Best Podcast Formats to Get More Listeners

Did you know there are over 4.4 million podcasts floating around on the internet according to the Podcast Index? Pew Research reported, roughly 42% of people in the United States alone tuned into a podcast in the last 30 days. And there are more than 464 million people listening to podcasts across the globe! 

With so many options for listeners out there, how do you make your podcast stand out and attract more listeners? The answer lies in choosing the right podcast format for your goals and audience.

Below, we'll explore the most popular and engaging podcast formats, and give you actionable tips to optimize your chosen format for growth. Podcasters, let's dive in!

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Understanding Popular Podcast Formats That Drive Engagement

With the massive reach of podcasting in mind, let's explore the most successful formats that can help your show capture a slice of that growing audience.

Interview-Based Podcast Format

One of the most common and successful and popular podcast formats is the interview podcast. 

With an interview style show, you have a consistent podcast host (or hosts) who interviews a different guest each episode around a central theme. 

The key to a great interview format is preparation. Research your guest, have a clear outline, and ask questions that elicit valuable insights and stories. In other words, don’t ask the same questions everyone else is asking on their podcast episodes.

To truly stand out as a podcast host, it's best to ask something listeners have not heard yet. And yes, this means listening to, or at least gathering insights from previous episodes your guests have appeared on before you interview them.

Pro Tip: Load the episodes of podcasts your guests have appeared on in Castmagic.

After you load the episode into Castmagic, you can get the transcript of the episode, and use the Magic Chat feature to find the highlights of the shows they've done. This way, you can have plenty of background knowledge on your guest, and ask them completely new questions in your interview!

Here are a few more things to consider for interview podcasts:

- Book compelling, relevant guests that your audience wants to hear from - Not every guest will make sense for your podcast!

- Create a comfortable environment for natural, engaging conversation

- Edit each episode for optimal pacing and flow

Example: The Tim Ferriss Show is a top interview podcast where the host deconstructs world-class performers to extract tactics and routines listeners can apply in their own lives.

Solo Commentary and Educational Podcasts

If interviews aren't your thing, you can also go the solo route. In this format, podcasters are the sole voice educating, inspiring or entertaining your audience on a specific topic. 

With solo episodes, it's all about structure and storytelling. Break your main points into clear segments and use examples and anecdotes to illustrate your ideas. 

Other tips for successful solo podcasting include: 

- Do thorough research into your topic to provide valuable, accurate information

- Engage with your audience and incorporating their questions and feedback

- Practice your delivery to maximize impact

Pro Tip: Keep your tone conversational so your audience feels like you're talking to them directly.

When you make podcasts feel a little more intimate, you can really pull people into your community.

Example: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos uses research and inspiring stories to help listeners build happier lives.

Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Show Notes

Storytelling and Narrative Podcast Format

Everyone loves a good story! Narrative podcasts are a growing trend, using fiction or nonfiction storytelling techniques to enrapture listeners.

Yes, you read that correctly! Fiction podcasts are definitely a thing. You could create an entire podcast series that tells ones story, or do seasons that walk your audience through each fictional podcast story, and keeps them engaged so they keep coming back.

Nonfiction podcasts are often educational podcasts, or even news podcasts that introduces a topic each episode. Others will be multiple episodes about one topic. The possibilities of how you host your show are endless.   

Whichever one you choose, the key to compelling audio stories is to show, don't tell. Use vivid scenes, evocative details and authentic characters to immerse listeners in the narrative. 

Tips for crafting powerful stories in audio: 

- Have a clear, well-paced story arc with a beginning, middle and end

- Incorporate music, sound effects and multiple voices to create an immersive experience

- Ensure each episode advances the plot and keeps listeners hooked

Example: The Serial Podcast is an award-winning investigative journalism podcast that tells one story, chapter by chapter, over the course of a season.

Co-Hosted Discussion Format

If you have a friend or colleague who shares your interests, a co-hosted discussion can be a fun, dynamic podcast format. You could even have multiple co-hosts to have a roundtable discussion for every show. The banter and varying perspectives of a roundtable/co-hosted podcast can be really engaging for listeners. 

The key to a great co-host discussion format is to find a co-host you have natural chemistry with. You want to complement each other's energy and keep the conversation flowing smoothly. 

Some other tips to keep in mind as a podcast host: 

- Have clear roles and a structure for guiding the discussion

- Maintain a balanced back-and-forth between hosts for a conversational flow

- Plan topics in advance but allow room for spontaneity 

Example: Stuff You Should Know is a popular co-hosted podcast that educates listeners on a wide range of fascinating topics.

Choosing the Right Podcast Format for Your Goals

So how do you decide which format is right for you and your podcast? There are two key factors to consider: 

Analyzing Your Target Audience

Who are you trying to reach with your podcast content? Different formats appeal to different listener preferences. Do some audience research to find out: 

- What formats are most popular with your target demographic for your topic?

- What are their listening habits and contexts (at work, while commuting, etc.)?

- What do they want to learn or gain from listening to podcasts in your niche?

- What do they like and dislike in the podcasts they currently listen to? (i.e. is the audio crisp, are there fun sound effects in the content, or perhaps they just have compelling guests and/or topics)

You can gather these insights through surveys, interviews, social listening, and tools like Attest or SurveyMonkey. Run podcast ideas by your audience to ask them what they want - Then give it to them.

Related: Launching a Successful Podcast - 12 Strategies to Grow Your Audience

Evaluating Your Resources and Capabilities

You also need to be realistic about the time, skills and budget you have available for your podcast. Different formats have different requirements, such as:

- Solo and co-hosted podcast formats are relatively simple, requiring just a decent mic and recording software

- Interview podcasts require more coordination and editing time

- Narrative podcast formats often involve multiple voices, sound design, and higher production values 

Be honest about how much time and energy you can commit, and what additional team members or resources you may need to make your chosen format shine.

Optimizing Your Chosen Format for Growth

Once you've landed on a format, here are some best practices you can use to optimize it for engagement and growth: 

Episode Structure Best Practices

- Start with a strong, attention-grabbing hook that previews the episode's content for your audience

- Follow a clear structure with defined segments and smooth transitions between each podcast topic

- Include recaps, teasers and calls to action to encourage listeners to stick around and subscribe

- End with a strong closing that reinforces the main takeaways and leaves listeners feeling satisfied

Content Planning Strategies

- Create a content calendar with themes, topics and any guests mapped out in advance

- Batch record episodes to maintain consistency and save time in the long run

- Do keyword research using tools like Ahrefs or Google Keyword Planner to find trending topics to cover

- Plan content in seasons or series for a cohesive listening experience that builds over time

You may also want to consider using a podcast script in your planning to ensure you don't miss anything with your topic.

It's also a good idea to consider whether or not you will be recording things like ads in advance, or if you will need voice actors for this. You can even try AI generated voice actors for this. The more you can plan ahead of time, the easier it will be to actually produce your podcast content.

Measuring Success and Adapting

To determine if your format is working, you need to keep an eye on key performance indicators for every episode you release of your podcast. Pay attention to metrics like:

- Number of downloads and listens over time

- Length of average listen and listen-through rates

- Subscriber growth rate

- Reviews and ratings from listeners

- Social mentions and shares

Track these metrics using your hosting platform's analytics, Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Creators, and tools like Podtrac. If you're not seeing the growth you want, don't be afraid to experiment and evolve your format.

Common Podcast Format Mistakes to Avoid

On your podcasting journey, it’s a good idea to avoid these mistakes: 

- Inconsistency in format, content and release schedule that makes it hard for listeners to know what to expect

- Episodes that are too long and rambling, or too short and lacking conversational depth

- Poor audio production quality that's hard to hear or distracting (invest in good equipment and do sound checks!)

- Failure to engage with listeners through Q&As, feedback, or community-building efforts

Find Your Format and Grow Your Listener Base

There you have it - a deep dive into the best podcast formats and how to use them to attract more listeners. Remember, there's no one "right way" to format a podcast. It all depends on your unique goals, audience, and personality. 

Experiment with different styles, structures and creative elements to find the sweet spot that works for you. Optimize your episodes using the best practices outlined here, and most importantly, have fun with it! Your passion and authenticity will shine through to your listeners.

Want help repurposing your podcast into show notes, and helpful content for your audience? Check out Castmagic! Our AI backed platform can help you come up with topic ideas, write new interview questions for future guests, and so much more. Click here to try it for free and see for yourself how we're helping podcasters just like you achieve more with their podcasts in less time!