6 Types of Podcasts To Consider for Your Show

No matter your niche, there's a podcast format that fits your style and listeners’ preferences — but each type of podcast comes with its own advantages, challenges, and expectations.

Before hitting record, it's important to understand how podcast types shape the listening experience so you can deliver the most premium show for your audience.

What’s a Podcast?

A podcast is an audio show where you discuss a themed topic across a series of recorded episodes. This type of media engages audiences through spoken word. Unlike traditional radio, podcasts are on-demand, meaning listeners can tune in to your episodes whenever and wherever they want — whether they’re commuting, at the gym, or doing chores.

Podcasts are great for content creators because they don't require expensive equipment or a large production team to get started. People can hear real emotions and unscripted moments that make the content feel authentic, encouraging personal connections through storytelling. With so many formats and topics to explore, podcasting lets you create a unique show that meets your audience's interests while potentially earning revenue.

6 Different Types of Podcast Genres

Some podcasts are informative, while others are entertaining with storytelling elements and audience interaction. Here are six of the most popular podcast genres to consider for your show.

1. Comedy 

Comedy podcasts make listeners laugh with humorous wit and personality. You can include stand-up-style monologues, improvised games, or humorous takes on current events. Popular comedy podcasts often feature comedians riffing on relatable topics, pop culture, or even their own experiences. If you have a knack for humor, this genre is a great way to build a following.

2. Drama

Drama podcasts are scripted stories brought to life through immersive audio. They're like modern-day radio Broadway plays, using voice actors, sound effects, and music to create suspenseful narratives.

There might be character development and plot twists as the episode goes on, making this genre ideal for audiences who love a juicy story. Drama podcasts range from thrillers to sci-fi epics, so there's no limit as long as your story hooks listeners.

3. Game Show

Recording a game show environment for your podcast combines friendly competition with entertainment. You can engage listeners with trivia, challenges, and panel-style debates. Some shows have pre-determined guests who compete for prizes, while others involve random crowd members participating for bragging rights. These podcasts are great for interacting with listeners and bring an element of spontaneity and excitement to each episode.

4. Health and Fitness

If you're interested in wellness, a health and fitness podcast might be for you. These shows offer expert advice on nutrition, exercise, and mental health. In this genre, you can sit down with guests like health professionals, professors, and influencers in the wellness space to provide things like nutrition tips or motivational stories. If you're passionate about fitness and healthy living, this genre is an excellent way to educate and inspire people about more fulfilling lifestyles.

5. News

News podcasts update people about global events, politics, business, sports, and culture. Unlike traditional TV news broadcasts, this genre helps listeners stay informed about global affairs on the go. As long as you credit verified sources or bring in expert guests, you can become a credible source for current events.

6. True Crime

Given their gripping nature, it's no surprise true crime podcasts are so popular. Unlike scripted drama episodes, true crime shows explore real-life criminal cases, like unsolved murder mysteries to high-profile heist investigations. Detailed storytelling, expert analysis from law enforcers, and even firsthand accounts keep listeners on the edge of their seats. This podcast genre offers endless storytelling opportunities, especially if you enjoy piecing together clues and uncovering hidden details.

Podcast Formats for Your Next Show

While genre defines your podcast’s theme or subject matter, the format determines how you structure and deliver content to your listeners. How you structure your show shapes the tone, pacing, and overall experience for both you and your audience. Here are some of the most popular types of podcast formats.

Interviews

Interview podcasts center around conversations between the host(s) and guest(s). Episode guests can be experts, influencers, or individuals in their respective fields who provide unique perspectives based on your questions. As the podcast host, you can prepare questions in advance, but you should also allow room for natural dialogue if the conversation goes in a different direction. 

This format is great for networking, and you can keep episodes fresh with new voices. Just note that you'll need strong interviewing skills and regular guest bookings to stay relevant for listeners.

Candid conversations

A conversational podcast features two or more hosts having casual discussions about various or niche topics. These shows often feel like you’re listening in on a friendly chat. The chemistry between co-hosts is vital for this format, as natural banter and contrasting opinions keep episodes authentic and intriguing for everyday listeners. 

If you enjoy spontaneous conversations and have a co-host who complements your energy, this format is an excellent choice.

Panel Shows

Panel show podcasts involve multiple guests or hosts for structured debates or themed conversations. These shows often include groups of recurring guests or experts weighing in on trending topics, bringing diverse opinions to the table in one place. 

However, with so much interaction and differing viewpoints, panels might need careful moderation to keep conversations on track. If you're interested in industry discussions, pop culture analysis, or expert roundtables, consider creating a panel show podcast for your brand.

Monologues

In a monologue podcast, a single host delivers content without guests or co-hosts. These shows focus on personal storytelling, opinions, or educational topics. Since there's no back-and-forth conversation, the podcast host needs a strong voice and engaging delivery to keep listeners tuned in. This format is ideal if you're a solo creator who prefers complete creative control and has a clear vision for your content.

Narratives

Narrative storytelling podcasts take your listeners on a journey like they’re immersed in a book or movie. This format uses scripted narration, sound design, and sometimes multiple voices. Shows can be non-fiction (such as investigative journalism or historical retellings) or fiction (like scripted dramas and story-driven series). 

Storytelling requires strong writing, editing, and production skills. If you do it right, you can create a memorable listening experience that keeps people coming back for more.

Repurposed Content Podcasts

Repurposed content podcasts transform existing material, like YouTube videos, webinars, or live talks, into audio episodes. This type of show is great for content creators who already produce material in other formats — you can reach a podcast audience without starting from scratch.

Tips To Start a Successful Podcast

Launching a podcast isn’t complicated because you don't need expensive equipment or much technical knowledge. Still, creating a show that keeps listeners returning requires planning and consistency. Here are a few helpful tips to set your podcast up for success.

Find Affordable High-Quality Equipment

Great podcasts deserve great audio. Poor sound quality quickly turns listeners away, so choosing the right equipment can make a massive difference to your content. You don’t need a professional studio, but good microphones, headphones, and recording software will significantly improve your audio clarity. Combine these budget-friendly equipment options with external pop filters and acoustic treatment to reduce background noise.

Plan Your Episodes

Even the most casual-sounding shows benefit from structure. Before recording, outline how you want your episodes to go with key talking points, segments, and questions to keep the conversation flowing. If you're doing an interview podcast, research your guest in advance.

If you're working with a scripted format, make sure your storytelling or narration is well-paced. Preparing notes prevents awkward pauses and helps deliver a natural listening experience for your audience.

Advertise Your Podcast

Podcast promotion is just as important as show production. A great podcast won’t grow without an audience, so share new episodes on social media, your website, and streaming platforms like Spotify. Interact with potential listeners on social platforms and share clips on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts to potentially go viral. You can also collaborate with other creators and feature guests with established audiences to reach more people.

Prepare and Promote Your Podcast With Captions

Understanding podcast genres and choosing the right format will help you create a show that suits you while engaging listeners. Regardless of your niche, having a clear structure and following best practices will help you connect with your audience and keep them coming back for more.

Captions makes it even easier to edit and share your show. With the Long to Short Video feature, you can quickly repurpose long-form podcasts into shareable clips for social media. The Video Podcast Editor tool takes manual editing tasks off your hands, while adding subtitles improves accessibility so you can reach a wider audience. No matter your podcasting style, Captions helps you make every episode count.