20 Creative Podcast Ideas to Try Out in 2024 ๐๏ธ
- Design & Creative
Learn how to get started as a podcaster and produce amazing episodes with these 20 creative podcast ideas.
The podcasting universe is expansive, but what truly makes any show resonate is its subject matter. Choosing the right topic for your podcast is not just about catering to your audience but also about distinguishing yourself in a crowded marketplace. A creative and compelling podcast topic can be the magnet that attracts a dedicated listener base, driving growth and amplifying engagement.ย
In this guide, weโll unravel 20 imaginative podcast ideas designed to captivate, inspire, and, most importantly, resonate with listeners. Weโll also help you finally start or grow your podcast, become a full-fledged content creator, and reach a monetizable level.
How to choose a good podcast topic ๐ค
You want to keep your audience engaged, and you might be tempted to rush out, choose the most imaginative topics, and start a podcast. But you must still do a few things, like choose the proper format if you want to have the best podcast. Think of your podcast topic as the meat and the format as the skeleton. You must select the proper structure because:
- It provides structure and consistency, making it easier for your listeners to follow and providing them with an idea of what to expect.ย
- It sets the podcastโs tone, or in other words, what style it is (interviews might be more serious, while conversation with friends are more relaxed and possibly comedic).
- Different formats appeal to different audiences, and if you target specific listeners, you must choose a structure that appeals to them.
Four types of formats are incredibly popular:
- Stories: You tell a story using soundscapes for immersion.
- Interviews: You bring someone onto the show and talk with them about their expertise or experience.
- Monologues: You give your insight or commentary about different topics.
- Freestyle: You invite a co-host and just chat; it can be serious or relaxed. You can do this with a guest, too.
Even if you choose the correct format, it doesn't mean your topic will be a hit. To ensure you consistently choose killer topics, whether that be podcast topics for young adults or funny podcast topics, here are a few tips to follow:
- Consider your target audience: Who do you want to entertain with your podcast, what are their interests, and what do they enjoy doing? These questions will steer your topic ideas toward what your audience will enjoy and choose a niche.
- Think about your interests: Your audience is only half the equation. Remember, your topic will require thorough research and, most importantly, your interest. Listeners will quickly tell if you don't like the things you talk about on a podcast.ย
- Find a way to make it unique: How will your podcast stand out? For example, Joe Rogan speaks to everyone without a filter or as little bias as possible, and it's very conversational yet educational.ย
20 creative podcast ideas ๐ก
Podcasting offers a unique blend of storytelling, information dissemination, and personal connection. With an ever-growing audience hungry for fresh content, finding the right topic can set the tone for a thriving podcasting adventure. Here are 20 creative and popular podcast topic ideas tailored to resonate with diverse listener preferences and spark your content creation journey:
1. Top 10 lists ๐
In every episode, you can rate anything you can think of, from fruits to the most embarrassing moments of celebrities. This allows you to target a broad audience and be super creative.ย
2. Paranormal ๐ป
Know people with ghost stories? Interview them! Do you love finding scientific explanations for the seemingly paranormal? Research the topic, provide your audiences with answers, and debunk mysteries.ย
3. How-to advice commentary ๐ฅ
Giving how-to advice is overrated, so why not give your thoughts and opinions and popular how-to advice? Deconstruct, criticize, and reshape it into something more constructive.ย
4. Hypothetically speaking ๐
Ever wondered what Earth would be like if we never had to sleep or eat or if we lived on Mars? Choose a hypothetical topic, and explore all the possibilities with your audience.
5. Unexplored topics ๐ฃ๏ธ
YouTube reaction videos are viral. People love seeing or hearing the reaction of someone trying something they enjoy. Choose topics you know nothing about, and describe your journey, experience, and thoughts. Those would be great comedy podcasts, for example.
6. Document experiences with a hobby ๐ด
Want to grow as a person and entertain your audience? Start different hobbies, record your experiences and thoughts, and share them with your audience.ย
7. A day in the life โ๏ธ
Put a spin on "behind the scenes," and interview people from different professions, having them describe what a day in the life of a pilot, electrical engineer, or even delivery driver is like.
8. General interviews ๐ฅ
Want to learn as much as you can about everything? Bring on experts from different fields, social media influencers, or even scientists, and quiz them until you run out of questions.ย
9. Book clubs ๐
Everyone enjoys books in one form or another (paperback, e-books, audiobooks, etc). Why not start a book club podcast where you discuss your favorite books or give opinions about ones you've read?
10. Movie or TV reviews ๐บ
Youโll never run out of movies or TV shows to review, and you probably consume a sizable portion of this type of entertainment anyway. Spice it up by checking things you wouldn't usually watch.
11. Psychology sessions ๐ง
Sharing psychology or life coaching sessions live with clients is becoming very popular. But just ensure you get their consent before sharing their histories.
12. Behind the scenes ๐น
Like "a day in the life," behind-the-scenes podcasts will give fans of different entertainment areas a glimpse into the lives of their favorite celebrities or influencers when the cameras aren't rolling.ย
13. Repurpose content โป๏ธ
If you already have a wealth of online content, like articles or blogs, use that content to create discussions for your podcast.ย
14. Event interviews ๐
Take your podcast out of the studio and travel to different events. Interview eventgoers and the stars of the show.
15. Product reviews ๐ฆ
Ever wanted to splurge but felt guilty? Well, why not make it a productive splurge by reviewing different products you've bought?
16. Under 10 minutes โฒ๏ธ
Many people like to listen to/watch podcasts when eating or traveling, so make them short. Put a spin on it, and explain a complex topic in under 10 minutes. Or provide exciting facts related to a specific topic.ย
17. Q&A ๐ฃ๏ธ
Let your viewers help you create your content by asking them to write questions and send them through, and you spend the podcast answering them.
18. Deep dives ๐
Choose a topic to cover and vigorously research it, and report your findings or experience on your podcast. You can deep dive into ancient civilizations, the tourist industry in a country, or true crime.
19. Short stories ๐
Fancy yourself a writer? Then, read some of the short stories you have written on your podcast. You can even repurpose that into an audiobook.
20. Music-related topics ๐ถ
If you're a music fan and aspiring podcaster, delve into the music world, covering topics like the best songs in every genre or interviewing local musicians.ย
FAQs ๐ค
Do podcasts have a time limit? โฐ
There isn't a specific rule that determines how long podcasts should be. It's more about keeping the interest of your audience. A popular podcast is usually less than an hour, but one of the most popular podcasts, JRE (Joe Rogan Experience), lasts up to three hours.
Do I need special equipment for podcasts? ๐ค
No. You donโt need special equipment to set up a home recording studio. You can use your mobile phone, laptop, or computer with recording or podcasting software. Getting a decent pair of headphones and a clear-sounding microphone is recommended.
How can I be unique in a podcast? ๐คฉ
To be unique, infuse your personal experiences and perspectives into your content, and consistently explore niche topics or angles that haven't been oversaturated in the podcasting landscape.
Learn more with Contra ๐
If you have a passion for podcasting and want to turn it into profit, sign up for Contra, a commission-free platform made for Independents to promote their services and match with clients from around the world. And that's not all! With Contra Pro, you'll be able to get more leads, more earning, and more tools to grow your freelance business. Podcasting doesn't require any fancy equipment, and neither does joining Contra Pro!
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