Choosing the perfect name for your podcast can significantly impact its success. A strong name grabs attention, builds your brand and improves search visibility, helping you enhance your brand and attract the right audience from the start.
To help you in the crucial task of finding your perfect podcast name, here are some in-depth strategies and insights. Luckily, our team is practically a human podcast name generator. And we’re here to share our top tips and tricks to help you land on a name that resonates, stands out, and sets your podcast up for success.
Table of contents
- Balancing creativity with search visibility
- Categories of podcast names
- Consider your audience
- SEO considerations and keyword use
- Avoiding common pitfalls
- Using subtitles
- Trademark and copyright considerations
- Feedback and testing
- Future-proofing your name
- Visual considerations for branding
Understanding the importance of a good name
A great name sets the tone for your content. In a marketplace crowded with millions of podcasts, the right name can make all the difference. It sets the tone, piques curiosity and gives potential listeners a reason to click play. A strong name is your opportunity to stand out, to grab attention in a fraction of a second, and to immediately communicate what your show is all about.
A well-chosen name goes beyond being “catchy”, too. It builds your brand and connects with your ideal audience. Whether your tone is playful, professional or thought-provoking, your podcast name should reflect the essence of your show while resonating with the people you want to reach. It also plays a crucial role in discoverability. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts rely on keywords, and a strategically crafted name can significantly boost your visibility in search results, helping you attract new listeners.
1. Balancing creativity with search visibility
Naming your podcast is tricky. You need to be creative but also show up in search. You need a name that connects with your target audience. It should reflect your unique content. But, it must also be good for search engines.
Imagine you’re launching a podcast about sustainable fashion. A creative name like “Threads of Change” might grab attention and intrigue listeners, but it doesn’t clearly indicate the podcast’s focus. Adding a keyword-focused subtitle like “Threads of Change: Exploring Sustainable Fashion Trends” balances creativity with search visibility, making it appealing to both audiences and search engines.
2. Categories of names
Podcast names generally fall into two categories: creative and descriptive. Each has its advantages and challenges.
Creative podcast names use clever wordplay. For example, “Well Now” is for a podcast on integrative wellness for Saje Natural Wellness. They are designed to intrigue and attract listeners who appreciate creativity. However, their oblique nature can sometimes obscure the podcast’s topic. This might hinder search visibility unless your audience is familiar with your brand.
Descriptive podcast names are like “Out Travel the System.” They directly describe a podcast about finding travel deals. They make it immediately clear what the podcast for Expedia will cover. This clarity can be less exciting. But, it is often more effective. It draws in listeners who seek specific information. Descriptive names align well with search algorithms and can enhance discoverability.
3. Consider your audience
Understanding your audience is crucial when considering podcast name ideas. Consider what your target listeners are searching for. Think about their interests and how they listen. Your podcast name should mean a lot to them. It should meet their content expectations.
Suppose your podcast targets busy parents. A name like “Parenting in Five” resonates because it promises quick, actionable insights. It connects with their need for concise, helpful content. Understanding their preferences helps you craft a name that grabs their attention and keeps them coming back.
4. SEO considerations and keyword use
Using keywords related to your podcast can improve search engine visibility, making it easier to find your podcast. But, too many keywords can lead to penalties. Now, Apple Podcasts is rejecting names. They seem to manipulate search results. Instead, focus on a balanced approach that includes relevant keywords.
A podcast on remote work might benefit from a name like “Remote Work Life.” It’s keyword-rich, helping it rank well in searches related to working from home or digital nomad lifestyles. However, overloading the title with keywords like “Remote Work, Digital Nomads, and Work-From-Home Tips” could make it clunky and lead to platform rejections. Balance is key.
5. Avoiding common pitfalls
Avoid names that could limit your podcast’s growth or mislead listeners. For instance, very narrow or niche names might not appeal to a big audience, or stand out in podcast directories. This is if you decide to expand your topics later. Also, don’t use your brand name in the podcast title. This will prevent rejections from platforms like Apple Podcasts.
A good example is if you were to start a podcast called “Social Media for TikTok Creators.” It’s clear and niche, but what happens when you want to expand to other platforms like Instagram or YouTube? A broader name like “Social Media Playbook” would leave room for growth and broader audience appeal, avoiding the need for a rebrand.
6. Using subtitles
If you wish to combine creativity with clarity, consider using a subtitle. For instance, you could follow a creative title with a descriptive subtitle. The subtitle explains the podcast’s focus. This approach allows you to harness the best of both worlds.
If you have a podcast about wellness but want a unique, creative name, try a combination like “Soulful State: A Journey to Mind-Body Wellness.” The main title is creative and intriguing, while the subtitle clarifies the focus for new listeners and boosts discoverability.
7. Trademark and copyright considerations
Before finalizing your podcast name, check for existing trademarks and copyrights. This will avoid legal issues. Check that your chosen branded podcast name is not already in use. It might already be protected. This could lead to costly disputes or rebranding.
Imagine naming your podcast “Unfiltered Stories” only to find out another podcast with the same name already exists… and it’s trademarked. You could face legal challenges or need to rebrand after building your audience. A quick trademark search beforehand saves time, money, and headaches.
8. Feedback and testing
Once you have a few potential names, test them out. Get feedback from potential listeners, peers, and industry experts. Utilize their insights to gauge how others might perceive your name. They can also show its effectiveness in attracting an audience.
Before deciding on a name like “Mindset Reset,” test it with a focus group of potential listeners. You might discover they interpret it as a meditation podcast when your focus is actually on productivity. Gathering feedback allows you to adjust the name for better clarity and appeal.
9. Future-proofing your name
Think long-term about how your podcast might change. Ensure your name can grow with your content. Avoid very specific names. They might limit future expansion into new topics or formats.
Let’s say you start a podcast called “30 Days to Freelance Success.” It’s catchy, but what if your content evolves to cover long-term freelancing strategies? A broader name like “Freelance Freedom” ensures your podcast remains relevant as your focus expands.
10. Visual considerations for branding
Consider how your show’s name will look in cover art. Also, consider its look in promotional materials and online platforms. A good name not only sounds appealing but also works well for branding purposes. It will also stand out in social media.
Naming your podcast is strategic. It needs careful thought and creativity. Consider your audience. Balance creativity with clarity. Plan for future growth. Then, you can choose a name. It will serve as a solid foundation for your podcast’s branding and success.
Stick the landing: Name your podcast something to be remembered
Most importantly, your podcast’s name needs to be memorable. Listeners should be able to recall it easily and share it with others. A confusing or overly generic title risks being overlooked—or worse, forgotten entirely. Choosing the right name is more than a creative exercise; it’s a strategic decision that can shape your podcast’s growth and longevity. By nailing the name, you set the stage for your podcast to succeed before the first episode even drops.
Last updated: January 20th 2025
Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Audio. As JAR’s podcast “doula”, collaborating with enterprise brands to bring great podcasts into the world. With a background spanning CBC Radio, Canada’s National Film Board Digital Studio, Vancouver’s Roundhouse Radio and the University of British Columbia, she guides the creation of captivating podcasts at JAR.
