Here are the steps to take when naming your podcast:
Podcast naming is often the very first step a creator takes on their way to a podcast launch. You might come up with a brilliant, clever name for your creative podcast, and your friends immediately say, “That would make a great podcast!” While they—and you—might be right, it’s important to recognize that your podcast name is much more than just a catchy title. It’s a powerful tool for discovery, branding, and growing your audience.
Before you commission podcast artwork and print swag, it’s crucial to consider some best practices for podcast naming. You don’t want to discover after investing in major merch that your catchy podcast name is already taken, or that an AI podcast name generator gave you a poor recommendation.
Can you break the rules? Yes again, but only if you know what they are.
Your primary goal is to create a brief and intriguing podcast title that has the potential to become a household name among your target audience.
And remember, your podcast name is about more than good looks; it has a very functional role.
It is also an important contributor to discovery and audience growth, identifying your podcast in search results on your favorite podcast app or podcast directory.
A Quick Note about Podcast Naming Terminology
In this article, we use the terms “podcast show name,” “podcast title,” and “podcast name” interchangeably to refer to the ONE unique name for your podcast. It’s important to distinguish these from episode titles, which follow their own guidelines and are separate from your overall podcast name.
Depending on the podcast hosting platform you choose when starting your show, these terms may be used interchangeably. For instance, when you start a podcast with Libsyn, your Show Name is the very first thing you enter and can always be updated later to better suit your evolving brand and audience.
Podcast naming should be fun right? We think so. Our four tips on name creation guide you through basic guidelines—like ensuring your title isn’t awkwardly clipped in apps—to more advanced considerations such as keyword strategy and search optimization. We will even help you brainstorm some ideas. Before you know it, you’ll land on the perfect show title that feels natural to you and is easy for your target audience to find on popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
If you read through these tips and everything looks good, congratulations! You’re one step closer to launching your podcast and reaching your ideal listeners.
Here are the steps to take when naming your podcast:
1. Basic Podcast Name Guidelines
These guidelines include recommendations from platforms like Apple Podcasts and Libsyn’s in-house experts. We want to ensure your creative choices won’t exclude your podcast entirely from the most popular podcast apps.
Be Original
To be original, you should not use another company’s trademarked name or brand in your podcast title without their explicit permission. Using another brand’s name can lead to legal issues or problems with intellectual property, especially if you eventually monetize. For example, naming your show “The Disney+ Review Hour” or “The Tesla Podcast” could cause problems. Similarly, Apple specifically warns creators not to use any Apple product brand language, even if your own podcast is all about Apple products. Trust in your own creativity to come up with a unique name.
Wondering how to check? Simply type your proposed podcast name into Google or your favorite podcast app to see if it’s already in use. This quick search will also help you determine if the domain name is available, giving you a head start on securing your podcast’s online presence and ensuring your title remains original and unique. More on this below.
Don't Use the Word "Podcast"
Generally, it is advised not to include the word “podcast” in your title. Including the word “podcast” can take up precious space that could be better used for keywords or engaging show artwork. Your audience already knows they are listening to a podcast.
Visualize Your Podcast Name on Your Podcast Artwork
In the video below, we talk about Podcast Artwork best practices and the importance of including your podcast name is mentioned. As you think about your name, also think about your artwork.
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Don't Use Explicit, Profane, or Violent Language
As mentioned, it is a best practice to include the name of your podcast on your podcast artwork. That said, Apple Podcasts for Creators states that show artwork can’t have references to illegal drugs, profanity, or explicit or violent language. So, keep it clean to ensure the broadest reach for your audience, if that’s your goal.
Explicit language can also keep your podcast out of international podcast directories and off platforms like Spotify, which have stricter language guidelines than the U.S.
DO Pay Attention to Podcast Title Character Count
Just how long should your podcast title be? According to Pacific Content, half of all podcast titles are between 14 and 29 characters. The most popular title length is 16 characters. The mean average show title is 23.9 characters, and the median show title is 20 characters.
Why are they all in a similar range? It is likely due to everyone’s realization that podcast apps will truncate names that are much longer, and chances are it will get chopped in search results. Your title should be just a few words long.
DO Avoid Keyword Stuffing
Using the right keywords in your title is essential for discovery. Our guide on renaming and relaunching your show highlights a key point: “For most top podcast apps, particularly Apple Podcasts, the search algorithm primarily indexes the words in your show title, episode titles, and author tags. While this may evolve, these are the fields that consistently drive search results today. This makes using relevant keywords in your podcast title one of the most important discoverability decisions you will make for attracting new listeners.”
The issue isn’t using keywords, but “keyword stuffing.” This is the practice of packing your title with irrelevant keywords to appear in more searches. This tactic misleads the audience, creates confusion, and ultimately disappoints people when your content doesn’t match their expectations.
An example of keyword stuffing would be a title like: Why Is My dog Doing That? Dog Training, Pet Care, Vet Advice, Puppy Tips and Pet Supplies.
While related, the title is too long and promises a scope that may be too broad, which can feel spammy. It’s important to note that since 2019, Apple Podcasts has rejected podcast names with too many keywords. Focus on the most relevant and accurate keywords for your show’s specific topic to attract the right audience.
TIP: If you want to add more relevant keywords, put them in your podcast description, episode titles, and author tags. But you still want to avoid keyword stuffing in your main show title.
Keep Your Show Title Straightforward
Your title should be simple, clear, and easy for listeners to find and share. To avoid confusion, think about homonyms. For example, is it 2,000 or Two Thousand? Is it Allowed or Aloud? Take a look at a homonyms list and avoid them. In addition, abbreviations, unnecessary punctuation, and special characters just complicate things for listeners.
Podcast names and podcast artwork that follow best practices:
These examples clearly communicate what each podcast is about from the name and artwork.
Free Podcast Cover Art
And don’t forget, Libsyn gives you access to Canva to create your cover art which provides lots of easy templates and fun options!
Be Careful of Clever Podcast Names
A clever or witty title can be tempting, but it’s crucial to get it right. The most important rule is that your podcast’s name must align with your brand’s overall tone. If your show is humorous and creative, a clever name can be a perfect fit. However, if your brand is more direct and straightforward, a simple, clear title is often the most effective choice. A name that is too clever risks alienating your potential audience if it relies on insider knowledge. For example, a comedy podcast might use a pun that only a niche group understands, limiting its appeal. To attract a broader audience, your name should be relatable and use widely understood terminology.
2. Brainstorm Podcast Name Ideas
With these guidelines in mind, it’s time for the creative process: brainstorming! The goal is to generate a wide range of podcast name ideas without getting attached to any single one just yet. A great podcast name often emerges from this process, where every word counts and you’re free to let your ideas flow—even the rule-breaking ones.
Your aim is to develop creative podcast name ideas that make your new podcast stand out and intrigue potential listeners. A strong title should also reflect your show’s tone and your personal brand. Who knows, you might end this session with enough ideas for two podcasts!
Keep the tips below in mind while brainstorming.
Using AI for Podcast Name Ideas
If you are stuck and don’t know where to start, using AI can be very helpful for generating podcast name ideas. The trick is to give a clear command. An AI podcast name generator may take a few requests to get what you want. Do not ask an AI podcast tool to “name my podcast” or “tell me cool podcast names.” AI will need more direction than that.
We asked AI to:
Create a podcast title that is 25 characters long and is about dogs and hiking
We got this output:
Paws and Trails: Canine Adventures
We then asked for five more variations and got the following:
- HikeDogs: Trail Tales
- WoofHikes: Canine Trek
- TrailBuddies: Dog Journeys
- DoggyTrails: Hike Bliss
- WildTails: Dog Hikers
These answers provide helpful alternative words and combinations you might not have considered. They also have some formatting issues that you would not want to include. Using an AI podcast tool can give you a few ideas to start.
Try to keep your name original and not the same name AI provided. Think of your new listeners. Will they want to know the story behind your podcast name? Is “AI made it for me” the one you want to tell?
Podcast Name Generator
There are many tools available to help you brainstorm, like a podcast name generator. Using a free podcast name generator is an excellent way to get initial ideas on the table without any financial investment, and for many creators, this is all that’s needed to find a great name.
On the other hand, if your budget allows, investing in a branding expert or copywriter can be a valuable step. Professionals can offer strategic guidance to ensure your title perfectly aligns with your show’s message and goals. Ultimately, both paths are valid. The right choice depends on your specific circumstances, so weigh your options and decide what works best for you and your podcast.
Google Tools for Keywords
Once you have a shortlist of strong ideas, you can use data to help make the final decision. This is where free resources like Google’s Keyword Planner and Google Trends become powerful tools for refinement. These tools allow you to validate your choices by showing you what your potential listeners are actively searching for.
Before you commit to a title, it’s wise to check Google to compare your potential relevant keywords. For example, you might discover that while “All Things Dog” is a broad concept, a more specific and question-based title like “Why Is My Dog Doing That?” aligns with a high-volume search query (over 22,000 monthly searches), indicating a built-in audience is already looking for those answers. This data-driven approach helps ensure your catchy podcast name is positioned for maximum discoverability from day one.
Real People are Helpful, Too!
A good podcast name can become the perfect podcast name with a little help from a friend. Can’t find anyone? Join a podcasting community and collaborate with others who bring fresh, objective, and exciting ideas to the party. Asking friends can offer new perspectives. Remember that at this point, old adages apply: no ideas are bad and two heads are better than one.
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Refine Your Podcast Name Ideas
Now that you have a list of potential podcast name ideas, the next step is to refine them. This involves looking at your list through different lenses to see which names have the most potential to connect with your target audience.
Categorize Your Ideas: Group your names by style. For example, are they topic-specific (“Why Is My Dog Doing That?”), conceptual (“Aggression to Zoomies”), or playful (“Bad Dog, Good Dog”)? This helps clarify which direction best fits your brand.
Focus on Memorable Phrasing: Look for opportunities to create catchy podcast names by using plays on common phrases or vivid language. For instance, “Ruff & Ready Dog Answers” is more engaging than “Explaining Your Dog.”
Use Descriptive Titles for Niche Topics: If your show is highly specific, ensure the title clearly communicates the topic. A podcast based on a genre like true crime, for example, benefits from clear, descriptive titles that tell listeners exactly what to expect.
Stress-Test Your Shortlist: Ask critical questions about your top contenders. Does the name limit future content? Is it too broad? How does it sound when said aloud? This final check helps you select from your most viable and creative names.
3. Podcast Title Research
Once your brainstorming and refinement have produced a shortlist of strong podcast name ideas, the essential next step is research. This phase is critical for ensuring your chosen name is unique, available, and resonates with your intended audience.
A great starting point for this research is getting qualitative feedback. Share your top contenders and your podcast’s topic with trusted friends or family and ask for their honest opinions. Their responses can offer valuable insights and help you see which option might be the perfect podcast name.
After gathering this initial feedback, it’s time to dig deeper by analyzing the competitive landscape, including looking at your favorite podcast for inspiration. You will find some very successful rule-breaker podcasts. Celebrity status or startup funding may have contributed to their ability to break the rules.
For example, a podcast like The Joe Rogan Experience can have a simple name because of its host. While not every host has that level of name recognition, a well-known personality can be a significant asset in podcast naming. Note what contributed to that success and what success looks like for you. Look specifically for what is working that applies to your podcast.
Search Everywhere For Your Podcast Name
Once you have landed on a few alternatives you like, you must ensure you are not infringing on anyone’s trademark. You don’t want to launch a podcast with the same name as someone else, especially a podcast called something very similar in your podcast category.
Remember rule #1 — be original.
Think like new listeners who don’t know the name of your podcast yet. They are just exploring apps like Spotify, looking at categories and featured content. A very important part of every successful podcast is the ability to think about and react to your potential listeners’ interests.
Start Your Podcast Title Research
It’s essential to check for name availability within podcast directories and apps. The search tools on these platforms operate differently than traditional web search engines. Because all active show titles are housed in these podcast directories, their search functions often prioritize individual keywords over phrases and use algorithms that weigh factors like subscriptions, follows, streams, and downloads to rank results.
- Search the same title on the web
- Search an online podcast directory like Podchaser for your name idea
- Search Apple Podcasts for your name idea
- Search social platorms like Instagram and X – including handles and hashtags
- Look at the category your podcast will be available in on major podcast apps
Each podcast directory uses its own unique algorithm to rank search results, and these systems are constantly being updated.
For instance, Apple Podcasts uses some of these factors to deliver search results:
Metadata: show title, author name(s), and episode title
Popularity: podcasts with large followers and plays in Apple Podcasts
User Behavior: podcasts with high engagement, those that are played or followed from Apple Podcasts search results
This is why a thorough search is so important. Take the time to review the results in podcast directories using different combinations of your proposed words. This due diligence is your best protection against accidentally choosing a name that’s already in use!
As a final step, check if a corresponding domain name is available. While it doesn’t need to be an exact match, securing a similar and unique domain through a registrar is a smart move for your podcast’s future brand.
4. Finalize Your Podcast Name and Marketing Assets
Now that your podcast name ideas are narrowed down, you are ready to create the remaining information required to set up your show on a podcast host like Libsyn.
Next Steps
- Write your podcast description
- Create your podcast artwork
- Review the items needed to create your podcast on Libsyn
- Consider how you want to number and title your podcast episodes
- Secure the social handles you want to use
- Consider purchasing your domain.
- Publish your podcast to directories and podcast apps
- Launch your podcast and share it with the world
If you are looking for help with recording tips and more in-depth knowledge on any of the next steps, check out our How to Start a Podcast Guide, read up on the Libsyn blog, follow us on your social channels, and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a thing!
