Your podcast name determines whether someone clicks play or scrolls past. In a directory of thousands of shows, you have one line of text to make an impression.
This guide covers exactly how to name a podcast — what works, what doesn't, and how to find an available name fast.
What Makes a Good Podcast Name
Searchable — Podcast directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify) are search engines. Your name should include words your target listener would actually type. "The Marketing Playbook" will surface for "marketing podcast" searches. "After the Storm" won't.
Memorable — Listeners recommend shows by name. If your show name is hard to say or spell, you lose word-of-mouth referrals. Test it: say the name out loud to someone and ask them to look it up on their phone.
Specific enough to attract the right audience — A broad name like "The Business Podcast" competes with hundreds of identical shows. A specific name like "Bootstrapped: Founder Stories" signals exactly who it's for.
Short enough to display fully — Podcast apps often truncate titles. Aim for under 40 characters for the main title. Subtitles can be longer.
4 Podcast Naming Styles That Work
1. The Host Name Show
[Your Name] Show or [Your Name] Podcast
Best for personal brands and thought leaders. Simple, but requires you to be the draw. Examples: "The Tim Ferriss Show", "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard"
2. The Topic + Format
[Topic]: [Format or Promise]
Clearly signals what the show is about. Examples: "How I Built This", "Acquired", "My First Million"
3. The Invented Name
A unique word or phrase that becomes associated with the show over time. Higher branding ceiling, harder to search for initially. Examples: "Radiolab", "Freakonomics", "Ologies"
4. The Descriptive Title
Exactly what it says. Works well for niche topics. Examples: "The Daily", "Crime Junkie", "Stuff You Should Know"
Podcast Name Ideas by Topic
Business and Entrepreneurship
- The Founder's Edge, BuildMode, Bootstrapped Weekly
- Revenue Room, Zero to Launch, The Operator
Technology
- Stack Overflow (taken, but the pattern works), Build Log, Deploy Day
- The API Hour, Debug This, Version One
Health and Wellness
- The Reset, Vital Signs, Mind First
- Body Aligned, Well Said, The Wellness Stack
True Crime and Storytelling
- Case File, Dark Thread, The Record
- Unsolved, Witness, After the Fact
Comedy and Culture
- Off the Record, Hot Take, The Debrief
- Unfiltered, Side Notes, The Tangent
Step-by-Step: How to Name Your Podcast
Step 1: Define your listener in one sentence
"My podcast is for [specific audience] who want to [outcome or experience]."
Example: "My podcast is for indie founders who want honest stories about building a business without VC funding."
This sentence tells you what words belong in or around your name.
Step 2: Generate 20 to 30 candidates
Use an AI name generator to produce a large batch quickly. Enter keywords from your topic and target audience description. Run a few rounds with different styles.
Step 3: Filter for searchability
Search each candidate on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Look for:
- Are there other shows with the same or very similar name?
- Would someone searching your topic find this show?
Step 4: Check the domain and social handles
You'll eventually want a website and social media presence. Check that the .com and Instagram handle are available for your top candidates.
Step 5: Say it out loud
Record yourself saying "I've been listening to [podcast name]" as if recommending it to a friend. Does it sound natural? Is it clear how to spell it?
FAQ
Does my podcast name affect discoverability?
Yes, significantly. Podcast search algorithms on Apple Podcasts and Spotify heavily weight the show title. A name that includes your topic's keywords will rank better than a clever name that doesn't signal the content. If SEO matters to your growth strategy, prioritize searchability in your name.
Can I change my podcast name after launching?
Technically yes, but it's disruptive. Your existing listeners may not recognize the new name. Your show's SEO ranking resets. RSS feeds and directory listings need updating. It's worth spending extra time getting the name right before launch rather than rebranding later.
Should I use my own name as the podcast name?
Only if you're already known in your space or you're explicitly building a personal brand. For topical shows, a name that signals the content performs better in search. You can always include your name as the host in the subtitle.
How long should a podcast name be?
The main title should be under 40 characters so it displays fully in most podcast apps. Subtitles can carry more description — many successful shows use the format "Main Title: Subtitle" to balance brandability and searchability.
What if the name I want is taken on Apple Podcasts?
Having a similar name to another podcast isn't ideal but isn't a hard block unless it's in the same category. If the existing show is active and in your topic area, pick a different name. If the existing show is inactive or in a completely different category, you can proceed — but check for trademark issues first.
