What Is Best Podcast Structure? Examples And Tips

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The podcast structure is essential for a couple of reasons. The first reason has to do with how people listen to podcasts. Most people don’t listen to podcasts in one sitting. The average person listens to just six minutes of an episode. So if your episode is an hour-long, most people will never get to the end.

The other reason podcast format is essential is because it can help you stay on track and produce better episodes. If you know what you’re going to talk about in each episode, it will be easier to stay on track. And if you have a suitable format, your existing audience will know what to expect from each episode.

There are a lot of different ways to format a podcast. But there are four most popular podcast formats: episodic, topical, interview and serial.

Episodic Podcasts

Episodic podcasts are a type of audio content that is released on a regular schedule, much like a television show. Each episode typically covers a specific topic or tells a particular story, and new episodes are released at regular intervals, typically once per week.

Episodic podcasts are usually longer than other types of audio content, such as speeches or interviews, and they often feature multiple hosts who discuss the topic at hand. Many popular podcasts, such as “Serial” and “This American Life,” follow an episodic format, and this type of podcast has become increasingly popular in recent years.

A serialized podcast may be necessary if you’re looking for something to listen to during your commute or workout.

Topical Podcasts

A topical podcast is an audio show covering a single subject or theme. They are usually between 30 minutes and an hour in length, and new episodes are released regularly. Topical podcasts can be scripted or unscripted, but most feature interviews with experts or commentary from the hosts.

Because they are focused on a specific topic, they can often go more in-depth than general interest podcasts.

This makes them ideal for new listeners who want to learn about a particular subject or for those who enjoy deep, informative conversation. So whether you’re interested in politics, history, or pop culture, there’s likely a topical podcast for you.

Serial Podcasts

Serial podcasts are different from both episodic and topical podcasts. They’re usually more extended and tell a story that unfolds over multiple episodes. Each episode builds on the previous one, so you need to listen to them in order.

The best way to decide which type of podcast format is right for you is to think about your goals for the podcast. For example, do you want to produce stand-alone episodes, or do you want each episode to build on the last? Do you want to keep your episodes short and focused, or do you want to delve deep into a particular topic?

Once you know what you want to achieve with your podcast, you can plan your episodes. And if you’re unsure where to start, there are plenty of online resources and templates to help you get started.

Interview Podcasts

An interview podcast is a podcast that features an interview with a guest. The interview can be conducted in person or over the phone and can be about any topic. Interview podcasts are a great way to learn about various issues and can also be very entertaining.

Many popular podcasts, such as This American Life and Serial, are interview podcasts. If you’re interested in starting your interview podcast, there are a few things you need to know.

First, you’ll need to find guests willing to be interviewed. You can do this by reaching out to people you know or searching online. Once you’ve found some potential guests, you’ll need to prepare for the interviews. This means coming up with a list of questions and doing deep research on the guests.

You’ll also need to decide how you want to format the interviews. For example, some podcasts release new episodes every week, while others release them less frequently. And some podcasts release all of the episodes at once, while others release them one at a time.

Finally, you’ll need to promote your podcast. You can share it on social media, submit it to directories, and tell your friends and family. If you do the work, an interview podcast can be a great way to connect with people worldwide.

How to decide which format is best for you?

The best way to decide which podcast format is suitable for you is to think about your goals for the podcast. For example, do you want to produce stand-alone episodes, or do you want each episode to build on the last? Do you want to keep your episodes short and focused, or do you want to delve deep into a particular topic?

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding on a podcast format:

What is the overall goal of my podcast?
Who is my target audience?
How often do I want to release new episodes?
How long do I want each podcast to be?
What type of content do I want to include in each show?
Do I want each episode to stand alone, or will they build on each other?
What format do I want my podcast to follow? (interview, discussion, narrative, etc.)
Are there any other factors that need to be considered? (time commitment, budget, etc.)

Once you’ve answered these questions, you should better understand which structure will work best. And if you’re still not sure, there’s no harm in experimenting with different forms until you find one that feels right.

How to produce your podcast?

Once you’ve decided on the right format for your podcast, the next step is to figure out how to produce each episode. This includes choosing a recording method, editing the audio, and adding music and sound effects in post-production.

Recording Methods

There are several different ways to record your podcast episodes. Here are a few of the most popular methods:

Phone Recording: This is the simplest way to record an episode. All you need is a phone and a microphone. You can call your guest and record the conversation, or they can call in, and you can record it over the phone.

Skype Recording: If you want to have a face-to-face conversation with your guest, Skype is a great option. You can record the audio using Skype’s built-in recorder or a separate program like Ecamm Call Recorder.

In-Person Recording: If you’re able to meet in person, this is often the best option. You can set up a recorder and mic in the room and hit record. This will give you the best sound quality, but it’s also the most logistically complicated option.

Editing Audio

Once you’ve recorded your podcast episode, it’s time to edit the audio. This includes removing background noise, cutting out any dead space, and adding intro and outro music.

You should know a few things if you’re new to audio editing. First, you’ll need to download an editing program. Several programs are available, but Audacity is a good option if you’re just starting.

Once your editing program is set up, you’ll need to import your audio file. Then you can start editing. You can use the “noise reduction” tool to remove background noise. You can use the “cut” tool to cut out dead space. And to add music, you can use the “import” tool to bring in an MP3 file.

Once you’ve made all your edits, you can export the file as an MP3. This is the format that most successful podcast players use, so it’s essential to make sure your file is in this format before you upload it to your hosting platform.

Adding Music and Sound Effects

Adding music and sound effects to your podcast can help set the tone and mood for each episode. It can also make your show more engaging and professional-sounding.

There are a few things to keep in mind when adding music and sound effects to your podcast. First, you must make sure you have the right to use the music or sound effect. This means composing it yourself or purchasing the rights from a royalty-free site like Pond5.

Second, you need to ensure the music’s volume and sound effects are balanced with the importance of your voice. You don’t want the music or sound effects to be too loud or quiet.

Finally, you need to make sure the music and sound effects fit the tone of your show. For example, if your podcast is light-hearted, you’ll want to use music and sound effects that match that tone. But if your podcast is more severe, you’ll want to use music and sound effects appropriate for that tone.

Uploading Your Podcast

Once you’ve recorded, edited, and added music and sound effects to your episode, it’s time to upload it to your hosting platform. This is where people will go to listen to your podcast episodes.

Several different hosting platforms are available, but some of the most popular podcast options include Libsyn, Blubrry, and Podbean.

Each hosting platform has its own set of instructions for uploading your episode. But in general, you’ll need to log into your account, go to the “upload” page, and select your audio file.

Once your episode is uploaded, you’ll need to add some basic information about it, including the title, description, and tags. This will help people find your show when searching for new podcasts to listen to.
Also, feel free to check out this article about the differences between blog and podcast, blog vs podcast!

Summary

Creating a podcast can seem daunting, but it’s a pretty simple process with the right tools and knowledge. This article discusses the best way to structure your podcast episode, how to edit audio, and how to add music and sound effects. Thank you for reading; feel free to share this blog with your friends!