How to Choose the Right Video Podcast Format: Crafting Your Show Strategy

January 21, 2025

In this article:

How to choose the best podcast format for your strategy
The pros and cons of interview-based, co-hosted commentary and solo shows
What video podcast format works best — based on your goals

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The format of your video podcast is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when building your show.

It shapes everything—from how you connect with your audience to the tone and production complexity of your episodes.

By aligning your format with your goals and strengths, you can create a show that resonates deeply with your audience while positioning your brand as a standout in your niche.

Here’s a breakdown of the three main formats to help you find the one that’s right for your video podcast strategy:

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1. Interview-style video podcasts: The best ABM play

What is an interview-style podcast? While this style has long been hailed as the most popular format, it’s not always the most effective.

If you’re a smaller brand with a focus on ABM, the guest-based interview format might be a good fit for you.

This format involves inviting subject-matter experts, industry leaders, or thought leaders to share their insights. However, it greatly limits your ability to build consistent, valuable audiences.

Pros of interview-based podcasts:

Ease of production: Guests drive much of the content, requiring less scripting or preparation on your end.
Networking opportunities: Building relationships with your guests can open doors for collaborations and partnerships.
Fresh perspectives: With a rotating roster of guests, your content stays dynamic and relevant.

Cons of interview podcasts:

Challenging to build your own authority: Guests often take center stage, which may limit your ability to establish yourself as the expert.
Consistency in tone: A constantly changing lineup of guests can make it harder to maintain a consistent style or message.
Audience retention: Big names might pull a big audience for some episodes (not always — we’ve interviewed the biggest names in B2B and those episodes don’t outperform our regular releases). But, the audience is typically coming for the guest meaning they aren’t connecting to your brand or returning for more content.

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Pro Tip: If you choose this format, treat guests as collaborators, weaving your own expertise and POV into the discussion. Your audience should leave every episode knowing what makes your take unique.

2. Co-Hosted commentary: The Sweet Fish favorite

Co-hosted commentary is a dynamic format where you and a co-host discuss topics in-depth, bringing your chemistry and expertise to the table. This is the gold standard for building valuable audiences with personality-led content.

Why It’s Sweet Fish’s Gold Standard:

Magnetic chemistry: Your growing camaraderie with your co-host keeps listeners coming back for your perspectives and banter.
Built-in audience trust: By consistently showing up as the expert in your niche, you build credibility and rapport over time.
Content control: You guide the conversation, ensuring every episode aligns with your mission and audience needs.
You and your brand are the focus: You build a genuine following built on the expertise behind your solution. No more commodity content based on other people’s expertise.

Pros of co-hosted podcasts:

Audience building: Creates a loyal audience that feels invested in both the content and the personalities behind it.
Voice amplification: Amplifies your voice as a thought leader while keeping the energy lively.
Longevity: Easier to sustain long-term with the support of a co-host.

Cons of co-hosted podcasts:

Coordination: Scheduling and maintaining a consistent tone with a co-host require alignment. We suggest batch recording for efficiency.
Dependent on co-host chemistry: The dynamic must feel natural and engaging to resonate with your audience. This can require practice.

If you’re looking to build an engaged audience that trusts you and aligns with your brand, co-hosted commentary is a powerhouse choice.

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3. Solo video podcasts: Owning the spotlight

Solo podcasts put you front and center, making them an ideal format for thought leaders aiming to establish their authority.

You’ll often find these styles of podcasts are more reliant on storytelling or coaching — the most successful solo podcasts belong to those who have already built an audience somewhere else.

Pros of solo podcasts:

Complete control: You dictate the tone, content, and pacing of every episode.
Authority-building: By diving deep into your expertise, you position yourself as a go-to voice in your niche.
Flexibility: You’re not reliant on guests or co-hosts, which streamlines scheduling.

Cons of solo podcasts:

Energy-intensive: Carrying a show solo requires a strong presence and engaging storytelling.
Variety challenges: Keeping the content fresh and dynamic without guests or co-hosts can be tough.
Audience building: Solo shows can be extremely difficult to build an audience for unless you already have a substantial audience built up somewhere else like social media.

Pro Tip: To maintain engagement, use clear structures and compelling storytelling techniques. Incorporate visuals, case studies, or audience Q&A sessions to keep things lively.

Matching the Format to Your Goals

Choosing the best format for your video podcast depends on your objectives and style:

Building relationships? Opt for an interview-style podcast.
Building trust, audience connection, and long-term growth? Go for co-hosted commentary.
Positioning yourself as the ultimate expert? Choose a solo show.

Your podcast’s format is a cornerstone of your strategy, influencing how you engage your audience and showcase your expertise. Whichever you choose, consistency, authenticity, and alignment with your goals are non-negotiables for success.

Pick your format. Play to your strengths. Build an unforgettable video podcast.

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