Podcast Formats: Solo, Interview, Panel & More
Choosing the right podcast format shapes everything from your production workflow to how listeners engage with your content. Whether you are launching your first show or rethinking an existing one, understanding the strengths and tradeoffs of each format helps you pick the structure that fits your goals.
This guide breaks down the most popular podcast formats, explains when each works best, and shows you how to get started with any of them.
Solo (monologue) format
A solo podcast features one host speaking directly to the audience. Think of it as a focused conversation between you and your listeners. This format works well for thought leadership, educational content, and personal storytelling.
Pros:
- Full creative control over pacing and topics
- No scheduling conflicts with guests or co-hosts
- Faster production turnaround
- Builds a strong personal brand
Cons:
- Carrying an entire episode alone demands strong delivery skills
- No built-in conversational energy
- Listener fatigue can set in without variety
Solo episodes typically run 10 to 25 minutes. Shorter runtimes keep energy high and reduce the pressure on a single voice. If you want to try solo podcasting without recording your own voice, Jellypod's AI podcast generator can produce natural-sounding solo episodes from a script or topic outline.
Interview format
The interview format pairs a host with a guest for each episode. It is the most common podcast structure because it delivers fresh perspectives and built-in variety.
Pros:
- Each guest brings new expertise and a new audience
- Natural conversational flow requires less scripting
- Easier to fill a content calendar when guests supply the subject matter
Cons:
- Guest scheduling and cancellations create production bottlenecks
- Audio quality depends on the guest's setup, which you cannot control
- Bad interviews happen, and you may not be able to salvage them
Interview episodes typically run 30 to 60 minutes. Prepare 10 to 15 questions but let the conversation flow naturally. The best interviews feel like genuine discussions, not interrogations.
Co-hosted (multi-host) format
Two or more regular hosts discuss topics together. This format creates natural energy and multiple perspectives without requiring external guests.
Pros:
- Built-in conversational dynamic keeps energy high
- Hosts can play off each other, creating entertaining banter
- Workload splits between multiple people
Cons:
- Requires coordinating schedules for every recording session
- Creative differences can cause friction
- If one host leaves, the show may struggle to continue
AI voice technology now makes multi-host shows possible without finding actual co-hosts. You can create shows with distinct AI voices that banter and discuss topics naturally.
Panel and roundtable format
Three or more participants discuss a topic, often with a moderator. This format works well for news analysis, industry discussions, and expert panels.
Pros:
- Multiple viewpoints create rich, nuanced discussions
- Natural debate and disagreement keep content engaging
Cons:
- Coordinating multiple schedules is difficult
- Requires skilled moderation to prevent chaos
- Audio mixing with many voices is technically demanding
Narrative and storytelling format
Episodes tell stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Think true crime, documentary-style shows, or serialized fiction.
Pros:
- Highly engaging format that keeps listeners hooked
- Strong word-of-mouth potential
Cons:
- Production-intensive with heavy scripting and editing
- Requires strong writing and storytelling skills
How Jellypod helps
The AI podcast generator supports multiple formats including solo, multi-host, and conversation-style shows. Built-in hosting handles distribution automatically. Use voice cloning to create episodes in your own voice, or choose from the AI voice library for multi-host dynamics.
Final thoughts
Your format choice shapes everything about your show. Solo works for thought leadership and focused expertise. Interviews bring fresh voices and built-in promotion. Multi-host creates energy without guests. Panels suit industry analysis. Narrative demands the most production but builds the deepest listener connection. Pick the format that matches your strengths, your available time, and the experience you want to create for your audience.
