Branded podcasts have been around for some time now…
But even today, the formats chosen by some of them do not match their content or are not suited to the intended target. It could be detrimental to a brand’s credibility and for the performance of the program (not what we want, is it?).
However, in comparison to the competition of other media (TV, Youtube, Instagram, etc.), the podcast offers such a huge opportunity for your awareness brands, that it would be ridiculous not to seize.
Are you in need of inspiration? In this short article, we have put together a compilation of the most popular podcasts formats.
Whether you are in the process of launching your podcast or looking for ideas to create it, the next few lines should enlighten you.
Not convinced? Read on, you’ll see!
Overview
At the top of this list is the “solo” format.
Without a doubt, this is the most common style of podcasting!
Because it is easy to set up.
Unlike the other formats (which you will discover below), this one is the least restrictive!
A single voice can represent your entire brand. Forget long and tedious castings: we will take care of finding this host!
Production is simple and edits are easier to carry out.
The “solo” format comes with countless possibilities. You can choose to go for:
Because creating a solo podcast is extremely easy, we often forget that it still requires discipline and regularity.
Also, the host must be talented and captivating or listeners will quickly “Without specific host talent, listeners will quickly give up listening to your podcast.”
Content and delivery must come together to provide a show that is:
Being alone in front of a microphone is not an easy task but CALLIOPÉ is here to guide and assist the chosen host!
Most podcasts listeners want to hear someone speak, not read!
Another element that will determine the success of your podcast. The native aspect!
If what you say on the microphone sounds scripted or gives the feels of a TV anchor who reads from a teleprompter, the result won’t be impactful.
If you don’t feel like going solo, the co-created podcast option is available for you (it is also called “co-hosted”). This association between two hosts often occurs naturally through:
The content is key here!
It seems obvious, but collectively, we often create more valuable content: more stories, more diversity, more perspectives… It is also a lot more fun for the hosts!
The listener has more reasons to listen to your podcast!
It could appreciate :
Due to a lack of time, lack of motivation, or lack of creative ideas … Many give up their podcast along the way!
When you have a co-hosted podcast, you can share the workload and motivate each other to make your podcast a success.
Many celebrities, influencers, and experts have chosen the interview format for their podcast.
Why?
They know the movers and shakers of their industry, they are well connected… They can leverage their network to create conversations with very interesting guests. Through the podcast, they bring the discussion they have behind the scenes to the forefront.
No!
Your network, no matter how small, will do.
You surely have a colleague, a family member, a friend, a friend of a friend, who masters a subject. Take a minute to think about it.
Very often they will be happy to share their knowledge, expertise and connect with your audience.
The interview format is a great choice if you have a subject:
This format requires the host to have:
Doing an interview requires a lot of work.
Here is an example of this Interview format, from the Brittany Region and its podcast called
“DEMI-SEL”:
Add to that the idea that you must:
Daily you interact with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who are passionate about your sector/industry.
They like to share tips, tools, pieces of advice… What if these conversations could be shared on a greater scale?
This is the purpose of the “guest panel” format in comparison to the interview one.
It can be used for almost any topic!
And if you get a good mix of:
…you are sure to convince your listeners, episode after episode, to keep listening to your podcast.
While attractive, the “guest panel” format also has its share of concerns. Indeed, having multiple contributors means dealing with multiple schedules. It could be a headache!
Even at the bar with friends, depending on the topic, tension can arise, people get carried away and we stop getting along!
Without the right environment, that could also happen during a podcast.
Nothing is worse for a listener than hearing voices raised above each other.
Here are a few tips to avoid that:
The majority of “true crime” podcasts fall into this category.
Very popular, the non-fictional format is often delivered in a particular narrative style.
ex: an audio documentary that reveals a unique historical event or a true story, over several episodes.
Ask yourself these questions: do I know a story that should be brought to the forefront? Do I have a talent for solving mysteries?
If you answer yes to both of these questions, then you may want to consider this format.
However, this podcast format will require:
If you love to create stories from scratch, this podcast format is for you.
Already adopted by the Marvel franchise, this format is very popular with media platforms and broadcasting companies.
With the help of a good copywriter, what if you were able to:
This is exactly what this immersive format brings to the table. Your community of listeners will emerge in your fictional world thanks to:
CALLIOPÉ is using this format to tell compelling stories such as:
At this point in the article, you probably feel that the ideas you have for your podcast could suit different formats altogether… Well, we have a solution. You should be interested in the hybrid format.
Far from the classic podcast format, the hybrid one offers flexibility.
For example, some of your episodes might:
And these are just a few examples of you being creative in producing a unique podcast!
“A hybrid format can combine any examples from this list”
Cohesiveness: it is the magic word here!
Make sure the combinations you put together are cohesive.
Like a perfectly balanced dish from a chef, the overall experience your podcast delivers should make sense to the listeners. They shouldn’t be confused at any time.
This format is perfect for bringing added value to your content, allowing your listeners to be more captivated. Here are a few examples:
Let’s dig deeper!
Discover how we have responded to various marketing and brand content issues through the production of original audio content, take a look at our Client cases!