Podcasting is no longer niche—it’s a powerful tool for storytelling, education, and marketing. This guide explores the main types of podcast formats, helping you choose the right one for your goals. Whether you’re a listener, creator, or marketer, discover how to make podcasts work for your brand or business.
What Is a Podcast?
You probably already know what a podcast is, but just to re visit: it’s basically an audio show that you can listen to online.
But nowadays, podcasts are not just about audio. A podcast can also be two people sitting in front of a camera with mics, talking about anything and everything from politics and science to comedy, crime, and even random life stories. It’s a super raw, chill, and flexible format, easy for creators to make and super convenient for people to listen to, whether you’re traveling, working, or just relaxing.
Since this medium is consumed by all kinds of people in all stages of life, it soon became a strong tool for marketing in 2025.
Different Types of Podcasts
While the podcast community has now branched into all kinds of formats, most people still ask: “What are the 3 main types of podcasts?” Well, even though there are countless styles out there, they usually fall into three main formats. Everything else either fits into these or is a mix of them. But before we get into the detailed genres and styles, let’s clear the basics – like what actually counts as a podcast in the first place.
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Interview Style Podcasts
As the name suggests, this style involves a host and a guest. It is an interview style podcast where you listen in on two people having a conversation usually led by the host via prompts or questions. It’s one of the most popular types of podcast.
Solo Podcast Format
Again, the label makes it pretty clear. In this type, a single host speaks directly to the audience, sharing thoughts, insights, or stories. It requires strong communication skills and subject matter expertise. And also, voice modulation and the skill of keeping the listener hooked till the very end. Such kinds of podcasts are usually used when the speaker has a controversial story, something never heard of before or subject matter expertise.
Group or Co-Hosted Podcasts
This format features multiple hosts engaging in casual or structured conversations, bringing energy and diverse viewpoints. It’s popular with Gen Z, as many shows thrive on fun, informal banter. This style creates an inclusive atmosphere, perfect for light-hearted discussions.
Podcast types vary, each offering unique benefits suited to different audiences and creator goals. Let’s dive into the specifics and help you choose the best podcast format for your needs.
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Educational Podcasts
Educational podcasts focus on teaching or informing, often featuring expert interviews or deep dives into specific topics. They stay on one subject throughout, offering clear solutions or thought-provoking discussions by the end. These can follow any of the three main formats, with solo or interview-based episodes providing more clarity, while group podcasts may focus on debates or multiple perspectives without a clear conclusion.
News & Current Affairs Podcasts
These podcasts give you daily or weekly updates on what’s happening around the world. A lot of them follow a journalism-style format and focus on storytelling that’s backed by facts and research. This format is super popular in solo podcasts, where one person just picks up the mic and talks about the latest updates – whether it’s global news, local happenings, or issues affecting a specific community. These podcasts are also very time-sensitive if the news isn’t shared quickly, it might lose its value or interest.
Sometimes, hosts also do interview-style episodes with reporters, experts, or people directly involved in the story. This helps give listeners deeper insights and a behind-the-scenes view of what’s really going on.
True Crime Podcasts
Did you know? 83% of true crime podcast listeners are women. This genre is one of the most binge-worthy out there, diving deep into real-life crime stories with an investigative twist. These podcasts are usually solo shows told in a documentary style, or they involve conversations with people connected to the crime, like a journalist, lawyer, or even someone close to the case.
It’s definitely an exciting and gripping format. But if you’re thinking of starting one, you need to be extra careful. This type of podcast is sensational by nature, and if you’re not sharing verified facts, you might end up spreading fear or misinformation, and that’s not what podcasting is about.
Comedy Podcasts
A classic group podcast format where friends or people from diverse backgrounds come together for unscripted, laid-back conversations. Focused on fun, entertainment, and humor, this format feels relatable and real. While it offers no hard takeaways, it’s perfect for listeners looking to relax or laugh in the background.
Business & Entrepreneurship podcasts
This is easily one of the most trending podcast formats right now. Brands have finally realised how powerful podcasts can be and they’re using them to share stories, talk about their journey, and connect with people in a way no other marketing campaign can. And honestly, there’s nothing people love more than getting to know what (or who) is behind their favourite brands. Whether it’s business secrets, founder journeys, or behind-the-scenes stories, this format builds trust and connection, not just reach.
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Health & Wellness podcasts
From mental health to fitness routines, these types of podcast guide listeners to lead healthier lives. However, be mindful when giving health advice to a large audience as people might just blindly follow advice they find over the internet.
Fictional Podcasts
These podcasts feel a lot like audiobooks or old-school radio dramas. They usually follow a scripted storyline, either in episodes (like a series) or as standalone tales. While true crime stories sometimes fall into this category, not all storytelling podcasts are about crime – which is why crime has become its own genre. Storytelling podcasts are mostly solo shows, where the host narrates everything in a way that hooks you in.
What makes these creators stand out isn’t always the story itself – it’s how they tell it. Their voice, tone, pauses, and the way they build emotion is what keeps you listening. Even a simple story sounds magical when the delivery is spot on.
How to Choose the Right Podcast Type
Whether you’re launching a podcast or simply exploring the space, choosing the right format from the many types of podcasts depends on your goals:
- For Personal Branding: Solo podcasts help showcase expertise.
- For Networking and Collaboration: Interview podcasts are ideal.
- For Audience Engagement: Conversational formats keep listeners hooked.
Also, consider your topic niche: educational, storytelling, or industry-specific content, to align your podcast with listener interest.
Conclusion
With so many different types of podcasts available today, there’s truly something for everyone. From interviews to storytelling, each format offers a unique listening experience. By understanding the top formats and exploring various categories, you can easily find what suits your taste—and make the most of this powerful and growing audio medium.