So you want to start a comedy podcast? The very first thing that every new comedy podcaster should know is the format of comedy podcasts. So the question might be roaming your mind about what is the format of a comedy podcast and how do you make sure that format fits your podcast. The format is necessary as the importance of using the same format in all your comedy podcasts matters in the long run.
So here is my attempt to deliver a complete guide on what you need to keep in mind when hosting your own comedy podcast.
What Is A Comedy Podcast
A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. And a comedy podcast is a podcast that makes people laugh.
We all appreciate the tinge of happiness in our lives and it is the sense of humor that keeps us motivated. In today’s time comedy podcasts have become our soul mate. If you search for the most-watched genre on Youtube you are going to see ‘Comedy videos’ ranked very high. It is simple, people like to laugh. The story of comedy podcasts is a bit funny in itself. For many podcasts was seen as something to do if your career had come to a halt or you were out of the direction.
This made way for films to come up and gave TV actors some hope of a better future. Today podcasting has been recognized in society well. There is an endless number of comedy podcasts today on the internet.
Before you begin thinking about where you going to host your podcast or how you’re going to attract people to listen to you, you need to brainstorm on what kind of podcast you are going to create. The one question that should strike your mind at the moment is What format will I like to go ahead with?
No doubt that interview podcasts have been the most attractive and successful but it may just not be your cup of tea. You may just find conversational podcasts more of your interest. However, they are not the only types so look them all over and decide what you think works best for you.
The major podcast formats are discussed below:
1. Introduction
2.The Funniest Part (Main Thing)
3.Conclusion
Why Choose A Podcast Format
All you need to do to increase your audience is ‘CONSISTENCY’. Consistency in the content you publish, consistency in the topics you talk about, consistency in your show format.
Speaking from an audience point of view, we like to know what to expect out of a certain audio series. If you publish content of different formats every week then it becomes difficult for the audience to follow up on your series. It becomes difficult for them to talk about your series to new listeners. Above all, you would find it difficult to consistently produce content.
Six Most Popular Comedy Podcast Formats
It is relatively easy to decide on what format you would like to work on. You just need to dig deep into each format and then decide what you want to go ahead with. Below I will individually take up each format discussing their advantages and disadvantages.
#1 Interview People With Comedy
One of the most popular podcasting formats. In this format, there is a consistent host and a new guest in each new episode. This gives the audience a chance to get introduced to new personalities who are experts in their respective niche.
You can do funny talks with the person you are interviewing and entertain the public. This format is one of my favorites.
Advantages
1. You won’t run short of questions as each guest has a different point of view and have something different to say.
2. Less editing needs to be done as the conversation moves ahead.
Disadvantages
1. You’ll have a tough time inviting a new guest every time.
2. You need to have something unique which you can present in front of the audience since there are a number of shows of a similar format.
#2 Conversational podcasts
Listening to this kind of podcast is more like listening to a conversation between two people. This format generally has multiple hosts and talks about any particular topic like Technology.
Some famous conversational podcasts are ‘Modern Vinyl’ and ‘Hello Internet’.
ADVANTAGES:
1. Less time in planning the show. You just need to decide on the topic you are going to talk on.
2. These types of shows are easy to listen to, easy to record, and are of shorter duration.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. To keep your audience engaged you need to be creative and the topic should be such that it keeps the audience occupied.
2. Recording and editing need to be done separately.
#3 Educational podcasts
These podcasts are more organized as compared to the conversational podcasts. Since learning by listening is a great deal so people have been attracted to this format to a great extent.
You can make a podcast talking about things like School and add some jokes related to it. A famous educational podcast is ‘The Femtrepreneur Show’.
ADVANTAGES:
1. Informative session keeps the audience engaged
2. Easy to compile all the content in form of PDFs
DISADVANTAGES:
1. Some topics may be hard for the audience to comprehend so you need to have better execution.
#4 Solo podcasts
This format features a long speech on the topic that is important to the creator. It is based on the creators own experience. Talk about how it feels when we are solo and add some jokes inside it. Some popular solo podcasts are ‘Potrait of a freelancer’ and ‘Hardcore History’.
ADVANTAGES:
1. You are able to build a deep relationship with your audience.
2. No need for any specific planning.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. You have to manage everything on your own with no external support.
#5 Non-fiction podcasts(true storytelling):
Shows that bring forward the real life stories from the world around us. These may be some crime investigating cases or wars. Be creative and make these stories funny. Some popular non-fiction podcasts are ‘The Daily’ and ‘Serial’.
ADVANTAGES:
1. These shows are very addictive and the audience bound.
2. The creator can showcase their creativity.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. Good level of research is needed to obtain good results.
2. Higher production value
#6 Fiction podcasts
These are very similar to TV shows. You are likely to like these if you have an interest in fiction stories. Make your podcast fiction as well as funny. Some famous fiction podcasts are ‘Homecoming’ and ‘The Message’.
ADVANTAGES:
1. Less people have entered in this format so you have a chance to make a mark.
2. These can be very addictive.
DISADVANTAGES:
1. A lot of hard work is required.
2. Being a less known format of podcasts this may make your journey difficult as you may not get much attention.
No matter which style or format you choose the main thing is to stick to the format. It is fine to try out a few different styles or even mesh some together but listers expect a routine podcast and the podcasts that deliver consistent content every episodes continue to thrive.