Choosing Your Podcast Format: What Works and Why

Starting a podcast can feel a bit like walking into an empty room with endless possibilities. One of the first decisions you'll face? Choosing your podcast format. Whether you're flying solo, planning interviews, or considering a group panel, how you structure your show can shape everything from your production process to your listener engagement.

In this episode of the Creative Content Studio Podcast, Jim and Kate unpack the most common podcast formats, their pros and cons, and how to choose what’s right for you — all with the goal of helping you feel confident, creative, and sustainable in your podcasting journey.

The Main Podcast Formats Explained

There are countless ways to structure a podcast, but most fall into these core categories:

1. Interview Show

2. Solo Show

3. Co-Hosted Show

4. Panel Format

5. Narrative or Documentary Style

Let’s explore each in more detail.

1. The Interview Show

The classic format. Think “host meets guest,” and you’ve got it. You’ll find this style all over your Instagram feed and TikTok scroll.

Pros:

• Access to your guest’s audience

• Easier to create than scripted formats

• Rich with clippable content

• Great for SEO and cross-promotion

Cons:

• Scheduling can be tricky

• Not all guests resonate with your audience

• Harder to build a consistent host–listener relationship

Tip: Choose guests who align with your niche and add value. Don’t just chase big names.

2. The Solo Show

This is your stage. Whether you're sharing expertise, telling stories, or offering weekly insights, it’s just you and the mic.

Pros:

• Total creative control

• Easier to record and schedule

• Builds a deep relationship with your audience

Cons:

• Can be tough to stay engaging alone

• Confidence and comfort can take time

• Harder to fill longer episodes without feeling repetitive

Tip: Solo doesn’t mean unstructured. Plan key points in advance to stay focused.

3. The Co-Hosted Show

Two (or more) voices, one shared rhythm. If you’ve got chemistry with your co-host, this format offers familiarity and depth.

Pros:

• Shared workload

• Natural conversation flow

• Consistent dynamic helps build listener loyalty

Cons:

• Needs clear roles and regular scheduling

• Can veer off-topic without a structure

• Risk of insider-jokes alienating new listeners

Tip: Treat it like a professional partnership. Schedule regular recordings and outline episodes in advance.

4. The Panel Show

Ideal for roundtable discussions, industry commentary, or topic deep-dives. Think “group of experts,” not “friends in a pub.”

Pros:

• Great for diverse perspectives

• Works well for topical, news-based, or review shows

• Opportunity to showcase multiple voices and specialisms

Cons:

• Audio management is more complex

• Risk of talking over each other

• Needs strong moderation to keep focus

Tip: Keep the panel tight and give everyone clear speaking time. Too many voices can overwhelm listeners.

5. Narrative or Documentary

The polished, cinematic style. From true crime to deep-dive journalism, these shows weave stories with multiple voices, clips, and sound design.

Pros:

• Powerful storytelling impact

• Can build a loyal, binge-worthy audience

• Great for series-based content or investigative pieces

Cons:

• High production effort

• Requires scripting, editing, and often licensing clips

• Time-intensive and not always sustainable for beginners

Tip: If you love storytelling and have time to invest, this format can be incredibly rewarding.

Should You Go Audio-Only or Add Video?

Video podcasts are on the rise — especially with platforms like Spotify and YouTube pushing the format. But is it right for you?

Audio-Only Benefits:

• Easier to edit and produce

• Lower barrier to entry

• Prioritizes sound quality

Video Benefits:

• Highly shareable on social platforms

• Adds personality and visual engagement

• Opens up sponsorship and monetisation opportunities

• Focus on getting your audio right first. Then add video where it makes sense — even if it’s just for social clips.

Can Your Format Evolve?

Absolutely. Some of our clients alternate between solo episodes and interviews, which helps them stay consistent without the pressure of weekly guest bookings. Others shift formats entirely after a few months, based on listener feedback or content goals.

It’s your podcast — you make the rules. Just be sure to take your audience with you. Communicate the change and keep quality consistent.

Final Thoughts: Choosing What’s Right for You

Ultimately, your format should suit your content, your time, and your audience. Think about:

• Your schedule

• Your confidence on mic

• Your long-term goals

• How you’ll keep content sustainable

Whether you’re chatting with co-founders or diving into true crime cases, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Start where you are, build from there, and adjust as you go.

Next Up: Finding Your Niche (Without Getting Boxed In)

Next, we explore how to define your podcast niche without limiting your creativity, breaking down how to stay focused, flexible, and find your tribe.

Want help launching your own podcast?

Get in touch with Creative Content Studio — we offer studio recording, remote editing, podcast consultancy, and everything in between.