In podcasting, episode types help categorize the content and give listeners an idea of what to expect from a particular episode. The three common episode types are: Full, Trailer, and Bonus.
-
Full:
-
Definition: A Full episode is a standard, complete episode of a podcast. It is the main content that the podcast is built around.
-
Characteristics: Full episodes usually have a consistent format and length that the audience comes to expect. They can range from short 10-minute episodes to hour-long discussions or even longer. They often include the main topic or theme, interviews, discussions, storytelling, or any other content that is the focus of the podcast. Full episodes may be part of a series or standalone pieces.
-
Purpose: To deliver the main content and value of the podcast to the audience. This is what listeners primarily come for and is the core of the podcast.
-
-
Trailer:
-
Definition: A Trailer is a short and enticing snippet or preview of the podcast.
-
Characteristics: Trailers are typically very short, often ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes. They usually include a brief introduction to the podcast, what it's about, and what listeners can expect in terms of content. It might also include clips from upcoming episodes.
-
Purpose: To attract new listeners and give them a taste of what the podcast offers. Trailers are often used for promotion on social media or podcast platforms to draw in subscribers before the podcast officially launches or ahead of new seasons.
-
-
Bonus:
-
Definition: A Bonus episode is additional content that is not part of the regular release schedule or format.
-
Characteristics: Bonus episodes can vary in length and do not necessarily follow the format of Full episodes. They might include behind-the-scenes content, interviews that didn't make it into Full episodes, Q&A sessions, announcements, or any special content that the creators want to share with their audience.
-
Purpose: To provide extra value to the audience, keep them engaged between regular episodes or seasons, and sometimes to delve deeper into topics that may not fit within the format of Full episodes.
-
By specifying the episode type, podcast creators can set the right expectations and help listeners quickly understand the nature of the content they are about to consume.