Podcasts have evolved as a popular form of entertainment comparable to traditional media over the last decade in forms of different Format. In fact, 64% of Americans have listened to a podcast at some point, with 42% saying they have listened to one within the last month.
Podcasts offer content marketers a fun and engaging way to connect with new audience segments. Podcasting’s low barrier to entry means that almost anyone with a microphone can share their ideas with a global audience.Podcast Setup for Beginners? Firstly, Your format should complement your podcast and feel sustainable.
You don’t need to invest in pricey equipment to achieve high-quality audio. Many successful podcasts use a simple setup.
Let’s explore key factors when choosing a podcast and podcast format, followed by our top equipment recommendations.
Develop a podcast concept. Define your goals. Pick a podcast theme or topic. It’s important to know your why, even if it’s to have fun with friends.
Ask yourself what gives you energy. Do you love connecting with podcast guests, or do you feel your best going solo? Because that would indicate which setup you should have for the podcast.
If you choose to have cohosts, try to keep your group small. Podcasting with more than two or three people makes scheduling a challenge.
Keep in mind that some shows require more production than others. For instance, fiction podcasts usually require more editing than interview podcasts.
These are 8 types of podcast formats:
8 Most Popular Podcast Formats
1. The Interview Podcast Format
The interview podcast format usually involves one or two hosts who speak with one or more guests each episode. In this format, the guest provides unique expertise or insights on a given topic, industry or theme. You can actually break this format further into two podcast styles:
- Reid Hoffman’s Masters of Scale podcast features expert interviews with thought leaders on specific topics. For example, a guest like Bill Gates may tell stories about his experiences as a technology entrepreneur. Many listeners listen to this type of podcast to learn more about a specific industry or to gain insights that will benefit their own careers.
- Podcasts in the entertainment genre feature guests sharing personal stories and insights. These shows are frequently hosted by comedians or entertainment reporters. Sabrina Wu, a comedian, recently spoke on Carmen Esposito’s podcast, Queery, about gender identity and race’s impact on their careers.
Interview format podcasts can require quite a bit of research. At the same time, the podcast host needs the right skills to draw out interesting stories from guests. This format is a great way to provide a range of opinions and viewpoints.
Pros
- Your guests do the majority of the talking. You just need to steer the conversation.
- Listeners are forgiving of minor errors (ums, likes, and brief pauses) because they understand you’re having a legitimate conversation.
- Your guests promote their appearance on your show, particularly to their fan base, which expands your audience.
- Your show gains access to a diverse range of perspectives and opinions, which sparks discussion and adds value to your listeners.
Cons
- In some ways, you rely on your guests to entertain while also providing information. Your episode will suffer if the characters are difficult, inarticulate, or boring (unless you can compensate).
- This is a very popular format, so you will struggle to stand out.
- Interviewing is a skill that requires patience and practice.
- Finding a new guest for each episode requires a significant amount of effort.
- If you conduct an interview via Skype or Zoom, you are at the mercy of your connection. It may take several attempts to capture enough audio for an episode.
- You need to do extensive research on your guests.
Samples of Interview Format Podcasts:
2. The solo or monologue podcast format
Monologue podcasts, also known as solo podcasts, are hosted by a single person who speaks throughout the entire episode. These podcasts are typically hosted by someone who is an expert in a specific field. Audience members tune in to learn about a specific topic or to form an informed opinion on current events.
Some educational podcasts, like Stephen West’s Philosophize This!, use a monologue format. In this series, West leads listeners on a journey through the history of world philosophy. Beginning with presocratic philosophy, West gives an overview of major movements in philosophical thought throughout history.
This type of podcast can be used on any topic, but hosts should have enough experience and expertise to fill multiple episodes. That said, it’s possible to produce a limited-run podcast that covers a single topic or issue, similar to a serialized audiobook.
The monologue format provides the advantage of not being dependent on other people. The host doesn’t need to book guests or configure schedules with another host. However, this style still requires a fair amount of research.
Pros
- You do not have to rely on anyone’s assistance or participation. Everything happens according to your own schedule and pace.
- Your audience gets to know you well. This is effective for brand development.
- Editing a single voice is easier than editing multiple tracks.
- If you don’t like how you said something, just say it again and leave out the bad parts.
Cons
- There’s a lot of talking. Speaking for 30 to 45 minutes gets tiring. And that’s only if you get it right the first time. Typically, you’ll talk for an hour or more per episode.
- You don’t have anyone to bounce ideas off of (unless you have a partner or team working behind the scenes) or to help you promote.
- If you’re nervous about recording your first episode, it’s recommended to practice beforehand.
Samples of Fiction Storytelling Format Podcasts:
3. Conversational/co-hosted podcast format
Conversational, co-hosted podcasts are extremely popular and closely resemble traditional radio shows. This format features two podcast hosts having entertaining conversations about specific themes and topics. Co-hosts frequently discuss trending news stories and offer insightful — or humorous — commentary.
Conversational podcasts may also include guests. The Adam Buxton Podcast, hosted by the British comedian, offers a humorous take on the popular genre. He is frequently joined by guests who spend the better part of an hour just talking with him.
This type of podcast necessitates a high degree of comfort and familiarity among the hosts. If the hosts don’t know each other well or don’t get along, the audience will notice. Because you can’t script a conversation — or at least, you shouldn’t — this format is best for hosts who can improvise on the spot.
A conversational podcast may present unique technical challenges. For example, if the hosts live in different cities, they’ll need specialized podcast recording software to record the voice tracks separately and then combine them. Learn how to record a podcast remotely for seamless production across distances with our guide to best practices.
Pros
- You are only responsible for half of the conversation. Consider delegating tasks related to podcast production and promotion.
- Fans feel like they’re a part of a club or group, especially when the hosts create a fun and welcoming environment.
- It’s much easier to listen to an organic conversation than a prepared script.
Cons
- You both need to agree on the purpose of each episode. If you don’t agree on the overall message, a conflict may arise.
- Two voices are more difficult to edit than a single track.
- Select topics that both parties have a basic understanding of.
- You can’t do much scripting to prepare for each episode because it’s all about conversation.
Samples of Discussion Format Podcasts:
4. Non-fictional storytelling podcast format
Non-fictional stories are podcast episodes that depict real-life events. You could investigate a series of murders, document an expedition to Mount Everest, or recreate a historical event. You can tell a single story in each episode or a series. Alternatively, you could simply report the news.
A nonfiction narrative is basically what it sounds like. It’s a nonfiction story adapted into a podcast series.
One company that does this incredibly well is Wondery. They have a single narrator who takes the listener through the entire story and series. Soundscapes and specific interviews may be added to provide additional context or to answer questions, but the host’s voice will be heard throughout these shows.
Non-fiction narratives can also range in length but usually sit around the 30-45 minute mark. A large reason for this is that it takes a lot of research, planning, and scripting to create this sort of series since factual accuracy is key.
This is an excellent podcast format for listeners who like to learn more about our world. You have the opportunity to expose people to new ideas, concepts, and events.
Pros
- This podcast format is extremely addictive for those who want to learn more about a specific topic.
- To enhance the experience, you can include additional audio elements such as news broadcasts, movie clips, or environmental sounds.
- You have an unlimited number of stories to choose from.
Cons
- Maintaining a consistent publishing schedule is challenging due to varying production times for each episode.
- You must have a clear understanding of the topic at hand.Listeners are reluctant to forgive errors in accuracy.
- This is a laborious and time-consuming format, particularly when conducting research.
- This is a difficult podcast format to master without the support of a large team.
Samples of Non-Fiction Format Podcasts:
5. Storytelling / Investigative Podcasts
Listeners enjoy storytelling and investigative podcasts because they provide immersive experiences. In this format, one or more hosts use each podcast episode to tell a complete story or a chapter of a larger story.
There are numerous examples of nonfiction podcasts. At one end of the spectrum is Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History podcast. Carlin creates meticulously researched miniseries that take his podcast listeners on journeys through pivotal moments in world history. In fact, his show requires so much research that each miniseries takes several months to complete.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is My Favorite Murder, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each episode delves into a specific case in gory detail. This show is also thoroughly researched, but it offers more personal commentary on each topic.
Non-fiction podcasts can require a lot of resources. Podcasters who excel at this format combine excellent research skills with a keen eye for entertainment value.
Pros
- Highly involved consumers
- Each episode has already been preplanned and laid out.
- An in-depth discovery on a specific topic or story; listeners may use you as a resource.
Cons
- Safety and security
- Maintaining objectivity
- Resource limitations
Samples of Investigative Format Podcasts:
6. Podcast theater podcast format
For years, the fiction podcast, also known as the narrative podcast, has grown in popularity. Some theatrical podcasts feature a single host narrating a story in a similar manner to an audiobook. Other podcasts in this format use a full cast of voice actors and sound engineers to create more immersive experiences.
In this format, podcast hosts strive to create fictional worlds that captivate their audience. To keep listeners engaged, a certain amount of creativity and experience are required. While this format requires less research than others on this list, it still requires a significant amount of effort. At the same time, this indicates a high level of competition. Not only do these podcasts compete with each other, but also with other forms of entertainment like TV shows, audiobooks and movies.
If fiction is your jam, look no further than the sci-fi analogy podcast series, DUST, for inspiration.
Pros
- Audiences are extremely “sticky” because they want to know what happens next, especially if you weave your episodes together well.
- This is the least common podcast format, so there is little competition among others.
- You get to make everything up, so don’t worry about factual accuracy.
Cons
- It’s an unusual format, so building an audience will take time and work.
- You’d be competing with every other source of drama and storytelling, including TV, movies, and YouTube.
- Since all episodes relate to one another, you basically have to plan your entire “season” upfront so you hit all the right plot points and end in the right spot.
- This is a poor format for uncreative people.
Examples of the podcast theater format:
7. Repurposed content podcast format
The process of repurposing existing content has several advantages, ranging from increasing audience engagement to meeting various needs throughout the sales funnel. Furthermore, repurposing content can give you the breathing space you need to create new, interesting content.
News programs are among the most popular in this category. The same story may appear in print, video, or audio. This format is ideal for brands that already produce a large amount of web content. For example, if your company has a large backlog of blog posts, you could convert each one into its own podcast episode. This effectively doubles the volume of content and allows you to reach a segment of your target audience who prefers audio content over written content.
Pros
- You can easily create this content because you already have it. Simply edit to create a podcast-style format.
- Because you do not have to create the content, you do not require a large budget.
Cons
- The content may not feel appropriate for a podcast, as it was not originally intended.For example, a lecturer may ask his audience for a “show of hands,” which is obviously not interactive on a podcast.
- People have other options for getting the same content.
Samples of Live/Repurposed Format Podcasts:
8. Multi-story podcasts
Multi-story podcasts combine multiple interviews or stories into a single episode. Because the host must move between sections or people, interviews/stories are kept brief and to the point.
This format keeps listeners engaged because there are new voices to hear and conversations to have. Instead of one 30-minute interview, perhaps you’ll hear three 10-minute interviews. Although a multi-story format can help keep the listener engaged and present, it is still up to you to ensure that the content remains interesting and valuable.
Multi-story podcasts typically last 30-45 minutes because you don’t want to get too repetitive with the number of interviews/stories in each episode.
Pros
- Short and concise conversations with guests
- Keep listeners highly engaged and interested
- Have multiple voices and perspectives that get shared
- Access to more guest networks for promotion
Cons
- Keeping each story equally entertaining and engaging
- Work against listener drop-off rates
Samples of Multi-Story Format Podcasts:
Optimal podcast episode length
Make your episodes as long as they need to be and no longer.
Some podcasts are less than five minutes long, and others have episodes the length of a short audiobook. Mostly an episode is recorded within 20-60 minutes however it can be more or less than this range. Know more about Podcast Lengths in this Guide.
Podcast Setup depending on number of people
When you’re just starting a podcast, it can be confusing. You see a recommendation, and it seems like it’s a high-end microphone, but another one costs only $12. In this blog, I’m going to help you find the best podcast setups that won’t break your bank. So, before we scrabble about the recommendations, let’s discuss the criteria we’re using. We’ll focus on three aspects: ease of use, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
Firstly, ease of use is important; everything should be plug-and-play to get you started without a headache. Secondly, I want something that grows with you. If you start with one setup and later add a co-host, you shouldn’t have to start from scratch. So, everything I recommend builds upon each other to ensure it works seamlessly, regardless of the number of people on any episode. Last but not the least, we will consider price. While there are some fantastic $1,000 microphones out there, we aim to buy a microphone that gets you 90% of the way there for only 10% of the cost. However, if you want the 100% output from your mic and want to go for the big fish, These 3 high end mic are my top recommendations.
Solo podcaster equipment
- Samson Q2U | $70
- Audio-Technica 2100 | $80-85
- Pop Filter | $6-30
- Any headphones you already have
Let’s kick off this with the recommendation for the solo podcaster. What you need to buy are two things: the Audio-Technica 2100 and a $3 foam cover. In my opinion, the Audio-Technica 2100 offers the best value for podcasting. Priced around $85, it includes a stand. The foam cover will not only look cool but will also help reduce popping P’s and harsh S’s in recordings. What sets the microphone apart is that it’s all you need; you can plug it directly into your computer and you’re ready to go.
Now that you have your ideal setup for the solo podcaster let’s get a bit deeper into the capabilities of the Audio-Technica 2100. Priced at around $85, not only offers value but also comes with a built-in stand, adding to its convenience. It’s versatility extends beyond its affordability – the Audio-Technica 2100 has a remarkable ability to capture studio-level recordings, making it a good choice for podcasters.
The $3 foam cover, though seemingly a small addition, plays a nice role in refining your audio quality. It’s not just for aesthetics; the foam cover minimizes popping P’s and harsh S’s, common nuisances in many recordings. This means that your listeners can enjoy a smoother and more professional-sounding podcast, enhancing their overall experience.
One amazing feature of the Audio-Technica 2100, and a reason I recommend it for solo podcasters, is its simplicity. Unlike some other microphones that may require additional equipment or mixers, the 2100 allows you to bypass these complexities.
You can plug it directly into your computer, and you’re ready to start recording. This user-friendly approach is beneficial for those just starting in the podcasting world as it provides an easy entry point without compromising on quality. To read more about Solo Podcasting, Read this blog
PODCAST SETUP FOR TWO
- Samson Q2U | $70 (x2)
- Audio Technica M20x | $50 (x2)
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | $160
- Pop Filter | $6-30
Now, let’s move on to our recommended setup for you and a friend. First, of course, you need to find a friend. Assuming you have a co-host, let’s dive into the equipment. We’re still sticking with the Audio-Technica 2100s from the solo setup, but now we’re introducing the Focusrite 2i2, a USB interface. Why this? This device takes the audio from both microphones and runs it into the computer. With this setup, you can easily add a friend without starting from scratch.
The Focusrite 2i2 serves as a important component, functioning as a USB interface. This device plays a significant role by taking the audio signals from both Audio-Technica 2100 microphones and transmitting them directly into your computer. This not only simplifies the recording process but also ensures a crisp, synchronized audio output that captures both voices with clarity.
What makes the Focusrite 2i2 particularly valuable in this setup is its ability to facilitate a seamless transition from a solo podcast to one with a co-host. By incorporating this USB interface, you eliminate the need to overhaul your entire setup when expanding to a two-person format. It maintains the user-friendly plug-and-play approach, ensuring a smooth transition for both beginners and those looking to grow their podcasting ventures.
Moreover, the Focusrite 2i2 provides you with greater control over your audio settings and allows you to do adjustments to achieve the ideal balance between your voices. This feature ensures that your podcast maintains a professional sound quality, even as you introduce new elements to your recording setup. If you want to know about the alternatives of Focusrite 2i2, here are The Top Recommendations on best audio interfaces .
In summary, the combination of the Audio-Technica 2100 microphones and the Focusrite 2i2 USB interface offers an excellent foundation for a podcast setup with two hosts. It’s a versatile and user-friendly solution that not only maintains the ease of use from the solo setup but also sets the stage for further growth as you continue to expand your podcasting journey.
PODCAST SETUP FOR Three
- Samson Q2U | $70 (x3)
- Audio Technica M20x | $50 (x3 or 4)
- RODECaster Pro | $600
- Pop Filter | $6-30
- The Zoom H6, priced at $200, serves as a budget-friendly alternative to the RODECaster Pro.
If you’re lucky enough to have three or more people interested in podcasting, here’s our recommendation. Introducing the Zoom H6, replacing the Scarlett 2i2. The H6 is a field recorder, eliminating the need for a power source. We’ve added another Audio-Technica microphone, making it easy to scale up to three people. For each additional person, you’ll need another microphone, XLR cable, and foam ball. It’s a straightforward setup that can easily accommodate four people. You don’t have to mandatorily buy Zoom H6. Read this detailed Comparison between Zoom H5, Zoom H6 and Zoom H4N Pro and select your perfect suit.
The H6 serves as a field recorder, eliminating the reliance on a power source. This means greater flexibility in recording locations, making it ideal for on-the-go podcasting or situations where a power outlet might not be readily available.
To complement the H6, we introduce another Audio-Technica microphone. The inclusion of multiple Audio-Technica microphones ensures a consistent and high-quality audio experience for each participant. The microphones come equipped with stands for convenience, and the addition of foam balls helps mitigate unwanted noise, delivering a polished and professional sound.
Expanding your podcast to accommodate four people or more is a seamless process. For each additional participant, simply incorporate another Audio-Technica microphone, XLR cable, and foam ball into the setup. This ensures that your podcasting equipment can grow alongside your team without any major overhaul and it will maintain the simplicity and efficiency of your recording process.
So, whether you’re a trio of podcasters or lucky enough to have a larger group, the recommended Zoom H6 setup with Audio-Technica microphones provides a reliable and user-friendly solution. I can ensure that your podcasting experience will be enjoyable and focused on content creation, rather than complex technicalities.
PODCAST SETUP FOR more than Three
Using multiple USB mics at the same time is complicated, but doable. On PC, you’ll want to use a free app called Voicemeeter, which will allow you to record inputs from multiple USB microphones. On Mac, you’ll go to Audio MIDI Setup, click on the + icon to create an aggregate device, and choose the microphones you want to use.
A much easier solution is to use XLR mics and get an audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to record a multiple mic podcast.
Make sure you have an interface that has four or more mic inputs. Your best bet is XLR, but you can also use USB with the right configuration. Just make sure you have the ability to put each person on a different track in your editing software.
If record a podcast with multiple people in different places or Remote recording a podcast, it is actually pretty easy as long as you have the right platform. A great all-in-one platform that records, edits, and publishes remote podcasts is Descript.
Now, you might be wondering why we haven’t discussed the Blue Yeti. While it’s a common recommendation, it’s essential to note a few drawbacks. The Blue Yeti is easy to plug into a computer, but it’s also easy to misrecord. Its sensitivity to background noise and recording everyone to one track can complicate editing. In contrast, the ATR 2100, which we recommend, is more focused, capturing primarily the speaker’s voice and making it more suitable for home environments with ambient noise. To read more about Blue Yeti, read this blog.
To enhance your podcasting experience, consider a few additional accessories. A boom arm, like the RODE PSA1, allows for flexible microphone positioning, providing better mic technique. The shock mount, such as the MY-420, minimizes audio spikes by suspending the microphone with rubber bands. Lastly, a good set of headphones, like the Audio-Technica M20X, is crucial for monitoring your voice during recording. The above links are amazon affiliate links which will directly redirect you to that product on amazon
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What type of podcast will you choose to produce?
Although there is no single best podcast format, there is likely one that is best suited to your idea. So think about your overall goals and how your podcast can help you achieve them.
Consider how much work you want to put into your podcast. Recording a discussion podcast with a co-host remotely saves time and energy compared to a scripted nonfiction podcast with in-depth reporting.
Finally, remember that podcasting should be enjoyable! So, whatever format you choose, make sure it’s something you’ll enjoy doing on a regular basis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, now that you have a clear understanding of the common podcast formats and necessary equipment for a high-quality podcast without breaking the bank, remember that while gear is important, the authenticity of your voice and connecting with your audience are paramount. If you’re a podcaster who enjoyed this blog, stick with us for more gear reviews and podcasting tips. Hope you found this information helpful. See you next time, and as always, keep podcasting.
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