A podcast is a series of digital media files with digital audio and mainly with a host and/or theme, and conveniently is widespread through the devices.
So, now that you are sure you want to plunge into the podcasting world and are confused about where to dip your feet in? Well, this article will guide you all through all the formats of the podcast there is.
• Why is choosing from multiple formats of podcast important?
Building an audience is all about consistency. Consistency in the topics you talk about and in the style of photographs on your blog, or kind of services your brand offers. For podcasts, consistency should be maintained in terms of podcast format, genre, and mood of the content.
Your audience is eager when they click play on a new episode. If your show features a serious interview one week, and a solo rant the week after, you’ll find it harder to gain attraction. Your audience won’t know how to describe your show when they have discussions be it positively or negatively. And if you start with a total fresh page each week it will be hard for you to keep up with the content production too. So, consistently not only helps you in giving a structure to your podcast but also making it easy for your audience to remember.
Below are some formats of podcasts that can help you script your content and eventually shape your podcast-
1. Interview Podcasts
A classic in the podcasting world, interview shows generally feature a consistent host (or hosts) and a new guest each episode. They give the audience a chance to be introduced to a lot of interesting people within a niche and learn from their expertise.
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Pros
As conversation flows, minimal editing will be needed.
You won’t scour for things to say on a topic, as each guest will bring their perception of your perspective. Furthermore, it is always something new in the interviews and all you have to do is tweak the questions a little to make it apt for the person you are interviewing!
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Cons
You’ll need to put in the work of emailing and arranging new guests and recording on their schedule. And of course, you’ll be at the mercy of Internet connections if you’re interviewing via Skype or Google Hangouts. Moreover, it will not be a cakewalk as there always be instances of people backing out the last minute or not having satisfactory content each week.
There is already an abundance of interview shows. You’ll need to think of a unique element to stand out. So, your listeners choose your show over any show on the platform.
2. Talkshows
These types of shows are easy to listen to, easy to record. Listeners will tune in because they like the hosts’ personalities and their conversations, they’ll feel more connected rather than feel they are listening to someone talking. These shows can be anything from dating tips to music therapy, to motivational podcasts.
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Pros
Less structure means less time spent planning. You’ll just need a brief outline in place of what you want to discuss in the episode. So that there is a specific agenda you can abide by, and also the sheer knowledge on what all aspects need to be covered in that episode.
There is always someone to bounce off of if you run out of things to say.
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Cons
To keep your audience engaged and coming back for more, you’ll need to get creative and specific with the topics you discuss. We recommend that if you talk about different elements of a subject that you are comfortable with and know you can ramble and keep the listener entertained.
3. Courses
Courses often are done by someone who holds great knowledge in an area, and this format of the podcast is more structured than a conversational podcast. The episodes will feature a specific lesson or takeaway, and listeners will tune in ready to learn about the topic at hand. Also, the content is very specific and designed for a niche audience.
Few examples are, ‘Study with Dev’ where you learn everything there is available all about general knowledge.
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Pros
If there are knowledgeable people on board with the required material, it will be easy in structuring the few weeks of content because there will be a flow to maintain which will be easier for you.
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Cons
You will have to be very certain on the topics you have chosen, which exceeds an amount of the target group, as the content you put up should be relevant to a wide range of people. This might be tricky, as it’s difficult to please everyone with one genre of educational facet.
4. Scripted fiction
In the multiple formats of the podcast, this type of podcast encompasses a storyline which can be of any genre of your choice, it can be a horror podcast or a jolly rom-com which lets you decide every detail from how the characters will look, their names and also to the cuisine of their meal!
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Pros
The reigns are in your hand, the content of podcast needs to be decided at one go in regards to the entire storyline so that you know how to differentiate all of them in episodes
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Cons
This type of podcast takes up a lot of editing, and effects to keep the viewer engaged in the storyline, you also have to make sure that the line of content is clear so that the listener knows what’s happening and is aware.
5. Storytelling
Don’t we all love to sit around and listen to everyone’s tales, well among various formats of the podcast this format of podcast lets you do just that? In this format you can pick up any type of scenario you come across and would love to share it with the world. Be it, an educational incident, a revelation or just to share the laugh with!
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Pros
You can be candid with your stories and you do not have to be structured with your content, well that’s given as the listeners tune in to hear you talk about different run-ins of life.
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Cons
There is a possibility that after a point of time the content will be stagnant, so preparing for a backup is always a good solution.
Moreover, the best part is that KUKU FM offers you these formats of podcasts at a wide range to choose from and enjoy!
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