How to Create a Podcast Style Guide (With Example Template)
A podcast style guide is essential if you want to maintain consistency, professionalism, and a unique voice across your episodes.
Whether you’re a solo podcaster, working with a team, or outsourcing editing and production, a style guide ensures everyone is on the same page.
https://socialpeakmedia.com/blog/podcast-show-notes-templateIn this post, we’ll explain how to create a podcast style guide and provide a ready-to-use example template.
What Is a Podcast Style Guide?
A podcast style guide is basically your show’s playbook. It’s a detailed document that lays out how your podcast should sound, look, and feel. Think of it as a creative blueprint that keeps everything consistent, from the tone of voice and episode structure to the way you write descriptions or handle interviews.
It helps you and your team stay on the same page, whether you’re recording new episodes, working with an editor, or bringing in a guest host. When everyone follows the same guide, the podcast feels cohesive, professional, and true to its identity. In short, it’s what turns a collection of episodes into a recognizable brand your listeners can instantly connect with.
Why You Need a Podcast Style Guide
Ensures Consistency
Maintaining a consistent tone, structure, and quality across episodes builds trust and brand familiarity. Studies show that consistency in publishing, quality, and experience are key pillars of show growth.
Saves Time
A clear guide streamlines production and editing processes by providing guidelines, no more “Wait, how do we do our outro again?”
Supports Branding
It helps reinforce your podcast’s identity and makes your show instantly recognizable. For example, podcasts lift brand awareness by ~89%.
Facilitates Team Collaboration
It provides a roadmap for co-hosts, editors, and producers, so everyone plays from the same page.
Key Elements of a Podcast Style Guide
1. Podcast Overview
- Podcast name and tagline
- Target audience
- Podcast mission and goals
2. Episode Structure
- Intro and outro format
- Segment order and duration
- Standard episode length
3. Audio Quality Standards
- Recommended equipment
- Recording guidelines
- Editing quality expectations (noise reduction, volume leveling, etc.)
4. Brand Voice & Tone
- Friendly, fun, and conversational
- Professional but approachable
- Language preferences (formal, informal, inclusive, etc.)
5. Music & Sound Effects
- Approved intro/outro music
- Guidelines for sound effects usage
6. Show Notes & Metadata
- Formatting standards
- Required sections: summary, links, CTAs, timestamps, etc.
7. Promotion Guidelines
- Social media strategy
- Preferred hashtags
- Visual branding (cover art, audiograms)
Example Podcast Style Guide Template
Podcast Name: The Podcast Playbook
Tagline: “Your ultimate guide to podcasting success.”
Target Audience: Aspiring and established podcasters, content creators, and entrepreneurs.
Mission: To educate and empower podcasters with actionable tips, tools, and strategies.
Episode Structure:
- 00:00 – Intro Music & Host Welcome
- 01:00 – Episode Summary
- 02:00 – Main Content (Interviews, Topics)
- 25:00 – Key Takeaways
- 27:00 – Call to Action & Outro Music
Audio Standards:
- Use dynamic microphones (e.g., Shure SM7B, Samson Q2U)
- Record in a quiet, treated room
- Normalize volume to -16 LUFS
- Edit out filler words, long pauses, and background noise
Brand Voice:
- Fun, conversational, and informative
- Clear and engaging language
- No jargon or over-complicated explanations
Music & Effects:
- Intro Music: [Song Title]
- Outro Music: [Song Title]
- Use sound effects sparingly to avoid distractions
Show Notes Format:
- Summary paragraph
- Bullet-point key takeaways
- Guest bios and links
- CTAs and resource links
Promotion:
- Share new episodes on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook
- Use branded audiograms and quote graphics
- Preferred hashtags:
#PodcastTips #PodcastEditing #PodcastGrowth
Ready to Create Your Podcast Style Guide?
A clear, concise podcast style guide is key to maintaining consistency and professionalism. It helps streamline production, enhances branding, and improves the overall listener experience.
At Social Peak Media, we help podcasters build, grow, and maintain their show. Contact us today to simplify your podcasting process!
