Definition
A podcast format where episodes follow a continuous narrative or storyline that builds across the season.
Serial podcasts tell stories across multiple episodes in sequence, encouraging listeners to follow from beginning to end. This format was popularized by the show "Serial" in 2014, which became a cultural phenomenon. Serial formats work well for true crime, investigative journalism, fiction, and documentary storytelling. Unlike episodic formats where each episode stands alone, serial podcasts create strong listener retention and binge-listening behavior.
Explore more podcast production terminology.
Written descriptions and links that accompany a podcast episode, summarizing content and providing resources.
Timestamped segments within a podcast episode that allow listeners to navigate to specific sections.
A short promotional episode that previews a podcast's content and format to attract new listeners.
A podcast episode recorded in front of a live audience, either in person or via live streaming.
Extracting short audio or video segments from podcast episodes for sharing on social media.
Broadcasting a podcast simultaneously across multiple platforms, such as audio and video.
Serial podcasts tell stories across multiple episodes in sequence, encouraging listeners to follow from beginning to end. This format was popularized by the show "Serial" in 2014, which became a cultural phenomenon. Serial formats work well for true crime, investigative journalism, fiction, and documentary storytelling. Unlike episodic formats where each episode stands alone, serial podcasts create strong listener retention and binge-listening behavior.
Understanding serial podcast is essential for anyone involved in podcasting. A podcast format where episodes follow a continuous narrative or storyline that builds across the season. Knowing this concept helps creators make better decisions about their show's production, distribution, and growth strategy.
Serial Podcast is closely related to Podcast Trailer, Podcast Network. Together, these concepts form a key part of the production side of podcasting.