and free-flowing discussions between hosts or a group of hosts. Conversational podcasts can be entertaining, thought-provoking so this type of podcast can easily keep an audience engaged in your podcast episode.

Unlike interview podcasts where there is typically a host, co-host and guests, a conversational podcast involves hosts having conversations with each other or with a group of co-hosts.

Conversational podcasts work well when the hosts have good chemistry, enjoy the banter, and are comfortable sharing their thoughts and stories in a conversational manner.

Advantages

• Audience Engagement: Listeners feel like they are part of the conversation, which enhances their engagement and connection with the hosts.
• Topic Flexibility: Podcast hosts can explore their interests and delve into various subjects, providing diverse and engaging content for their listeners.
• Natural Flow: Conversational format prioritize a natural flow of conversation.

Disadvantages

• Lack of Structure: This may lead to tangents, ramblings, or difficulty in staying on topic
• Lengthy Episodes: Engaging in free-flowing conversations can result in longer episodes, which may not be suitable for listeners who prefer shorter, more concise content.

Examples

Best conversational podcasts to me:

• Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
• The Joe Rogan Experience
• Fresh Air With Terry Gross
• Call Your Girlfriend Podcast

Solo Podcast

Solo podcasts are hosted by a single individual who presents the content alone. The host shares their thoughts, opinions, or expertise on various subjects, and the episodes typically revolve around their monologue or commentary.

This type of podcast is well-suited for personal storytelling and introspective episodes. They provide an opportunity for hosts to share their personal experiences, lessons learned, and reflections, connecting with the audience on a deeper level.

Advantages

• Authentic Connection: Listeners often feel like they are having a personal conversation with the host, fostering a sense of trust and loyalty.
• Flexibility and Efficiency: With no reliance on external schedules or coordination, solo podcast hosts have the flexibility to produce content on their own terms.
• Clear Focus and Consistency: The host’s singular vision ensures a cohesive narrative and a defined direction for the show.

Disadvantages

• Lack of Dynamic Interactions: The absence of different voices and opinions may limit the variety and depth of discussions.
• Potential Monotony: It requires the host to employ engaging storytelling techniques, varied delivery styles, and occasional breaks to maintain listener interest.

Monologue podcasts and solo podcasts

These two types of podcasts both have the monologue format. A monologue podcast features a single host speaking or presenting content without interruptions or external contributions. A solo podcast also features a single host delivering the content, but it may include segments, interviews, or external contributions to add variety and engagement.

Overall, both monologue podcasts and solo podcasts offer distinct advantages and cater to different preferences and content styles. Whether a host chooses to engage in conversational interactions or deliver uninterrupted monologues, both formats provide opportunities to connect with the audience, share valuable insights, and create an impactful podcast episode.

Repurposed Content Podcasts

A repurposed content podcast refers to a type of podcast that repurposes or repackages existing content from other sources, such as radio shows, TV programs, interviews, speeches, or lectures and presents them in an audio format for the podcast audience.

Making repurposed podcasts allows podcasters to leverage pre-existing content and provide it to a new audience in a different format. People who may not have been exposed to the original content or prefer consuming content in podcast form can discover and engage with the repurposed podcast episodes.

Advantages

• Diverse Content Selection: Repurposing content provides access to a wide range of topics and genres, allowing podcasters to offer a variety of content to their audience.
• Time Efficiency: Podcasters can save time by utilizing existing content, focusing more on curating and presenting the material rather than creating it from scratch.
• Leveraging Established Content: Repurposing content from established sources can lend credibility and quality to the podcast, as it draws on material that has already been well-received or recognized.

Disadvantages

• Copyright Considerations: Podcasters must ensure they have the necessary rights or permissions to repurpose the content and avoid any copyright infringement issues.
• Inconsistency in Presentation: As repurposed content comes from different sources, there may be variations in audio quality, hosting styles, or production values, which could affect the overall listening experience.

Repurposed content podcast examples

• The Matt and Jerry Show
• The Moth

Storytelling Podcast

Storytelling podcasts are a captivating and immersive form of audio content that focus on narrating compelling stories to engage and entertain listeners. These typically follow a narrative format, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

These podcasts often feature a mix of real-life narratives, fictional tales, personal experiences, or historical accounts. Through the art of storytelling, these podcasts transport listeners into different worlds, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact.

Advantages

• Unique Creative Expression: Explore various storytelling techniques, podcast genres, and styles, showcasing their creativity and imagination.
• Building a Dedicated Audience: Compelling storytelling can attract a dedicated fan base who eagerly anticipate new episodes, creating a sense of community around the podcast.
• Emotional Connection: Storytelling podcasts have the power to create a strong emotional connection between the storyteller and the audience, fostering empathy and understanding.

Disadvantages

• Time and Effort: Crafting high-quality storytelling requires significant time and effort in writing, editing, and producing each episode.
• Finding Consistent Stories: Consistently finding and developing compelling stories can be challenging, as it requires a constant stream of engaging narratives to keep the podcast fresh and interesting.

Storytelling podcast examples

• This American Life
• Serial
• Radiolab

Sports Podcasts

Sports podcast is a popular podcast category that caters to sports enthusiasts and fans. They cover a wide range of sports-related topics, including news, analysis, commentary, interviews, and discussions. There are many different formats including:

• Interview format: with athletes, coaches, sports journalists, and experts in the field)
• Narrative format: history of different sports, sharing stories about iconic moments, legendary players, and memorable events.

Advantages

• In-depth Analysis: Sports podcasts often provide in-depth analysis and commentary on games, strategies, player performances, and team dynamics.
• Entertainment and Engagement: A sports podcast offer entertainment value through engaging discussions, debates, and storytelling.

Disadvantages

• Information Overload: With the abundance of sports podcasts available, it can be overwhelming to find ones that align with your interests and preferences.

Examples:

Here are some popular sport podcasts:

• The Bill Simmons Podcast
• The Lowe Post
• The Tony Kornheiser Show

Fiction Podcasts

A fiction podcast, also known as an audio drama or narrative podcast, offers a unique form of storytelling through the audio medium. These podcasts present fictional stories brought to life with the help of voice actors, sound effects, and music.

This podcast type spans various genres, including drama, thriller, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, comedy, and more.

Advantages

• Creativity and Originality: Fiction podcasts allow creators to explore unique and imaginative narratives, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in the audio medium.
• Diverse Genres and Styles: This podcast type covers a wide range of genres and storytelling styles, catering to different preferences and offering something for everyone.
• Engaging Performances: Voice actors bring characters to life, delivering compelling performances that enhance the emotional impact and draw listeners into the story.

Disadvantages

• Production Challenges: Fiction podcasts often require significant production efforts, using recording and editing software, sound design, and music composition…
• Listener Commitment: Some fiction podcasts follow serialized formats with ongoing storylines, requiring listeners to start from the beginning and commit to regular episode releases to fully engage with the narrative.

Examples

• Case 63
• Blackout
• Limetown

Some other types of podcasts and podcast formats

• Hybrid podcasts- Smarter Podcast- Our Product!

It’s a blend of different podcast formats, combining elements from various styles to create a unique listening experience. One common approach in hybrid podcasts is to incorporate both scripted segments and unscripted discussions.

We aim to help aspiring podcasters create and grow their own successful podcasts by providing valuable insights and practical tips.

• Non-fiction podcasts: Non-fiction podcasts cover a wide range of topics, presenting factual information, real-life stories, and expert insights.
• Educational podcasts: These podcasts cover academic subjects, self-improvement topics, professional development, language learning, and other educational pursuits.
• True crime podcasts: explore real-life criminal cases, including investigations, trials, and unsolved mysteries. They delve into the details of crimes, examine the evidence, and discuss the psychology and motives behind criminal behavior.

How to choose the right types of podcast and podcast formats?

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The right types of podcast and podcast format for you will depend on your unique goals, audience, and resources. It’s important to be authentic, passionate, and consistent with your content to build a loyal audience.

Define your content goals

Determine the purpose of your podcast. Are you looking to entertain, educate, inform, inspire, or share stories? Clarifying your content goals will guide your decision-making process.

Know your target audience

Understand who your ideal listeners are. What are their interests, preferences, and needs? Consider the type of content that would resonate with them and align with their expectations.

Research popular podcast genres

Explore different podcast genres and formats to gain an understanding of what is currently popular and successful. Analyze the market and identify gaps or opportunities that align with your interests and expertise.

Consider your resources

Evaluate your available resources, such as time, budget, equipment, and skills. Some podcast formats may require more production work, editing, or guest coordination, so assess what is feasible for you in terms of resource allocation.

Types Of Podcasts Wrap-up

Whether you’re drawn to the immersive storytelling of fiction podcasts, the thought-provoking discussions in interview formats, the educational value of non-fiction shows, or the laughter-inducing moments of comedy series, there is something for everyone in the podcasting realm.

So, whether you’re a podcast enthusiast seeking new content or an aspiring podcaster looking to find your niche, the diverse world of podcasts is ready to inspire, entertain, and inform you on your audio journey. Tune in, explore, and let the podcasting adventure begin.