Podcast Names: How to Name Your Podcast

Podcast Names: How to Name Your Show

Your podcast name is your first impression. It affects discoverability, brand building, and listener decisions. Here's how to choose well.

Explore How to Start a Podcast →

Types of Podcast Names

Descriptive Names

What it is: Clearly states the topic
Examples: "The History of Rome," "Software Engineering Daily"
Pros: Immediately clear, good for SEO
Cons: Less creative, potentially forgettable

Creative/Clever Names

What it is: Memorable, brandable
Examples: "Radiolab," "Freakonomics"
Pros: Unique, memorable
Cons: May not communicate topic

Personal Names

What it is: Host name as brand
Examples: "The Tim Ferriss Show," "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend"
Pros: Works if you're already known
Cons: Limits show beyond you

Hybrid Names

What it is: Creative + descriptive
Examples: "How I Built This," "Crime Junkie"
Pros: Memorable AND clear
Cons: Harder to nail

Naming Best Practices

Be Discoverable

Include keywords people search for
Consider Apple Podcasts SEO
Check if name is searchable

Be Memorable

Easy to say
Easy to spell
Easy to remember

Be Unique

Google the name first
Check podcast directories
Avoid confusion with existing shows

Be Ownable

Check domain availability
Check social media handles
Trademark search (if serious)

Common Mistakes

Names too similar to famous podcasts
Hard-to-spell words
Names requiring explanation
Generic names (impossible to find)
Names that box you in too much

Testing Your Name

Before committing:
1. Say it out loud 10 times
2. Ask: "Check out my podcast called ___"
3. Does it feel natural?
4. Can you imagine hearing it in reviews?
5. Does it work as a logo?

Examples by Category

The History of Rome (clear)
Hardcore History (branded + clear)
Revolutions (short, memorable)

How I Built This (narrative hook)
Masters of Scale (concept clear)
My First Million (aspirational)

Crime Junkie (identity + topic)
Serial (narrative)
Casefile (professional)

Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend (personal + concept)
My Dad Wrote a Porno (literally the show)
How Did This Get Made? (question hook)

The Naming Process

Brainstorm 20+ options (no judgment)
Cross out the worst
Check availability for survivors
Test with trusted friends
Sleep on your top 3
Choose and commit

When in Doubt

Choose clearer over cleverer
Shorter is usually better
The one you're most excited about

You can rebrand later, but it's not ideal.