How to Name Your Podcast

The name of your podcast is an important part of your brand because:

• it makes a strong first impression on new listeners,
• makes your podcast easier to find in directories,
• boosts your SEO in relevant Google searches,
• sets the tone for your brand, and
• helps you reach your target audience.

Let's talk about how to create the best podcast name for your own podcast!

3 types of podcast names

Podcast titles generally fall into three categories: creative and abstract, descriptive, and titles that use the host's name.

Creative and abstract podcast titles

Creative podcast names can create intrigue and make your content stand out from the crowd while not fully explaining what the podcast is about.

They're a great option for podcasters who aren't relying on search to bring in new podcast listeners.

Examples:

• Twenty Thousand Hertz
• 99% Invisible
• All Consuming

Descriptive podcast titles

The specificity of descriptive titles conveys the podcast's topic and draws in new listeners.

They're great for independent podcasters building their audience because they quickly convey their subject

Examples:

• Stuff You Should Know Podcast
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich
• Financial Feminist

Named after the host

You can use your name in your podcast title if you're a well-known creator with an established following.

Avoid using your name unless you already have an existing audience.

Examples:

• The Ramsey Show
• Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend
• The Tim Ferris Show

Choosing a podcast name category is an excellent place to start. Use these 10 tips to help you narrow down your options.

10 tips for creating the perfect podcast name

The right podcast name can clearly tell listeners what your show is about and why they should listen. We created a checklist you can use with these tips to create the perfect name for your podcast!

1. Convey your message and tone

Make sure your podcast title indicates the topic of your podcast content.

Start by answering these questions:

• What is your message, topic, tone, and theme?
• What's your niche?
• What's your vision for your podcast?

2. Survey the competition

Search podcasts within your genre to get ideas for your podcast name. How can your podcast's title stand out from others in its category?

Be original! Just seeing other catchy podcast names can get your gears turning.

3. Keep it specific and succinct

Many great podcast names are short, catchy, and less than four words (or 15-20 characters). This helps to keep your name searchable and makes it easy to add to your cover art.

Apple Podcasts does not have a field for a podcast subtitle or tagline, but you can think of your description as a place to include more details and relevant keywords.

Examples: 9 to 5ish, Backpacker Radio, Storycorps

4. Use keywords to boost searchability

Using keywords in your title can help potential listeners find your content in directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) and boost search engine rankings.

Try a free keyword tool and try to include one or two in your title.

Avoid keyword stuffing or plays on words, as it can detract from your podcast's name.

Tip: Apple Podcasts might reject a subtitle with too many keywords. If you aren't sure whether your subtitle violates this rule, review these guidelines.

5. Check for podcasts with the same name

Do a deep dive to make sure no one has your show name.

In your search, make sure to check:

• domain availability (you can secure the domain name if it's available)
• social media handles (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
• Google, and
• podcast directories.

6. Use a podcast name generator

Podcast name generators can help you brainstorm creative podcast name ideas. We designed a free podcast name generator specifically for podcasting that you can use to find the right name for your show!

If you're still searching, there are several other options to choose from:

• Shopify's Name Generator
• Namelix
• BizNameWiz
• Mighty Network's Niche Generator
• Portent Podcast Name Generator
• SquadHelp

7. Make it easy to say and spell

Keeping your podcast title easy to spell and pronounce makes it more likely people will find you in relevant searches.

Examples: Making Space, Checking In, Human Hope

8. Make it memorable

A good title is catchy and easy to remember; the easier it is to remember, the more likely listeners will recommend it to someone else.

You can run a poll on social media or poll your friends in a group text to test out different options.

9. Keep it similar to your business name or brand name

Using the same name as your business or brand makes it easier for people to look you up in directories and apps.

Not all brands follow this rule, but it's a good idea if you want to make sure people find your content.

10. Leave room to grow!

Podcasts change over time, and a good podcast name allows for that.

Choose a dynamic show title that is descriptive and has a degree of flexibility.

Things to avoid in your podcast name

1. Expletives and offensive language

Apple Podcasts automatically rejects titles with (certain) offensive language. Even puns can be taken the wrong way, so be sure your podcast name is appropriate for a broad audience.

Review Apple Podcasts' content guidelines for a complete list of things to avoid.

2. Using the word "podcast"

Most listeners will know that your show is a podcast from its context: maybe they found it in a podcast app, or saw it recommended as a great new podcast.

Adding the word “podcast” to your title takes up valuable space that could be used to communicate what the show is about.

Avoid using the word “podcast” in your title unless your show falls into one of these exceptions:

When you already use the same name in another medium

When Lego decided to make a movie, they named it “The Lego Movie.” That’s because most people associated Lego with their toys, so adding "movie" removed any ambiguity.

If your podcast is an extension of your brand and uses the same name, adding “podcast” to the end helps people know what to expect.

This is exactly what the ThinkMedia team did when they created the ThinkMedia Podcast as an extension of their popular YouTube channel.

When podcasting is the subject of your podcast

If your podcast show is about podcasting, feel free to include the word “podcast” in your title. This will help clarify what your podcast is about.

We did this when we started the podcast How to Start a Podcast.

3. Special characters, misspellings, abbreviations, and punctuation

Intentional misspellings or odd abbreviations make it hard for new listeners to find you.

Tip: Check out our How to Start a Podcast step-by-step guide for more help launching a successful podcast!

4. Adding your name to the end of your title

Apple Podcasts now rejects titles with the creator's name at the end (ex: The Smart Dog Podcast with Jane Doe).

If you want to include your name in your podcast, use the format: "The Joe Rogan Show" or The Tim Ferris Podcast."