9 Podcast Formats Used in Successful Shows

Podcasts help busy people enjoy entertainment while on the move. With over 4.4 million podcasts out there, creators face tough competition.

Top podcasters know how to build a loyal audience. They use good podcast editing, create quality content, and pick the right tools. You also need to choose a format that works for your goals and skills.

Before starting your podcast, check out these nine format options with examples.

9 podcast formats to consider

So, what format should your podcast be in? Let’s look at nine examples. 

1. Deep reporting

Deep reporting podcasts look closely at serious topics. The host might share new facts about a crime case or politics. If we look at the top-ranking podcasts, 38% of them use a deep reporting format.

Many hosts who do this have worked as news reporters. It can take months or even years to find the whole story.

If you want to make this kind of podcast, you need to be good with words and know how to find facts and tell them in an interesting way.

Deep reporting podcasts

Deep reporting podcast format example

The In the Dark Podcast has been around since 2016. It’s hosted by Madeleine Baran and has won multiple awards. Each season has a different focus, and topics have included the abduction of Jacob Wetterling and the Curtis Flowers case.

2. Interview

Interview podcasts are like conversations you might hear on the radio. The host brings in guests to talk with them.

These shows usually focus on one area like comedy, music, sports, or sharing interesting ideas. Many are also available as videos so you can watch the conversation.

If you want to create your own interview podcast, you'll need to:

• Know people to invite as guests

• Learn to ask questions that get your guests talking a lot

Pew Research data shows that interview podcasts are very popular. They're the second most common type, making up 23% of all podcasts.

Interview-style podcasts

Interview podcast format example

You are probably familiar with the television host from the Late Night Desk, Conan O’Brien.

Conan has interviewed thousands of people for television and brought his skills to the podcast world with Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. You never know who he will speak to on this interview show, from comedians to bob-sledders to research engineers.

3. Commentary

Do you like sharing your thoughts? A commentary podcast might be perfect for you. This type of podcast works well for talking about:

• Politics

• Pop culture

• News

• Any topic where you explain things or share opinions

You can do a commentary podcast by yourself or with someone else. To succeed, you'll need:

• A strong, clear voice

• Your own unique way of seeing things

• A personality that keeps listeners interested

This format is all about expressing your ideas and helping listeners understand topics in your own special way.

Commentary podcasts

Commentary podcast format example

On the Modern Wisdom Podcast, host Chris Williamson speaks to experts who share their views. The goal of this podcast is to give practical life lessons to help them make more sense of the world.

The commentary is based on psychology and professional experience. Guests include authors, psychologists, behavioral experts, and more.

4. Recap

Ever watched a TV show and had to wait ages for the next season? Or seen a movie with a surprise ending that left you confused?

That's where recap podcasts come in. These podcasts:

• Go through the important parts of TV shows, movies, or books

• Help listeners understand what happened

• Make it easy to catch up on stories you might have missed

If you want to start a podcast covering recaps, be good at:

• Finding the most important moments in a story

• Explaining these moments clearly

• Presenting information in a way that makes sense to listeners

Recap podcasts

Recap podcast format example

Dave and Pete are the co-hosts of the Friends with Friends (F.W.F) Podcast. As you probably know, Friends was an icon of the 90s.

This sitcom featuring Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe is still a favorite today. Dave and Pete talk about their top episodes in this recap series.

5. News summary

Today, we don't need to wait for the evening news on TV. We can get news from many places like websites, social media, and of course, podcasts.

A news summary podcast takes big news stories and makes them short and easy to understand.

Most news summary podcasts are made by big news companies like The New York Times and BBC. Even though these podcasts make news shorter, they still need to make sure all information is correct. Having good notes helps podcast creators stick to the facts.

News summary podcasts

News summary podcast format example

In the Global News Podcast from the BBC News World Service, reporters go beyond what’s local. Episodes are released every day of the week.

The stories covered are from around the globe, with a strong focus on politics and current affairs. If listeners want a quick summary of world news, this is the place to get it.

6. Panel

A panel podcast is a chat with several people talking together. You can have the same group every time or bring in new people for each episode.

These podcasts work for many topics like sports, politics, science, and tech. Having different people means you get various views and deeper conversations. It's best to have one person lead the talk to keep everyone on track and make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.

Panel-style podcasts

Panel podcast format example

There is never a dull moment in tech, and This Week in Tech keeps listeners up to date. Whether AI, encryption, apps, robots, or the TikTok ban, it’s in the spotlight every Sunday.

Technology can be confusing, so the panel format is a good fit. Because it’s a conversational podcast with different experts, complex info is made simple. 

7. Educational

Some people listen to podcasts for fun, while others want to learn new things.

Good educational podcasts teach you something while keeping you interested. They can be about anything, including history, math, health, science, or any other topic.

If you're making an educational podcast, think about who will listen to it. How old are they? Do they speak English well? Do they already know something about your topic? This helps you create podcast content they'll understand and enjoy.

Educational podcasts

Educational podcast format example

Hosts Josh and Chuck are behind the Stuff You Should Know Podcast. A new episode is released almost every day, and each is packed with fun historical facts.

Some of the conversations are unexpected, which is what makes learning fun. Whether it’s the history of sliced bread, the fake accents you get when you travel overseas, or gullibility, it’s in this series.

8. Theater

A good theater podcast makes you feel like you're at a live show, even though you can't see anything. You can generally make two types: One needs script writing, voice over, sound design, and music. The other is just one person telling a story alone.

These podcasts work well if you know something about theater. Since not many people make them, you might have less competition.

Theatre podcasts

Theater podcast format example

In the Off Book: The Improvised Musical Podcast, you’ll find a new musical every week. These are recorded live, with little planning — making it a fun and unique listening experience.

Jessica McKenna and Jack Reino are the podcast hosts (and musical geniuses). And, they are backed up by pianist Scott Passarella. To keep it fresh, the team also invites special guests to record with them.

9. Fiction

Fiction podcasts are for people who enjoy storytelling. They're like a mix of books and TV shows, with each episode giving you the next part of the story.

These audio stories can be any type you like — thrillers, crime, romance, or sci-fi. You can make them better with voiceover, sound effects, and a good intro and outro.

When making a fiction podcast, be sure to have a well-written script and a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Fiction podcasts

Fiction podcast format example

The Adrenaline: The Understudy Podcast is the latest series from Realm. It’s a thriller with all the twists and turns you’d expect from the genre. Each season has a new story. The Understudy is about friendships, bullying, and secrets—from mothers to daughters.

How to choose the right podcast format

Finding the perfect podcast format doesn't need to be complicated. By evaluating a few key criteria, you can identify a format that aligns with your strengths, resources, and audience expectations.

• Goals: Choose a format that directly supports your primary objectives (education, entertainment, or brand building).

• Strengths: Select a format that uses your natural talents (speaking, interviewing, storytelling, analysis).

• Background: Pick a format that showcases your expertise in comedy, science, arts, or other relevant fields.

• Storytelling: Choose narrative formats if you have strong writing abilities. Avoid them if you don't.

• Conversation: Select interview formats if you enjoy discussions. Choose monologue formats if you prefer working alone.

• Audience: Select a format your target demographic typically engages with and enjoys.

• Inspiration: Adapt elements from podcasts you admire while adding your unique perspective.

• Content Source: Choose formats suited to either creating original content or effectively repurposing existing material.

Hire podcast production experts on Fiverr

Once you’ve decided on a format, it’s time to start creating. Sure, you could do it all yourself with podcast editing software, but you don’t have to. Fiverr is here to help. With a global talent pool, you’ll get access to podcast services such as editing, cover design, translation, and promotion.

There are a range of service packages on the menu and if you’re in a hurry, choose a freelancer with immediate availability. Chat with creators from the security of the Fiverr platform and let us take care of payment processing.

Podcast formats FAQs

What is the best podcast format?

One of the most common podcast formats is interviews with one regular host and different guests. Why is this popular? When two people are in the conversation, it can flow naturally, which is appealing to listeners.

How can a podcast be structured?

Podcasts have different components, but here is a basic structure you can work with.

In each episode, consider starting with an introduction of the hosts and any guests, as well as a rundown of the topic. Next, there can be the main content, followed by a summary and outro. Some podcasts include a Q&A toward the end.

What are the three types of podcasts?

There are a range of podcast types. Here are three of them:

• An interview podcast format with one main host talking to a guest

• A panel podcast format with multiple people having an insightful discussion

• A fictional story podcast with a beginning, middle, and end across the series

Should my podcast be MP3 or WAV?

You can use both. A WAV is best for editing because it is of higher quality. When it’s time to upload, go for an MP3. It is a smaller file, making it easier for listeners to download or stream.