Types of podcasts: the best options for 2024!

With 22% of Americans listening to many different types of podcasts daily, podcasts are the way to go! In fact, incorporating a podcast in your marketing campaign is a great way to engage with prospective customers, solidify your brand, showcase new products, and stay relevant. There are, however, heaps of different types of podcasts to choose from. So, how do you choose the best podcast types for your brand without having to trial and error each one? 

At Voice123, we’ve been exploring the audio landscape for years, including the different types of podcasts. So, in this post, we’ll guide you through seven different types of podcasts you can use to market your company, and we’ll discuss how you can use storytelling in various podcast types to enhance their impact. 

Get ready to tune into audio magic with the power of podcasts!

What are the different types of podcasts

The different types of podcasts are:

• Monologues
• Interviews
• Panel discussions
• Video podcasts
• Hybrid podcasts
• Educational podcasts
• Business podcasts

Here’s more on each of these podcast types.

1. Monologue podcast types

A monologue podcast only has one participant, and because the format follows a monologue-style voice presentation, it works wonders when you’re part of a super-niche field. The key advantage of using this podcast type is that it cuts the set-up and editing time of the project while giving the host complete creative liberty. Say Your Mind is one of the highest-ranked monologue podcasts on both IOS and Android. The host, Kelecki Okafor, releases weekly episodes that offer a more modern take on pop culture and current affairs. She also encourages listeners to send emails, comments, and questions, which is a great way to boost interaction and engagement.

2. Interview podcast types

Interview podcast types are the go-to method of podcasting, where the host conducts one-on-one interviews with participants, discussing their personal experiences. This podcast type can attract listeners from various target markets, which broadens your reach. Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso is a podcast that boasts an array of striking interviews from Eddie Redmayne to filmmaker brothers Bill Ross and Turner Ross, politicians, and activists. As an interviewer, Sam draws out the person on the other side of the mic by exploring thoughts and feelings that attract a global following.

3. Panel discussion podcast types

Panel discussion podcast types push the boundaries of interview podcasting. Instead of inviting just one guest, the host invites multiple guests to join in a podcasting session. These podcast types are super entertaining, and there is a limited chance of your audience getting bored because each guest brings their own special narrative and voice to the episode. The Kitchen Cabinet, hosted by Jay Rayner, is a good example of a panel discussion podcast. Here, culinary experts and guests from the food and various other industries come together to talk, discuss, and share tips about food, cooking, and eating.

4. Video podcast types

Video podcasts are the most customized of all podcast types. It’s pretty simple; it’s a podcast with a video, allowing you to combine different styles and create a podcast. This is great if you have a particular idea you wish to execute. You can also use various styles for different episodes based on your needs. VIEWS is an example of a popular video podcast since it draws attention to the influencer world. With 1.68 million subscribers, the podcast is hosted by influencer David Dobrik and American actor Jason Nash.

5. Hybrid podcast types

Traditionally, hybrid podcast types have a fixed host. However, various guest hosts are invited to live the show, making the hybrid podcast extremely flexible. You can have a monologue host, a panel, or even create your own podcast types. Almost any and all styles are acceptable in a hybrid podcast. So, you can create your own patchwork podcast with the best bits and pieces to keep your audience engaged. The Daily is a hybrid podcast that follows news and current affairs. It runs for twenty minutes daily and is hosted by journalists Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise.

6. Educational podcasts

Educational podcasts focus on a particular academic or learning topic, and they cover different aspects in each episode. These podcasts are extremely flexible and cover a wide variety of topics so that listeners can learn anytime, anywhere. From science to history and language learning to philosophy, there’s a podcast for virtually every subject. Hardcore History by Dan Carlin is an engaging podcast that dives deep into historical events from various eras and perspectives, providing listeners with well-researched, insightful narratives. 

7. Business podcasts

Business podcasts focus on topics related to the world of business, ranging from entrepreneurial success stories and marketing strategies to industry-specific insights and networking tips. These podcasts use a hybrid style to keep listeners updated with the latest business trends and insights and feature industry experts and entrepreneurs. How I Built This, hosted by Guy Raz, focuses on innovators, entrepreneurs, and the stories behind the movements they built, offering a deep dive into the world of business creation and development. 

So, now that you know what the different types of podcasts are, let’s see how you can use storytelling to make your podcasts even more engaging.

How to use storytelling in different types of podcasts

You can use storytelling in different types of podcasts to structure your content and create an entertaining delivery that’s impactful and engaging. For interview podcasts, the host can create a narrative around the guest’s responses, drawing connections and creating a compelling story of success and perseverance from start to finish. In true crime podcasts, storytelling can help you build a suspenseful narrative that keeps listeners hooked. Educational podcasts can use storytelling to present facts and information as a captivating tale, making the content more relatable and memorable. Even business podcasts can employ storytelling to share success stories, lessons learned, or case studies in an engaging format.

Another way to add storytelling to podcasts is by incorporating the elements of a fiction podcast. These podcast types use theater professionals and voice actors to tell stories, so they’re usually similar to shows or movies on the radio – just think of the latest Disney Frozen podcast. Podcast types like this allow for experimentation with accents and enunciation through single or multiple voice actors and sound effects. It’s dramatic enough to build tension or cliffhangers, and it’s great for creatives who want to build a whole new world inclusive of plots and characters. And to add even more drama and flair to your podcast, you can head over to Voice123 to hire one of our podcast voice actors to spice up your podcast intros.

Final thoughts on types of podcasts

And there you have it, the different types of podcasts available for your brand. You can choose from monologues, interviews, panel discussions, video podcasts, hybrid, educational, and business podcasts. So, before choosing from these podcast types, think about what you hope to get out of your podcast. Then, factor in your personality, preferences, and overall communication style. Because if you love it, there’s a good chance your audience will. 

And if you need a vocal pro to turn your podcast into the next big hit – choose from our wide selection of voice actors on Voice123. Or you can use our Managed Services feature and have our team manage every aspect of your podcast!

So it’s time to step behind the mic and inspire the world with your latest podcast!

FAQs on types of podcasts