Podcast codecs are like little roadmaps to your episodes. They’re the framework you construct your content material on, and the best way you ship it to your viewers for max impression. There’s no single greatest podcast format. However, podcasts do are likely to boil all the way down to one among six typical strategies. Let’s resolve which is the one for you!
PS. Actually on the lookout for information on podcast file codecs? That’s a distinct subject totally, so listed here are our posts on sample rate and bit rate ranges!
What Are the Finest Podcast Codecs?
- Solo: flying on your own
- Co-hosting: working with a partner
- Interview Podcast: new guest every week
- Roundtable: wider panel of guests
- Documentary: highly produced content mix
- Fiction: telling a story
How Do I Select a Podcast Format?
Like many different selections you make when starting a podcast, this will trigger some resolution paralysis. In any case, what when you mess up and select the flawed podcast format!?
However any podcast format is sort of a good coat. Over your podcasting life, you’ll attempt on each kind. You’ll discover one that matches like a glove, that simply appears proper, and also you’ll put on it for some time. However then, because the seasons flip, you’ll end up hankering for one more.
Your podcast format modifications over time, and it ought to, relying on the suggestions of your listeners.
So, the key is to experiment within the early days. Strive a number of completely different strategies over your first 20 episodes. See which of them incite loads of suggestions and which of them greatest suit your character, in addition to your schedule.
Even later in your present, combine it up a bit of every so often. Experiment and ask your podcast listeners what they suppose. That’s the driving force for change and innovation in your present, and that’s what retains individuals . Alongside wonderful content material, in fact!
Sorts of Podcasts by Format
So, what are our choices right here? Let’s run via the preferred varieties of podcast codecs you’ll encounter, together with some real-world examples.
1. The Solo Podcast Format
Only a podcaster and a microphone. With the solo format, you speak on to your viewers. This format means you solely ever must depend on your self – however it may also be fairly intimidating for the podcasting newbie.
That stated, it’s the preferred podcast format amongst aspiring creators, in keeping with knowledge from our free Podcast Planner Tool. 43% of over 1500 new podcasters told us they plan to do it alone and take a single-host strategy.
Dan Carlin – Hardcore Historical past
Dan’s Hardcore History podcast is loooooooong (3hrs+ per episode), in-depth and simply him. No FX, no fanciness, only one little bit of intro music and his voice. However by some means, he makes it actually, actually partaking. It’s the proper instance of fantastic scripting.
2. The Co-Hosted Podcast Format
Enlisting a pal to be your ongoing co-host can actually breathe life into your episodes. There are potential downsides, although, as all the time. You’ll now be reliant on another person, which suggests scheduling recording occasions that go well with each. With a co-hosted format, there additionally must be a dialog in regards to the possession of the podcast. How will any earnings be cut up when you’re lucky sufficient to begin getting cash, for instance?
Boagworld
Boagworld is an internet design present hosted by the 2 co-founders of an company – Paul Boag and Marcus Lillington.
It exhibits the best way co-hosting can work rather well to showcase character and produce an attractive expertise. The banter and backwards and forwards between Paul and Marcus is hilarious to take heed to, and the question-and-answer format provides to the present’s depth.
3. The Interview Podcast Format
When you’re passionate a few subject, and have a thirst and curiosity to all the time study extra about it, then why not interview people in that area?
Interview podcasts are ultra-popular, and it has never been easier to record remotely. Conversational podcast interviews can create constantly recent content material and supply a various vary of views.
Once more, although, this podcast format isn’t with out its challenges. The interviewer won’t be seen as “the skilled” (if that’s your objective), and fixed scheduling and finding guests turn into the order of the day. Interviewing is also a skill that you’ll have to hone and prep. And, regardless of how good you get, you’re nonetheless closely reliant on how your interviewee comes across.
Board Sport Design Lab
The Board Game Design Lab does precisely what it says on the tin. Host Gabe Barrett speaks to recreation designers and trade people of all backgrounds and ranges, and expertly attracts out the worth from these conversations in a pure and chatty approach. We had been so impressed by Gabe’s podcast that we invited him to be a part of our IndiePod Legends season on Podcraft.
4. The Roundtable Podcast Format
A roundtable refers back to the thought of getting a handful of parents collectively to debate a set subject. Normally, there can be a minimum of one common host, if not two or three. Then the remainder of the ‘desk’ is made up of company who’re consultants within the subject at hand.
The host or hosts will direct the roundtable, asking questions and steering the dialogue so that everybody will get a flip and contributes to an incredible dialog.
Roundtables may be an effective way to construct authority in your area of interest, permitting you to ask distinguished company to the present and produce nice content material from their expertise. Many of the logistics are quite simple – modifying, content material planning, and so on – however organising company within the early days may be arduous.
The Podcasters’ Roundtable
The Podcasters’ Roundtable has been inactive for a number of years now, however the present, led up by the legendary podcaster Ray Ortega, was an actual masterclass on this podcast format. In a typical episode, Ray can be joined by 3-5 ongoing co-hosts and first-time company, and they might dive deep into the chosen subject of the day.
5. The Documentary Podcast Format
Also known as “BBC-style” or “NPR-style”, – the documentary brings in a number of voices, musical components, and actuality so as to add an additional layer of manufacturing and storytelling. The tip product can sound nice, however the time and work wanted to place them collectively will improve drastically. Listed below are some tips on how to create a documentary-style podcast.
The Startup Podcast
One in every of my favorite exhibits, the Startup Podcast, is a very clear look behind the scenes of beginning up a enterprise. Season 1 adopted the founding of Gimlet Media, the present’s producers, and so they’ve moved on to different firms since.
This podcast format takes much more time to create and edit however produces a way more partaking, high-quality product. Once more, not for everybody, although.
6. The Fiction Podcast Format
They are saying everybody has a minimum of one good guide in them, however fiction podcasting is the brand new novel writing. Fiction podcasts are available many types, from “audiobook fashion” to completely soundscaped audio drama the place each footstep is accounted for. Right here’s our best fiction podcasts roundup if it is a world you’d wish to dive into. And when you fancy making one – right here’s our ultimate guide to launching your own fiction podcast.
Campfire Radio Theater
Campfire Radio Theater is an immersive audio drama horror podcast. It’s an anthology sequence mixing darkish myths and legends with unique tales. The recurring theme is the excellent manufacturing stage, with music and sound results that construct a complete film in your ears!
Podcast Codecs: FAQ
Okay, now that we’ve lined the six frequent podcast format choices, you’ll hopefully have a clearer image of which course you’d wish to take. However, there’s each probability you continue to have a number of burning questions earlier than you head off to plan that first episode. Listed below are a number of of probably the most frequent podcast format questions we get requested.
Which Podcast Format Will Get Me the Largest Viewers?
There isn’t a silver bullet podcast format for progress. When you took a bunch of profitable podcasts, you’d discover that they got here in varied codecs, shapes, and sizes. Identical to podcast matters and subject material (the place we’re usually advised that true crime podcasts have the very best probability of success), this misses the purpose of what makes a present affluent. A giant a part of that’s your ardour, enthusiasm, and motive for showing up consistently behind the mic.
And, talking of consistency, we have to maintain issues as sustainable as doable, so…
Which Podcast Format Has the Least Modifying & Manufacturing Time?
The extra time you may spend in your content material, the higher. However that doesn’t essentially imply hours in entrance of your podcast editing software. Chew off greater than you may chew, and also you’ll quickly burn out and quit.
Unsurprisingly, solo podcasts are probably the most environment friendly in relation to editing and production. On the flip facet, fictional podcasts, documentaries, and roundtable or panel podcast codecs can actually begin to eat up the hours.
With the proper instruments and planning, although, you may make any podcast format sustainable. Pair up the Podcast Planner Journal with podcast-maker instrument Alitu to offer you productiveness superpowers.
Alitu has every part you could document, edit, and publish your podcast, from name and solo recording and computerized manufacturing to slick, intuitive modifying instruments, and built-in internet hosting. That’s all below one login and subscription, too, so that you lower your expenses in addition to time!
Ought to Each Podcast Episode Observe the Similar Format?
It’s your podcast, and also you’re the boss. When you’ve been doing interviews however fancy testing out the solo podcast format, go for it. While it’s arguably higher that your listeners know what to anticipate, crucial factor is that you’ve the time and enthusiasm to maintain publishing new episodes. So, when you take one factor away from this submit, it’s don’t be afraid to combine issues up!
Abstract: Selecting a Podcast Format
Aspiring podcasters can undergo from resolution paralysis when selecting their podcast format. However this isn’t one thing you could nail completely the primary time.
Maybe you’ll launch with a solo present, take a look at out some interviews, and discover that you simply actually get pleasure from them. Perhaps you’ll begin with the interviews however relish the liberty of flying solo.
Your podcast can change and adapt over time. Or, you would possibly study the ropes along with your first present, then launch a complete podcast sequence on a brand new subject with the format you know works greatest for you.
Keep in mind to make use of our ultimate guide to starting a podcast for a stroll via every part else you’ll want. Our free Podcast Planner tool will assist you numerous, right here, too. It simply takes a couple of minutes to fill out, and it’ll get you arrange with your personal personalised program.
Lastly, for extra tailor-made assist, you may be a part of us within the Podcraft Academy, the place you’ll discover programs, suggestions instruments, and a complete bunch of enthusiastic, passionate, and curious creators identical to your self.
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