Are you having trouble naming your podcast? Are you short on inspiration? Let us help!
Podcast names often reveal a great deal about who you are and what the show is about.
Thus, your show's name should be descriptive and creative, giving potential listeners a hint about the content they will encounter as they listen to the latest episodes. In addition to identifying your podcast's title, it should include a few technical features.
Learn how to choose a perfect podcast name that is both relevant and appealing.
Podcast Name Statistics
We wanted to know what the names of the most successful podcasts out there had in common, so we analyzed the top 100 podcasts (according to Spotify and Podcast Insights):
Average length of a podcast name: 3.9 words or 22.4 characters
Shortest length of a podcast name: 1 word or 6 characters
Longest length of a podcast name: 10 words or 56 characters
Podcasts with name of the host in the show: 37% (e.g. Joe Rogan or Jon Stewart)
Most common words in show names: Murder and history (both appearing in 4 out of 100)
How to name your podcast
1) Try to make it concise and punchy
Sometimes it is best to keep things straightforward. Give your show an exact name, so your listeners will immediately know what it's all about.
One thing to ask yourself when choosing the name for your podcast is whether it hints to your audience about your show's content, tone, and personality.
But make sure you keep it clear and concise. Don't make it tricky for your listeners by being too fancy or confusing. Stay relevant to the topic and avoid names that confuse your target audience and require further explanation.
2) Don't be afraid to play with words
Podcast names sometimes contain popular phrases, rhymes, or plays on words. Using puns and creative wording can help you make a strong impression on your listeners and quickly catch their attention. Remember that your potential listener is scrolling through hundreds of shows on their streaming platform, so you must try your best to make your show stand out.
However, be careful not to overdo it. Obscure podcast titles might not sound natural to your potential listeners. If it sounds too complicated, it can even make them leave your show immediately, especially if your topic or niche has nothing to do with your podcast title.
Telling a friend the title you came up with and asking him what it stands for is an easy way to test it out. If they cannot guess your podcast's topic, consider something more descriptive.
3) Ensure that your brand name is prominently displayed
A podcast name that is already familiar to your audience is often the best and the easiest choice. Your listeners will automatically connect your podcast with the existing brand. And guess what? If they love your brand, they'll be optimistic about your podcast from the beginning.
In similar terms, Tim Ferris Shows and The Joe Rogan Experience pull in attention based on the popularity of the founders. The show names don't reveal much about the podcast, but if you've known the hosts before and loved their work, you'll also enjoy their podcasts.
You must be creative here if you intend to include your name. Before, you could add your name to the show's title, calling it, let's say, "Top Tier Marketing with John Doe." But Apple doesn't allow names like that anymore. Your name has to be central to your title, as it is with Tim Ferris and Joe Rogan.
4) Establish a tone of voice
The best way to ensure that your podcast stands out is to choose a name that reflects your personality. Don't be afraid to use evocative words, punctuation, and even misspelled words, to get your message across.
Wardrobe Crisis, for example, is mostly about fashion, but it also explores a variety of topics, including culture, sustainability, ethics, activism, and the environment. In this sense, "crisis" creates a more intense tone, separating it from other shows about fashion that are upbeat and lively.
5) Identify the search usability
Podcasts are a form of digital media, and just like any other online content, their searchability is crucial for their success. If you want your podcast to appear higher in the search results and attract more potential listeners, you need to SEO-optimize even your podcast name.
Podcast directories often examine the podcast's title and genre to determine if it is relevant to the user's search. Consider including the keywords potential listeners will use when searching for information about your show to optimize your chances of showing up in the search results.
5) Make use of word-of-mouth referrals.
Word-of-mouth recommendations are also crucial for organic audience growth. Think about how your listeners will spread the word about your podcast. Will it be hard for them to spell your podcast? Are there any unusual acronyms or word substitutions in the title?
Think about clarity when naming your podcast, and try to reduce the gaps between someone hearing about your podcast and writing it down later.
In other words, be sure you don't miss out on new listeners simply because they don't know how to spell your show's title.
6) Read your podcast's name out loud a lot?
Do you recall a time you repeated a phrase so many times that every word sounded like nonsense at the end? Your podcast title is eventually going to fall into the same category. Just imagine the number of times you'll mention your podcast title in your intros, calls to action, or new episode releases.
So when thinking about your podcast name options, say each option aloud as often as possible. Keep repeating them, and discard the versions you don't deliver quickly.
Do not choose phrases that are difficult to say on the spot, don't flow smoothly, or become confusing for others to repeat.
7) Ask your network for feedback
Now that you've compiled a shortlist, it's time to ask for feedback from your network. Check with friends, family, and coworkers to learn about their reactions. Their honest opinions will help you notice and learn more about your title's flaws or strengths.
Naming your podcast is a creative endeavor that requires thoughtful consideration. By implementing these tips and tricks, you can create a relevant and engaging podcast name that resonates with your target audience, entices new listeners, and sets the stage for a captivating audio experience. Remember, your podcast name is the first impression you make on potential listeners, so make it count!
