How can you use serial and anthology storytelling formats to make your podcast more engaging?

1 Serial format

A serial format is when you tell one continuous story over multiple episodes, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger or a twist. This format works well for podcasts that have a strong plot, suspense, mystery, or drama. For example, Serial, The Black Tapes, and Limetown are podcasts that use the serial format to create immersive and addictive narratives. To use the serial format effectively, you need to plan your story arc, characters, and subplots in advance, and make sure each episode has a clear beginning, middle, and end. You also need to balance the tension and the resolution, and avoid filler episodes or loose ends.

2 Anthology format

An anthology format is when you tell a different story in each episode, with a common theme, genre, or style. This format works well for podcasts that have a variety of topics, perspectives, or formats. For example, This American Life, The Moth, and Lore are podcasts that use the anthology format to showcase diverse and compelling stories. To use the anthology format effectively, you need to curate your stories carefully, and make sure they fit your theme, tone, and audience. You also need to craft each story with a strong hook, structure, and message, and use transitions and introductions to connect them.

3 Pros and cons

Both serial and anthology formats have their pros and cons, depending on your podcast goals, resources, and preferences. Some of the pros of the serial format are: it creates a loyal fan base, it builds anticipation and excitement, and it allows for deeper and more complex storytelling. Some of the cons of the serial format are: it requires more planning and editing, it can be hard to maintain consistency and quality, and it can lose listeners who miss or skip episodes. Some of the pros of the anthology format are: it offers more flexibility and creativity, it attracts more casual and curious listeners, and it showcases more diversity and variety. Some of the cons of the anthology format are: it can be hard to find or create good stories, it can lack coherence and continuity, and it can have less emotional impact and connection.

4 Tips and tricks

Whether you choose the serial or the anthology format for your podcast, there are some tips and tricks to make your storytelling more engaging. Incorporate sound effects, music, and voice acting to create a particular mood and atmosphere. Consider using cliffhangers, twists, and surprises to keep your listeners on the edge of their seats. Appeal to your listeners' emotions and relatability to make them care about your stories and characters. Use interviews, testimonials, and facts to add credibility and authenticity to your stories. Finally, use feedback, reviews, and social media to interact with your listeners and get their opinions and suggestions.

5 Examples and inspiration

If you need some examples and inspiration for your podcast storytelling, there are several podcasts that use the serial and anthology formats in different ways. Serial is a true crime podcast with investigative journalism and narrative techniques. The Black Tapes is a fictional horror podcast that follows a journalist and paranormal investigator as they uncover mysterious cases. Limetown is a fictional sci-fi podcast that follows a reporter investigating the disappearance of hundreds of people from a research facility. This American Life is an anthology podcast that tells stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations, with a mix of journalism, comedy, and drama. The Moth is a podcast with live storytelling events, where people share true stories from their lives with a theme and time limit. Lore is a podcast exploring the dark history behind myths, legends, and folklore, with narration, music, and sound effects.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?