So, you want to start a podcast! First, you need a great idea; next, you need a great name. We all know names are important, and in the ever-expanding field of podcasting, this is doubly true. What’s in a podcast name? Just about everything.
Podcasting is booming. As of 2025, there are more than 4 million podcasts listed across platforms, with hundreds of thousands actively publishing. That means your title needs to:
- Stand out in podcast directories
- Hint at your topic or tone
- Be easy to say, spell, and remember
- Help new listeners find you through search
Your name is your first pitch to potential listeners who are skimming the infinite sea of titles on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It’s a vital part of your branding, and it plays a major role in whether someone clicks play.
You can pay a lot to make your podcast sound perfect, but a good name is priceless. So don’t cast your voice actors just yet—nail down your title first.
1. Understand the main types of podcast names.
Most podcast names fall into one of the following categories; knowing the various types can help you decide which lane you want to be in.
Descriptive names plainly tell you what the podcast is about. They’re great for SEO and are easy for new listeners to find.
- Examples: “Stuff You Should Know,” “The Daily Stoic”
- Pros: Clear, searchable, and beginner-friendly
- Cons: Can be forgettable or generic
Clever or punny names use wordplay or cultural references. They’re fun and brandable, but they may not be immediately clear.
- Examples: “My Favorite Murder,” “Pod Save America”
- Pros: Memorable and shows personality
- Cons: Risks being misunderstood or missing SEO value
Eponymous names include the host’s name, signaling a personal brand. If you’re famous, this is a smart way to go.
- Examples: “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “The Ezra Klein Show”
- Pros: Great for personal branding
- Cons: Hard to discover unless the host is already famous
Abstract names don’t describe their content directly, but evoke a mood and build intrigue.
- Examples: “99% Invisible,” “Radiolab”
- Pros: Original, versatile, and creative
- Cons: Might require marketing or design to reinforce the concept
2. Determine your purpose.
Before you start brainstorming, get clear on what your name needs to do. It should ideally accomplish at least two of the following elements:
- Describe your content or niche
Example: “Morbid” (lets you know it’s about true crime with a dark edge) - Communicate your tone
Example: “SmartLess” (humorously undersells its hosts) - Be SEO-friendly
Example: “The History of Rome” (great for searches) - Be brandable
Example: “99% Invisible” (cryptic but catchy, it’s now a trusted brand in design storytelling)
You don’t need to check every box, but your name should work on some of these levels. Think of it as a functional headline. Cleverness gets you some points, but clarity matters, too.
3. Brainstorm.
Once you’ve chosen your direction, it’s time to start brainstorming with purpose. Ask yourself:
- What is your podcast about in one sentence?
- What words would someone search to find your podcast?
- What tone are you aiming for?
- Are there metaphors or imagery related to your topic?
You can also try some of these techniques to get the juices flowing.
- Keyword stacking: Combine strong search terms with something original. (“History Extra,” “The Running Explained Podcast”)
- Two-word mashups: Simple but effective pairings. (“Office Ladies,” “Science Vs”)
- Question titles: Intriguing and clickable. (“Why Won’t You Date Me?”)
Don’t be afraid to come up with a LOT of rough ideas. Your first few will likely be boring or obvious. Creativity kicks in around draft 15, we swear.
4. Avoid common podcast name pitfalls.
If you couldn’t tell, naming your podcast is tricky. Here are a few mistakes that can sink a podcast before it’s even left the dock.
- Overly generic: “Real Talk,” “Let’s Chat,” and “Podcast: The Podcast” may sound fine, but they’re so vague that they’re hard to find or remember.
- Long: Titles over five to six words can get cut off in podcast apps. Keep it tight.
- Word salad: Don’t stack random buzzwords just to hit keywords. “Mindful Growth Strategy Insights Hour” may be descriptive, but it’s a mouthful and easy to forget.
- Inside jokes: A reference only your friends understand will not mean anything to a new listener. Save those for the episode titles.
5. Check availability.
Before you fall in love with your name, make sure it’s actually available. You can do this by:
- Searching podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify
- Checking domain name availability (e.g., yourshowpodcast.com)
- Scanning social media handles
- Doing a Google search to make sure you’re not overlapping with something problematic (nightmare scenario)
Even if another show has a similar name, avoid anything that could cause confusion or even dreaded legal issues. Try for something distinct enough to own online.
6. Test it out loud and get feedback.
A podcast name isn’t just visual. It will be spoken dozens of times per episode, and, hopefully, it will be the topic of conversation at the water cooler.
Make sure it rolls off the tongue and isn’t easily misheard or mispronounced. Record yourself saying it a few times. You’ll quickly hear what works and what feels clunky.
Once you have two to three solid contenders, ask a few trusted people for feedback. Ideally, include both people in your niche or industry and general listeners who represent your potential audience.
Ask them questions like: What do you think this show is about, based on the name alone? Would this title make you curious enough to click?
Don’t let the process get too democratic. A podcast name doesn’t need to win a popularity contest; it just needs to be functional and resonant.
7. Consider SEO and discoverability.
If your goal is to grow an audience organically, SEO matters, whether you like it or not. Many podcast platforms are search-driven. Including keywords in your title or subtitle can help listeners find you, especially when they don’t already know your name.
Consider these strategies:
- Include a clear subtitle (e.g., Mind Over Money: Financial Wellness for Gen Z)
- Use SEO in your episode titles and show descriptions
- Consider keyword-friendly formats like:
-[Topic] Explained
-The [Keyword] Show
-[Name]: A [Topic] Podcast
That said, don’t stuff your title with keywords at the expense of branding. A balance of personality and clarity wins.
8. Aim for memorable, not perfect.
Naming your podcast can feel like a high-stakes decision, and to some extent, it is. But the perfect name doesn’t exist. Your podcast’s success will come from the quality of your content and the strength of your voice.
Your name is the hook that draws people in. Take the time to make it resonate, be intentional, and make sure it works for your voice and your goals. To recap, a great podcast name should be:
- Unique
- Clear
- Easy to say and spell
- Searchable
- Something you’re proud to say out loud
Once you find a name that fits, go claim the domain, lock in the socials, buy your podcast equipment, and get recording!
Want some inspiration? Let’s look at some examples of successful podcast names and why they’ve helped the show grow:
1. “Criminal”: This is a one-word name that instantly signals the genre. The title is broad enough to allow for creative storytelling, while still being instantly recognizable as true crime. Its simplicity helps it stand out from other crime podcast titles filled with bad puns and cliches.
2. “SmartLess”: Hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, this show uses self-deprecating humor to describe its premise: three guys who know nothing, interviewing people who know a lot.
3. “How I Built This”: NPR’s business podcast uses plain language to describe exactly what it is: stories about company founders and how they built their businesses. It’s simple, clear, and perfect for discovery and professional appeal.
4. “You’re Wrong About”: This conversational show re-examines misunderstood moments in history and pop culture. The title teases the concept and invites curiosity while reinforcing the show’s tone. It’s informative but playful.
5. “Maintenance Phase”: This health and wellness podcast critiques diet culture and health myths. The name is a sly reference to dieting terminology, signaling the show’s focus while delivering a subversive edge.