You might have the best podcast episode in the world, but if your title is a snooze fest, no one’s clicking it. A catchy podcast title is your first (and sometimes only) chance to grab someone’s attention. Let’s break down the art and science of crafting titles that get clicks without resorting to clickbait.
1. Be Clear Before You Get Clever
A mysterious title might intrigue people, but if it’s too vague, they’ll scroll right past it. Clarity wins. Your audience should know what they’re getting into.
Example:
- Vague: “Big Changes Are Coming”
- Clear: “5 Ways AI Will Change Podcasting in 2025”
Pro Tip: If you can sum up your episode in one sentence, you’re halfway to a great title. Just distill it further into a snappy headline.
2. Use Numbers and Lists
People love lists—they’re easy to digest and promise actionable takeaways. Including numbers in your title can instantly boost engagement.
Example:
- “7 Habits of Highly Engaging Podcasters”
- “3 Mistakes Killing Your Podcast Growth (And How to Fix Them)”
Pro Tip: Odd numbers tend to perform better. Something about “5” or “7” feels more specific and less contrived than “10.”
3. Address Your Listener’s Pain Points
Your title should scream, “This will solve your problem!” Think about the struggles your audience faces and frame your episode as the solution.
Example:
- “How to Record a Podcast in a Noisy Apartment”
- “Get Your First 1,000 Podcast Downloads Without Paid Ads”
4. Add Intrigue (Without Being Clickbait-y)
A little curiosity goes a long way. Tease something exciting, but make sure your episode delivers on the promise.
Example:
- “The One Editing Trick That Will Save You Hours”
- “Why Your Podcast Needs to Go Off Script (And How to Do It)”
Pro Tip: Avoid over-promising. Nothing kills trust faster than a title that doesn’t match the content.
5. Optimize for Search
Search engines love titles with relevant keywords. If your podcast is about productivity, include terms like “productivity tips” or “time management hacks.” Use tools like Google Trends or AnswerThePublic to find popular search phrases. Search is increasingly time-specific, so consider adding the year where that makes sense.
Example:
- “Top Productivity Tools for Podcasters in 2025”
- “How to Boost Your Podcast Workflow with AI”
6. Keep It Short and Punchy
Long titles get cut off, especially on mobile devices. Aim for 60 characters or less to ensure your full title is visible.
Example:
- Too Long: “How to Start a Podcast That People Actually Want to Listen To in 2025”
- Just Right: “How to Start a Podcast People Love in 2025”
7. Use Strong Action Words
Action words energize your title and tell your audience what to expect. Think verbs like “Boost,” “Master,” “Build,” or “Discover.”
Example:
- “Boost Your Podcast Audience in 30 Days”
- “Master the Art of Podcast Storytelling”
8. Incorporate Your Personality
If your podcast has a unique tone, let it shine in your titles. Humor, sass, or quirkiness can make your titles stand out in a sea of sameness.
Example:
- “Podcasts and Coffee: How to Stay Awake While Editing”
- “Is Your Mic Secretly Sabotaging You?”
9. Test, Analyze, Repeat
Don’t settle for guessing. Experiment with different styles of titles and track which ones perform best. Use analytics tools from platforms like Spotify or Buzzsprout to see what resonates with your audience.
Pro Tip: A/B test your titles by promoting your episode under two different headlines on social media. The winner gets the crown.
10. Borrow Inspiration From Proven Headlines
Look at successful podcasts, blogs, or even YouTube videos in your niche. What titles are getting clicks? Don’t copy—adapt them to fit your content.
Example:
- Popular Blog Title: “10 Morning Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs”
- Your Adaptation: “10 Morning Rituals of Top Podcasters”
What’s in a Name
A great title isn’t just a label—it’s a promise to your audience. By making your titles clear, intriguing, and relevant, you’re not just grabbing attention; you’re setting the stage for a listener to press play.
Now go write that title that makes people stop scrolling and start listening. 🎙️
