Will Podcasts Ever Go Full Bandersnatch? The Future of Interactive Audio

With the return of Black Mirror to our screens, it’s hard not to think back to one of its most talked-about moments: Bandersnatch. Released in 2018, the choose-your-own-adventure-style episode offered a tantalising glimpse of interactive storytelling in action—one where the viewer didn’t just watch but made decisions that shaped the outcome.

It was bold, divisive, and undeniably fascinating. But as podcasting continues to evolve, it raises an intriguing question: could audio storytelling ever follow suit? Could podcasts—traditionally linear and passive—become interactive experiences where the listener directs the narrative?

From One-Way Listening to Immersive WorldsPodcasts have come a long way. What started as a DIY medium dominated by monologues and interviews has matured into a rich, diverse space where investigative journalism, fiction, true crime, business strategy, wellness, and comedy all coexist.

We’ve seen the rise of narrative podcasts like Welcome to Night Vale, immersive fiction like The Left Right Game, and branded storytelling that rivals traditional media in production quality. Listeners have become more engaged and discerning—and audio creators more ambitious.

The natural next step? Interaction.
What Would an Interactive Podcast Actually Look Like?Imagine pressing play on a podcast episode that asks you to make choices at key moments—perhaps choosing which character’s perspective to follow, how a fictional story unfolds, or which route a true crime investigation should take. Your selections shape the rest of the episode, or even what you hear next.

There are already hints of this format emerging:

• Alexa Skills and Google Assistant games have experimented with voice-driven branching narratives.
• A few audio fiction apps—like Audible Originals, Choose Your Own Adventure podcasts, and interactive audio dramas on platforms like Realm.fm—have dabbled in limited choice-based stories.
• Spotify has trialled interactive elements for music videos and quizzes, hinting at what’s technically possible with podcast episodes in the future.

It’s not hard to picture a world where “choose-your-path” podcasts are just another genre in the mix.
So Why Hasn’t It Happened Yet?There are a few key reasons why interactive podcasting hasn’t taken off—yet.

Tech Limitations
The very structure of podcast distribution—via RSS feeds—isn’t built for interactivity. Most players simply stream or download a single audio file, with no way to allow for real-time choices or multiple versions of an episode. To make this possible, episodes would need to be hosted on proprietary platforms or supported by apps with built-in branching capabilities.

Passive Listening Habits
Unlike visual media, most podcast consumption happens while multitasking: commuting, exercising, cleaning. These are not environments where stopping to make a choice or engage with a touchscreen is convenient—or even safe. The beauty of podcasts lies in their passive ease, and interactivity could risk disrupting that appeal.

Creative Challenges
Creating one compelling story is hard enough. Building multiple branches that all feel equally rewarding takes enormous effort and often requires scripting multiple complete storylines—each with high production value. This complexity might not be viable for independent creators without serious funding.
But What About the Possibilities?Despite the barriers, the possibilities are exciting—especially when we consider how smart technology and audio habits are changing.

Voice assistants are now in millions of homes, and their capabilities are expanding. As users become more comfortable giving voice commands, audio-based interactivity could become more natural.

Interactive storytelling apps are gaining traction, particularly in younger demographics. Think of it as the audio version of Netflix's Bandersnatch or a branching path audiobook—accessible through your phone or smart speaker.

Corporate training and education could benefit immensely. Interactive podcasts could be used for employee onboarding, compliance training, or role-play scenarios—allowing people to “choose” how situations unfold and learn from their decisions.Imagine a podcast where a sales trainee chooses how to respond to a customer objection, or a leadership coach guides you through branching emotional intelligence scenarios.

Would Audiences Want This?

That’s the million-pound question. Interactive storytelling isn’t for everyone. Some listeners want to relax and let the story unfold. Others, however, may crave deeper engagement, agency, and a reason to replay an episode with different choices.

What’s clear is that audiences are open to experimentation—especially when it’s executed well and adds genuine value. Just as Bandersnatch fascinated viewers not just because of its novelty but because of its commentary on free will and consequence, the same could be true for audio.

So, Will Podcasts Go Full Bandersnatch?Not tomorrow—but maybe someday.

While interactive podcasts won’t replace traditional formats, they could find a niche among fiction lovers, educators, and branded content creators looking to engage audiences in new ways. As platforms evolve and technology catches up, what now feels like a gimmick may become just another tool in the audio creator’s toolkit.
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Until then, the future of podcasts remains open-ended—waiting for someone to choose the next path.