Starting a podcast can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. But before you hit the record button, it’s essential to choose the right format, episode length, and publishing schedule. In this blog post, we will explore each of these elements to help you create a podcast that suits your style and resonates with your audience.
Selecting the Ideal Podcast Format:
A successful podcast format should align with your content and feel sustainable in the long run. To find the perfect format, reflect on what energizes you. Do you enjoy engaging with guests on your podcast, or do you prefer a solo approach?
When considering co-hosts, aim for a small team to avoid scheduling conflicts. Podcasts with more than two or three people can become challenging to manage.
Remember that different formats require varying degrees of production effort. For example, scripted fiction podcasts typically demand more editing than interview-based podcasts. Some popular podcast formats include:
- Interview podcasts
- Cohosted podcasts
- Scripted non-fiction
- News recap
- Educational podcasts
- Scripted fiction
Determining the Optimal Episode Length:
The length of your podcast episodes should be tailored to the content you’re presenting. Some podcasts have episodes shorter than five minutes, while others resemble the length of a short audiobook. The most common episode durations are:
- Less than 10 minutes (14%)
- 10–20 minutes (15%)
- 20–40 minutes (31%)
- 40–60 minutes (22%)
- Over 60 minutes (7%)
Establishing a Podcast Publishing Schedule:
Podcasting can range from a full-time commitment to a side project. Your publishing frequency could be daily or as sporadic as every two years, like the Serial podcast. We recommend releasing episodes weekly to build a strong connection with your audience and maintain consistency. Here are the most prevalent podcast publishing frequencies:
- 0–2 days (7%)
- 3–7 days (36%)
- 8–14 days (39%)
- 15–29 days (17%)
- Over 30 days (1%)
Conclusion:
By carefully selecting your podcast format, episode length, and publishing schedule, you can create a show that captivates listeners and keeps them coming back for more. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats and schedules until you find the perfect combination for your podcasting journey.
