Choosing a name for your podcast feels a bit like naming a baby; you want it to be unique, memorable, and to grow with you over time. But unlike your future child, your podcast name also needs to be searchable, brandable, and instantly give listeners a clue about what they’re signing up for.
Here are some things to keep in mind when brainstorming:
1. Skip “Podcast” in the Title
While it might feel natural to add the word podcast to your show’s name, it’s usually best to avoid it. Why?
- Listeners already know they’re listening to a podcast - it doesn’t need to be restated.
- It makes your show harder to find, since there are thousands of other podcasts with the word podcast in the title. Your show can easily get buried in search results.
- A cleaner name without it often feels more timeless and professional.
2. Think Like a Netflix Producer
If your podcast were a TV series, book, or film, what would its title be? Chances are you’d never name a drama The Trauma Podcast or a thriller Murder Cast. Treat your podcast name with the same level of creativity and respect as any other piece of art.
3. Make It Findable
Even the most brilliant name won’t help you if no one can find your podcast. Before you lock it in:
- Google it.
- Check podcast apps.
- Look for social handles.
You want a name that isn’t competing with 50 other search results. A little originality goes a long way.
4. Consider Whether Your Name Belongs in the Title
For many new podcasters, it’s tempting to use your own name as the main title. But unless you already have an established profile or following, it may not give potential listeners enough reason to click. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mention yourself, your name can absolutely feature in your cover art, description, or even as part of the show’s branding. Just think about whether the title itself communicates clearly what your podcast is about.
5. Short, Snappy, and Sticky
The best podcast titles are easy to say, easy to spell, and easy to remember. A clever play on words can work, but don’t overcomplicate it. If someone has to ask how to spell your title before they can type it into Spotify, you’ve already lost them.
6. Use Emotion, Not Just Information
A great name doesn’t just describe - it makes you feel something. Curiosity, excitement, belonging. For example,
Diary of a CEO could have been called Business Tips with Steven Bartlett, but instead it leans into intimacy and storytelling.
Call Her Daddy sparks intrigue and a little controversy before you even know what the show is about.
The Happiness Lab taps into an emotion we all connect with, while signalling that you’ll learn something valuable. The best names don’t just explain - they invite listeners into a feeling.
7. Test It Out
Say it out loud. Introduce it like you’re recording an episode: “Welcome back to [Your Title Here]…” Does it flow? Does it sound like something you’d want to subscribe to? Try it on friends, or even better, on people who don’t already know what your show is about.
Bottom line:
Your podcast title is your first pitch to a potential listener. Make it unique, make it searchable, and make it something you’ll still be proud of saying a hundred episodes from now.
