Figuring out how to name a podcast can feel like an impossible task. You want something memorable, searchable, and authentic to your content, but every idea you brainstorm sounds generic or fails to capture what makes your show unique.
The pressure mounts because you know this decision will follow your show forever, appearing on every platform and in every conversation about your podcast. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to not only name a podcast but build a brand with it. Here’s what they are.
How Important Is the Name of a Podcast?
Your podcast name carries serious weight. Research shows that 64% of listeners say they will at least preview a podcast based on its name alone, so it’s a powerful first impression tool.
More often than not, your title sets expectations for the content quality and tone. Listeners make split-second judgments about whether your show aligns with their interests based on the name they see in search results, so a catchy podcast name can go a long way.
How to Come Up with a Podcast Name in 7 Steps
1. Define Your Podcast’s Purpose and Audience
Start by identifying the core transformation or outcome your podcast delivers to listeners. Your name should hint at the end result people get from your show overall, not necessarily describe EVERY topic you’ll ever cover.
Your audience should immediately understand what they’ll gain by listening, whether that’s actionable business advice, entertainment, personal growth, or industry insights.
For example, a podcast about entrepreneurship could focus on the freedom aspect with a name like “Unbound Business” rather than the generic “Business Basics.”
For example, my podcast, Unbreakable Brands®, teaches entrepreneurs & CEOs how to build a rock-solid brand instead of blending in. In my show, I break down the unbreakable brands that stood the test of time and what strategies you can use to rise above the sea of sameness.
2. Write Down Words Related to Your Topic
Create a list of words that connect to your podcast’s core themes, your audience’s pain points, and the outcomes you provide. Include emotional words, action verbs, and metaphors that resonate with your niche.
For example, for a personal finance podcast, your list might include: wealth, freedom, budget, invest, secure, build, legacy, smart, stack, compound, thrive. At the same time, a productivity podcast could explore words like: flow, momentum, clarity, systems, peak, and streamline.
Don’t limit yourself to obvious terms.
Brainstorm adjacent concepts that capture the feeling or experience of your podcast’s identity. Write down everything that comes to mind, even if it seems unrelated initially.
➡️ Check out these podcast website examples for inspiration!
3. Try Combining Two Words
For a creative podcast name, you can take two words from your brainstormed list (or just any two words) and merge them into a completely new word. This technique creates original names that didn’t exist before you invented them.
Think AllBirds (all + birds), FedEx (Federal + Express), or AirJordans (air + Jordans). These weren’t real words until companies created them by combining existing concepts.
This approach gives you a unique, brandable name that competitors can’t easily copy. Write down every combination that comes to mind, or use AI tools to generate options based on your word list. I don’t recommend 100% relying on AI or free podcast name generators, but they can be helpful to get your creative juices flowing!
4. Play with Alliteration
Alliterative names stick in listeners’ minds because the repeated sounds create a natural rhythm that’s easy to remember and fun to say.
“Coffee with Creatives,” “Marketing Made Simple,” or “Business Brain Trust” are all examples that use this technique to become more memorable than their non-alliterative alternatives.
Make sure your alliteration sounds natural and not forced.
“Startup Stories” works better than “Startup Success Secrets” because the former flows smoothly and the latter feels overdone. Test your options by saying them multiple times. The best podcast titles maintain their appeal even after repetition and don’t become tongue twisters.
5. Turn Common Phrases Upside Down
Take familiar expressions and twist them to create something unexpected that still carries meaning. When done right, the listeners will immediately recognize the reference and appreciate the clever modification.
If you use a pun or play on words, lean into it completely like “Pod Save America” does with “God Save America.”
Your twisted phrase should maintain enough connection to the original that people recognize the reference AND understand how it relates to your podcast topic. Half-hearted wordplay confuses listeners.
Here are a few ideas of common phrases to play with:
- Slow and steady wins the race
- Time is money
- Practice makes perfect
- The early bird catches the worm
- Actions speak louder than words
- Think outside the box
- Break the ice
- Hit the nail on the head
The main ways potential listeners discover new podcasts are through charts and recommendations on their podcast app. A name that cleverly turns something familiar upside down can catch their attention as they scroll through different options.
For example, I helped one of my clients name her SEO-focused podcast “Behind the Clicks,” a play on “Behind the Scenes.”
6. Try Unexpected Word Combinations
Pair words that don’t typically go together to create intrigue and memorability. For example, “Radiolab” combines “radio” with “laboratory” to suggest experimental audio content. “99% Invisible” merges a percentage with an abstract concept to hint at hidden design elements in everyday life.
These unexpected pairings force your target audience to think for a moment about what the show might cover, creating engagement before they even press play.
Look for combinations that seem contradictory or unusual but make sense within your podcast’s context. A finance show might use “Broke Millionaire,” or a productivity podcast could be called “Slow Rush.” A great podcast name sparks curiosity.
7. Consider Your Larger Brand
Your podcast name should align with your existing brand if it’s part of a larger business or personal brand. The show can either directly reference your company name, like “The GaryVee Audio Experience,” or complement your brand’s messaging and values without explicit naming.
If you don’t have an existing brand or want your podcast to be completely separate, you’ll need to create a comprehensive brand strategy for your podcast. Beyond the podcast name, you’ll also need unique podcast branding, podcast cover art design, and more.
➡️ Check out this podcast episode I did with the Podcast Cafe on making your podcast brand stand out!
How to Check If a Podcast Name Is Taken
Once you have a solid list of 3-5 names, do a basic podcast search on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts to see if another show is already using them. You should also run them through your country’s copyright database.
If the name for your podcast appears not taken, look up the URL and social media handles to make sure they’re available, too.
Working with a Lawyer
Even if all your searches come back clear, it’s still a smart idea to work with a trademark lawyer to check for true ownership. It’s important to run a risk assessment before pouring money into a podcast that you eventually might not even be able to truly own.
How to Secure a Podcast Name
After verifying that your show title is available, it’s time to claim it! Register the domain name and secure matching social media handles across all major platforms, even if you don’t plan to use them right away.
This prevents competitors or opportunists from grabbing your brand assets later when your podcast gains traction.
Podcast Name Ideas
Sometimes the best way to come up with the perfect podcast name is to look at some inspiration. Here are a few podcast names that Bethany Works® helped our clients create.
The Mutiny Model Podcast
We had two naming strategy sessions to develop this title. The client wanted alliteration and rebellion without being too cliché.
The name captures the essence of going against conventional business wisdom and breaking established rules to build something better. “Mutiny” suggests organized rebellion with purpose, while “Model” indicates a systematic approach. Perfect for entrepreneurs ready to challenge industry norms!
I’m Into This Place
While we could have chosen something descriptive like “Clark County Arts and Culture,” that would have limited the show’s growth potential. The client wanted to expand into different regional areas similar to CityBeat, so the name had to be unique and scalable.
“I’m Into This Place” works anywhere while maintaining the enthusiastic, personal tone that makes cultural exploration feel accessible and exciting. It’s the feeling of the show “I’m Into This Place” and highlight local arts, culture, and shopping in regional areas.
Behind the Clicks
This business and marketing podcast dives deep into SEO and content marketing, uncovering the real strategies that convert lurkers into customers. The name cleverly plays on “behind the scenes” but specifically references the digital marketing world of clicks and conversions.
It promises insider knowledge and practical tactics, not surface-level advice, positioning the show as THE place for actionable SEO strategies that actually work.
FAQs
What Is a Good Name for a Podcast?
A good podcast name immediately communicates the value or outcome listeners will receive, is easy to remember and pronounce, and stands out in a crowded marketplace. It should be specific enough to attract your target audience but broad enough to allow content flexibility as your show evolves. A successful podcast name creates curiosity in just a few words.
Should I Name My Podcast After Myself?
Naming your podcast after yourself works best when you’re already an established authority in your field or when your personal brand is central to the content strategy. Shows like “The Tim Ferriss Show” succeed because the host’s reputation drives listener interest. However, if you’re building a podcast as part of a larger business or don’t have a large following yet, a concept-based name often works better for podcast discoverability and scalability.
Does My Podcast Name Have to Be Unique?
Yes. Your podcast name is one of the first things new listeners see, so it should spark interest and make you stand out. A unique name is also much easier to trademark and protect as your brand grows. If there’s another podcast with a similar name in a completely different niche (like a comedy podcast when you’re doing business content), you might consider it if the name REALLY works, but that’s generally not the best approach. It creates unnecessary confusion and limits your branding potential.
Do I Need to Copyright My Podcast Name?
You can’t copyright your podcast name, but you can trademark it. Copyright law protects the content of your podcast, not its name. You don’t automatically need to file for trademark protection, but it’s worth considering if your podcast becomes a significant revenue source or if you plan to expand into related products and services. Consider working with a trademark lawyer.
Can Two Podcasts Have the Same Name?
Technically, yes, but it’s not a good idea. Multiple podcasts can share identical names as long as they don’t create consumer confusion in the same market category. However, having the same name as another show makes it difficult for listeners to find you, hurts your search rankings, and prevents you from building a strong, recognizable brand.
Can You Name a Podcast Whatever You Want?
It’s your own podcast, so most title ideas are fair game. However, there are still a few restrictions that you need to consider. Avoid names that infringe on existing trademarks, contain offensive language that platforms might reject, or mislead listeners about your content. Platform guidelines and local laws may also impose limitations, so research any potential legal issues before finalizing your choice. A lawyer can be helpful for this.
How Do I Name My Podcast for SEO?
Keep the podcast name focused on the takeaway or end result instead of trying to stuff it with relevant keywords. Let your tagline and episode/podcast descriptions handle the detailed, keyword-rich content. Podcast platforms allow you to optimize for search after launch through show descriptions, episode titles, and tags. A clear, benefit-focused name performs better than a keyword-heavy title that sacrifices memorability.
Get A Creative Podcast Branding and Website
Choosing the perfect podcast name is just the beginning of building a successful show. Your podcast also needs a cohesive visual identity, compelling messaging, and strategic positioning that sets you apart from the competition and puts you in front of the right audience.
At Bethany Works®, we specialize in psychology-backed naming, branding, and website design for fierce visionaries and tenacious creatives. Learn more about our design services!
More Branding Resources
- Build your personal brand: How to Define Your Brand Persona
- Choose your brand colors: Color Psychology in Branding
