Determining the Optimal Number of People for a Podcast
When it comes to starting a successful podcast, one of the crucial decisions you need to make is the number of participants in your show. Whether you're a solo podcaster or planning to have multiple hosts, the choice depends on the type of podcast and your goals. This article explores the different podcast formats, the pros and cons of having multiple hosts, and the general guidelines to follow for effective podcasting.
Understanding Different Podcast Formats
The choice in the number of hosts largely depends on the type of podcast you plan to create. Here are some common podcast styles with varying numbers of participants:
Monologue: Solo Podcast
Solo Podcast: This format is perfect for those preferring a monologue style. A solo podcast allows for flexibility as you can record from anywhere with minimal setup. The solo host can go off on tangents, explore topics deeply, and even include introspective or personal content. Due to the simplicity, it's an excellent choice for beginners and those with little studio equipment.
Interview Style
Interview Podcast: This format involves a host interviewing one or more guests on a specific topic. Having one interviewee is straightforward and allows for a more controlled conversation, whereas having multiple guests can bring a diverse perspective but may require better moderation.
Panel Discussion Style
Panel Podcast: This format involves a group of experts discussing a particular topic. With multiple hosts, you can cover more ground, offer different viewpoints, and keep the conversation dynamic. However, this format can be challenging to manage for a solo host.
Storytelling Podcast
Storytelling Podcast: This style focuses on narratives, often with one host delivering the story. However, you can also have multiple hosts share different parts of the story, creating a more engaging and multi-dimensional experience.
Repurposed Content: Blog/Videos to Audio
Repurposed Content: Converting content from your blog or video into audio can be a great way to reach a new audience. This can be done solo or with a co-host, depending on how much interaction and engagement you want to include.
Hybrid Podcast
Hybrid Podcast: Combining elements from different formats, such as a mix of interviews and discussion, can create a unique and engaging show. The number of hosts depends on the complexity and cohesion required for each segment.
Recommendations for Multi-Host Podcasts
For podcasters considering having multiple hosts, it's essential to have a good setup and skilled participants. The magic number is often three co-hosts, just like in traditional radio. Here's why having too many hosts can become problematic:
The Three-Co-Host Rule
Three-Co-Hosted Podcast: According to a common rule of thumb, having three co-hosts is manageable. This is based on studies showing that more than three choices can be overwhelming. For example, house hunting shows often display three choices to keep things simple. Similarly, air traffic controllers provide no more than three instructions at a time to prevent cognitive overload.
The human brain struggles with distinguishing between four or more voices. It becomes challenging for listeners to hear the nuances in each host's voice, understand the qualifications of the speakers, and follow the conversation effectively. For a smooth listening experience, it's recommended to stick to a maximum of three hosts.
Conclusion
The structure of your podcast largely depends on the format you choose. Solo podcasts are ideal for simplicity and flexibility, while panel discussions can bring diverse perspectives. For multi-host podcasts, the three-co-host max is a good guideline to follow. However, if you have more than three hosts, consider ways to streamline the conversation and keep it engaging. Whether you're solo or have a panel, good production quality and engaging hosts will set your podcast apart.