How to choose the right podcast name (top 3 methods)

Choosing a good podcast name is one of the first big decisions you’ll make for your new podcast.

So to help you brainstorm ideas and make that decision, here are three unique strategies to help you choose your podcast name and get ready to launch.

An important note about podcast name selection

Choosing a podcast name can often feel very permanent. But if this is at all reassuring, podcast names are easy to change in the future.

So as your podcast changes or evolves, know that your podcast name can evolve, too. (You can easily update it via your podcast hosting platform anytime.)

3 tested strategies to choose a great podcast name

We’re going to run a naming exercise to help you explore your options and feel confident that your podcast name fits your format, appeals to your audience, and puts your best foot forward.

To do that, let’s talk about the three primary approaches you can take.

And to show off how diverse your name can be, I’m going to use examples that all have something in common. They’re all categorized under “Health & Wellness” in Apple Podcasts.

1. Use your name or your business name (aka an eponymous podcast)

Many podcasts are named after the host (or hosts). For example, I could start “The Melissa Guller Show” or “Melissa in the Morning.” 

Similarly, it often makes sense for business owners to use their business name in their podcast name to build brand recognition. For simplicity, that’s why I chose The Wit & Wire Podcast for our podcast for online business owners.

An eponymous title works well if you’re trying to build your brand and establish your expertise. It helps cohesively expand your brand.

It’s also a great option if you aren’t entirely sure which direction you want to take. If you name your show after yourself, it’s easy to try different topics or pivot later on.

But the main downside is the fact that it’s not immediately obvious what your podcast is about. This is rarely a dealbreaker though, and I think an eponymous name is a great choice for a lot of hosts.

Here are a few examples of eponymous names from Wit & Wire business owners:

• The Wit & Wire Podcast (Wit & Wire)
• The Green Edit Podcast (The Green Edit)
• Abundate: Learning a language is not what you think (Abundate)

2. Use a descriptive podcast name

This is the most straightforward approach. A descriptive name tells listeners exactly what your podcast is about. 

It doesn’t have to describe everything your podcast might cover. But your listener should have a good sense of your topic just by reading your name. 

A descriptive name can help with two big things: marketing and organic discovery.

Putting your topic in the title can sometimes help people find your podcast while searching, and it can certainly make marketing easier since prospective listeners will know exactly what to expect.

But a challenge can be finding a descriptive podcast name that isn’t already in use since a lot of straightforward picks have already been taken.

Here are a few examples of descriptive podcast names from Wit & Wire business owners:

• The Clean Living Podcast (Shannon Lohr)
• Finding Freedom with Simple Systems (Kari Roberts)
• Self-Made Expats (Lucy Jeon)

3. Use a treasure map name

This strategy is a little less obvious. And that’s intentional.

A Treasure Map Name is what I call a podcast title that doesn’t immediately give away the entire concept. Instead, it just drops a hint – like a treasure map – that leads someone to find gold inside.

This is an extremely popular approach, and it’s very effective. The subtle hint creates curiosity and interest, but it also helps brand your podcast as unique and individual.

So in an increasingly competitive podcast world, having a more subtle Treasure Map name can help you stand out from the pack.

Here are a few examples of Treasure Map podcast names from Wit & Wire business owners:

• I Thought I Was Over This (Kimber Del Valle)
• Know Them, Be Them, Raise Them (Carmelita Tiu)
• Sincerely, Brown Skin (Candis Quinn)
• Dear FoundHer… (Lindsay Pinchuk)

“Can I combine podcast name types?”

These podcast name types are just suggestions, so there’s no rule about using one or the other. So if you want to mix and match, go for it!

“Should I add a podcast subtitle?”

Many podcasters add a subtitle (after a colon) in their show name.

Extending your title with a descriptive subtitle can be a great way to get one keyword into your podcast name. And especially if you have a less obvious title – like an eponymous name or a treasure map name – it could make sense to clarify your concept with a subtitle.

That said, it’s not required, and I would only include a subtitle if it meaningfully enhances your podcast name.

Next steps: how to choose your podcast name

To start, I’d get out a notebook or a blank Google Doc to see if you can brainstorm name ideas for 2 minutes straight. (Set a timer!) If interested, see if you can try out a few names in each of the three categories.

When time runs out, go through the list. Do any stand out to you? Sleep on it for a few days, or poll your audience to see what they think.

If you do ask friends and family who aren’t in your target audience, I’d caution you to take their advice with a grain of salt. I know that they’re well-intentioned, but they may not have the best feedback if they aren’t your ideal listener.

And if you’re ready to move forward, I recommend our free podcast launch checklist to help you get started: