5 Podcast Names Mistakes You Should Never Make

Podcasts names play a crucial role in attracting users and having your podcast at the top of their wish list. 

But did you know the tricks to give your podcast a name that will stand out?

In this Innocams blog post I’ll deal with some interesting facts about podcasts and their names.

What is a Podcast?

Podcasts are audio files that contain discussion of a specific topic in an episodic format and which you can download on your device and enjoy offline. 

Though podcasts are essentially audio files, some have video content too that supplement the audio content.

Are Podcasts YouTube Videos?

Yes and no. YouTube primarily focuses on visual effects. But if you upload a series of videos on a specific topic to YouTube that focuses on audio but have video support, they might be considered as podcasts, provided users can download them.

What’s in a Name?

This question is used as a figure of speech and it’s completely meaningless. Everything’s in a name. Your name is your first introduction to the world. If it is vapid and commonplace it may not strike the right note. 

And when it comes to online marketing, names are everything. Names are the real keywords that make it a hit with the netizens. Companies pay millions to get a website name that will stand out among the crowd. 

The same goes for a podcast. A podcast with a catchy but meaningful name has ten times the chance of making it big than one with a boring name. This hooking quality is the key factor behind the success of podcast names.

And here lies the importance of this post. Read it to know how not to make mistakes while naming your podcast.

More later. 

Characteristics of Popular Podcasts

I bet you have never enjoyed a podcast unless it had the following salient features.

They Have Catchy Names

All great podcasts inevitably have great names. Catchy, unusual and meaningful. Just think about The Rest Is History. It is a great podcast. And its name is the first thing that will force you to go for it. 

True, it has great content, but without this catchy thought-provoking name you wouldn’t care a fig about it. 

They have Great Content

Podcast names definitely matter, but only great names won’t do. You need to put in great content too. The Rest Is History is great not only because it has an attractive name. It contains captivating content too. 

They Revolves Around a Central Idea

If you want to make your podcast a hit, give it a central theme and don’t deviate from it by a millimetre. You will never find a podcast that deals with a lot of ideas. Take for example this The Rest Is History podcast.

The hosts discuss some curious historical incidents like the most disastrous party in history etc. The central idea of this podcast is funny, curious, unusual occurrences in the past, not every historical event.

They Have Great Hosts 

The rise or fall of a podcast almost entirely depends on its hosts. 

The personality of the host, their knowledge, their ability to speak authoritatively, their voice, their sense of humour are some factors that greatly influence the popularity of a podcast. 

They Have Great Guests

The guests too influence the popularity of a podcast. Unless they are smart, knowledgeable and authority figures in their niche, they can’t hold the attention of the users and the podcast will be a failure. 

They Have a Target Audience

Great podcasts are always audience-specific. They never try to please everyone. After extensive research and analysis their creators find out a specific type of people who are most likely to respond to their stuff.

For example, The Rest Is History podcast targets people who will love odd unusual facts. Its hosts and guests, again, cleverly instigate this psyche and the podcast is a hit with such people. Only love of history will not let you love this podcast. 

Importance of Podcast Names

Podcast names are important in several ways. Here are some ways a great name helps a podcast stand out. 

• It attracts the target audience.
• It helps the podcast build a strong brand value.
• It improves the podcast’s online search visibility.
• It helps you engage new listeners.
• It helps users find the podcast easily.

Types of Podcast Names

There are five types of names that you can choose from for your podcast. I’ll discuss them briefly for you now. 

Descriptive Name

These names describe your podcast clearly so the target audience easily understands what the podcast is all about. 

An example is, Science Podcast. This name clearly states that this podcast deals with different scientific facts. 

Intriguing Name

These types of names spark curiosity and compel the target audience to listen to the podcast. However, the content of the podcast will have to be very good so it doesn’t disappoint the users away. 

One example is, The Imagination Station. This name instantly makes one curious and almost forces him to listen to at least one episode of this podcast.

Personal Name

The name of the host also makes good brand value for a podcast, provided the host is famous and reputed for his efficiency. 

For example, The Joe Rogan Experience podcast uses the name of its host in its name and it is a famous podcast.

Niche-Specific Names 

This type of name targets a specific niche and explores it from different angles. The advantage of such names is that they easily attract the type of people the creator of the podcast targets. 

One example is, Veg and Non-Veg. it will easily intrigue its target audience and engage them. 

A Mixture of Types

Some podcast names have elements of two or more of the above types. 

For example, The Rest Is History. This name has elements of intrigue and description. It will not only attract people who love odd historical facts, but will attract new listeners due to its intriguing name. 

5 Mistakes in Podcast Names

The importance of an appropriate and catchy name for a podcast can’t be overstated. A good name sparks curiosity and intrigue and helps users fully appreciate the podcast. 

However, don’t make the following mistakes while naming your podcast. Any one of these mistakes may ruin the chances of success for a podcast.

Podcast Names: Mistake 1

Many podcasts can’t succeed because their creators select names for them that are too long. Short catchy names are easy to remember and people love them. 

A long name may take your target audience miles away from your podcast by the time they finish pronouncing it. 

Besides, a short name makes it easier for your target audience to find your podcast. It also lowers the chances of your podcast being cut off on podcast platforms. 

Podcast Names: Mistake 2

Podcast names are important and so is simplicity. 

If you want your podcast to be a complete failure, give it a name so complex it will take days before people can understand what you are talking about. 

A complex name, no matter how intriguing or descriptive, is a strict no while naming a podcast. Many podcasts remain a non-starter because their creators don’t know the importance of simplicity in life. 

Brainstorm out a name that is catchy, short and easily understandable. Such names boost the chances of super success for your podcast. 

Podcast Names: Mistake 3

Another mistake people often make that work as a speedbreaker in the road to success for their podcasts is giving it a name that doesn’t reveal the content of the podcast. 

The name of your podcast, no matter what type, should have a descriptive element in it so the name instantly makes it obvious what the podcast is about. 

If the name of your podcast doesn’t convey the idea behind it, chances are no one will be interested in it. After all there are thousands to choose from and who will tear his hair to hook up the topic of a podcast with its name?

He won’t. You won’t. I won’t. 

Podcast names must immediately reveal the subject they deal with.

Podcast Names: Mistake 4

Another grave mistake people often make while christening their podcasts is to use their own names. 

If you are as famous as Maryline Monroe or William Shakespeare, go ahead and use your name. But if you are not a world famous personality, you should never use your name as the name of your podcast. 

It is because your name will tell your target audience nothing about the subject of your podcast. And again, no one will lose themselves in deep meditation to extract the subject from your name.

Podcast Names: Mistake 5

But the gravest mistake you will do while giving your podcast a suitable name is to do the job in a hurry. 

You’ve a grand idea, you have resources and now you just can’t wait to upload your first episode. So impatiently you give it the first name that comes to your mind. 

You can’t make a bigger mistake.

The name of your podcast will build its brand value. People will talk about it. So take your time. Brainstorm. Have a talk with your team or relatives or someone you trust. (Please, don’t go around telling everyone about it. If you do, by the time you upload your first episode someone may already have uploaded three of his using your idea.)

So don’t be in too much of a hurry. Take it easy. You may need days, weeks, even months before the right name flashes in your head. 

Be prepared for it. 

Conclusion

Podcast names are one of the most crucial factors behind attracting the target audience. Everything’s in a name here. 

A podcast’s name should be catchy, descriptive and simple. It should have an aesthetic as well as practical quality. 

You must never hurry while giving your podcast a name. Hurry will kill the entire joy efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions