How to Name Your Podcast (Step-by-Step Guide + Tips)

Choosing the right name for your podcast is one of the most important steps in launching your show.

Let’s be honest—coming up with the perfect podcast name can feel like naming your first child. But if you’re stuck in analysis paralysis, don’t sweat it. This is your go-to guide on how to name your podcast with step-by-step instructions, real-world tips, and examples that’ll help you sidestep the rookie mistakes and land on a name you’ll actually love (and that your future listeners can remember).

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to name your podcast, plus share proven tips, creative strategies, and real-world examples to inspire you.

Why Your Podcast Name Matters

First Impressions

Your podcast name is the first thing listeners notice—it needs to grab attention and make people want to know more. It’s your handshake, your headline, and your invitation to press play, all rolled into one.

SEO & Discoverability

A clear, keyword-friendly name helps people find your podcast through search—on podcast apps and Google. The right name can boost your show’s discoverability, especially if it includes words your target audience is actually searching for.

Branding & Memorability

Your podcast name should reflect your show’s personality and niche, while being easy to remember and repeat. A great name sticks in your audience’s mind and helps your podcast stand out from the crowd.

Step-by-Step: How to Name Your Podcast

1. Define Your Podcast’s Purpose

Before you start brainstorming names, clarify what your podcast is about and who it’s for.

Questions to ask yourself:

• What’s the main theme or topic?
• Who is your target audience?
• What unique value does your podcast offer?
• What do you want listeners to feel when they hear your show’s name?

2. Brainstorm Podcast Name Ideas

Now it’s time to get creative. Make a big list of potential names based on your niche, content, and audience.

Sources of inspiration:

• Your podcast’s main topic or mission
• Relevant keywords and phrases
• Clever wordplay, puns, or alliteration
• Your own personal or brand name

3. Keep It Short and Simple

Short, snappy names are easier to remember, search, and share.

Aim for a name that’s:

• 2 to 4 words max
• Easy to spell and pronounce
• Clear, catchy, and memorable

4. Include Relevant Keywords (Optional)

Consider including a keyword related to your podcast’s topic for SEO purposes. This helps people find your show when searching.

Example:
If your podcast is about marketing, names like “Marketing Made Simple” or “The Growth Playbook” work well.

5. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Don’t let a bad name hold you back.

Avoid:

• Long, complicated names
• Overused clichés or trends
• Hard-to-spell or pronounce words
• Excessive numbers or special characters (keep it simple!)

6. Check Availability

Don’t fall in love with a name until you know it’s available everywhere you need it.

Make sure your podcast name is available:

• On podcast directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.)
• As a website domain
• On social media handles

7. Get Feedback

Before you make it official, get feedback. Ask friends, family, or—best of all—potential listeners what they think of your top name ideas. If it gets confused looks or “Wait, what’s that about?” you might need to tweak it.

Podcast Name Ideas & Examples

Descriptive Names

• “The Daily News Show”
• “True Crime Stories”
• “The Fitness Fix”

Personal Brand Names

• “The [Your Name] Show”
• “Conversations with [Your Name]”

Creative/Abstract Names

• “Mind Over Mic”
• “Coffee & Conversations”
• “The Rabbit Hole”

Ready to Name Your Podcast?

Your podcast name is the foundation of your brand. Take your time, play with ideas, and choose a name that truly reflects your content, appeals to your target audience, and sets your show apart from the rest. The right name makes marketing easier, builds trust, and helps you grow your following—before you even record your first episode.

At Social Peak Media, we help podcasters build their show from the ground up—name to launch to lasting success. If you need a hand with branding, episode planning, or getting your show noticed, just reach out. Happy naming!