Podcast Title Generator
Generate engaging podcast episode titles that boost discovery and listener engagement. Get AI-powered title suggestions with engagement and SEO scoring.
Episode Details
Tell us about your podcast episode to generate optimized titles
What Makes a Great Podcast Title?
Your podcast title is the first thing potential listeners see. Our AI analyzes:
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Podcast Title Length Guide
Why Podcast Titles Matter for Discovery
Your podcast episode title is the most critical factor in whether someone clicks "play" or keeps scrolling. In an oversaturated podcast landscape with over 3 million active shows, a compelling title can be the difference between 50 downloads and 5,000 downloads.
Podcast titles serve multiple purposes: they need to rank in Apple Podcasts and Spotify search, capture attention in podcast apps, perform well on social media, and accurately represent your content to build listener trust. Unlike YouTube where thumbnails share the spotlight, podcast titles often stand alone in driving discovery.
of listeners discover new podcasts through search
more clicks with optimized titles
optimal character count for visibility
The Psychology of Podcast Title Discovery
When scrolling through podcast apps, listeners make split-second decisions. Research shows you have less than 2 seconds to capture attention. Titles that ask questions, promise transformation, or hint at insider knowledge significantly outperform generic descriptive titles.
Apple Podcasts and Spotify algorithms prioritize episode engagement. If your title drives clicks and listens, the platforms will surface your episode to more users. This creates a flywheel effect where a great title leads to better rankings, which leads to more listeners, which leads to even better rankings.
Podcast Title Best Practices
Follow these proven strategies to craft podcast episode titles that maximize discovery and engagement:
Lead with Your Target Keyword
Place your primary keyword in the first 5 words. Podcast search algorithms heavily weight the beginning of titles. If your episode is about "email marketing strategies," start with those exact words rather than burying them at the end.
Use Guest Names Strategically
If interviewing someone well-known in your niche, include their name early in the title. Format: "[Guest Name]: [Topic/Value Proposition]" works exceptionally well. However, if the guest isn't famous, lead with the topic instead.
Create Curiosity with Specificity
Vague titles like "Marketing Tips" fail. Specific titles like "How We Got 10,000 Email Subscribers in 30 Days" succeed. Numbers, timeframes, and concrete outcomes create curiosity while setting clear expectations.
Keep It Under 60 Characters
Most podcast apps truncate titles after 50-60 characters on mobile. Frontload your most important information. If you must go longer, ensure the first 60 characters can stand alone as a complete thought.
Solve a Problem or Promise Value
The best titles answer "What's in it for me?" Use formats like "How to [achieve result]" or "[Number] Ways to [solve problem]." Make the benefit crystal clear within seconds of reading.
Use Power Words Sparingly
Words like "Ultimate," "Secret," "Proven," and "Insider" can boost engagement when used authentically. Overuse makes you sound gimmicky. Limit to one power word per title, and only when it genuinely fits.
Test Controversial Angles
Titles that challenge conventional wisdom generate more shares. "Why [Popular Belief] Is Wrong" or "The Truth About [Controversial Topic]" work well—but only if your content backs it up. Never use controversy as pure clickbait.
Maintain Consistency Within Your Show
If you have recurring segments, use consistent formatting. Example: "Listener Q&A: [Topic]" or "Case Study: [Company Name]." This helps loyal listeners quickly identify content types they enjoy.
Avoid Generic Episode Numbers
"Episode 47: Marketing Tips" tells new listeners nothing. If you must include episode numbers, put them at the end: "How to 10x Your Conversion Rate [Ep. 47]." Better yet, skip numbers entirely for better search performance.
Optimize for Voice Search
Many listeners discover podcasts through voice assistants. Use natural language that sounds good when spoken aloud. "How do I start a podcast?" works better than "Podcast Starting Guide 2026."
Proven Podcast Title Formulas
These battle-tested formulas drive millions of podcast listens across all genres:
The Question Formula
[Compelling Question Your Audience Is Asking]?Example: "Can You Really Make Money Podcasting in 2026?"
Why it works: Questions create an information gap that listeners want to fill. Best for solo episodes and educational content.
The How-To Formula
How to [Achieve Specific Result] Without [Common Obstacle]Example: "How to Grow Your Podcast Without Spending on Ads"
Why it works: Clear value proposition plus addressing a pain point. The most reliable formula for evergreen content.
The Numbered List Formula
[Number] [Adjective] [Things] to [Achieve Result] in [Timeframe]Example: "7 Proven Strategies to Double Your Listeners in 90 Days"
Why it works: Numbers set clear expectations and promise actionable takeaways. Odd numbers (5, 7, 9) perform slightly better than even numbers.
The Controversial/Contrarian Formula
Why [Common Belief] Is Wrong (And What to Do Instead)Example: "Why Daily Podcasting Is Killing Your Growth (And What Works Better)"
Why it works: Challenges assumptions and promises insider knowledge. Creates strong engagement and social shares.
The Story/Behind-the-Scenes Formula
The [Adjective] Story of How [Person/Company] [Achieved Result]Example: "The Untold Story of How Joe Rogan Built a Podcast Empire"
Why it works: Humans are wired for stories. Works exceptionally well for interview and narrative podcasts.
The Mystery/Curiosity Formula
The [Adjective] [Thing] That [Unexpected Outcome]Example: "The Simple Email That Generated $100K in Revenue"
Why it works: Creates a curiosity gap without revealing everything. Strong for case studies and success stories.
How Apple Podcasts and Spotify Rank Episodes
Understanding podcast platform algorithms is crucial for maximizing your episode's reach. Both Apple Podcasts and Spotify use sophisticated ranking systems that heavily weight your episode title.
Apple Podcasts Ranking Factors
1Keyword Matching
Apple Podcasts scans episode titles for exact keyword matches. The closer your keywords are to the beginning of the title, the stronger the ranking signal. Use natural language that matches how people search.
2Engagement Velocity
Episodes that generate quick plays after publishing get boosted. A compelling title that drives immediate clicks can trigger Apple's "New and Noteworthy" consideration.
3Completion Rate
If your title accurately represents content, listeners will finish episodes. High completion rates signal quality to Apple's algorithm, boosting future episode rankings.
4Show Authority
Established shows with consistent engagement get ranking preference. Even with great titles, new podcasts need time to build algorithmic trust through regular publishing.
Spotify's Discovery Algorithm
Personalized Recommendations
Spotify uses machine learning to recommend episodes based on listening history. Titles with clear topic indicators help Spotify's AI categorize your content accurately. Be specific about your episode's subject matter.
Search Query Optimization
Spotify's search heavily weights episode titles. Unlike Apple Podcasts which also considers show descriptions, Spotify focuses on exact title matches. Include synonyms and variations of your target keyword when possible.
Engagement Metrics
Spotify tracks saves, follows, and shares. Compelling titles that drive these actions signal high-quality content. The algorithm then recommends your episode to users with similar listening patterns.
Playlist Placement
Spotify creates automated playlists based on topics. Clear, keyword-rich titles help your episode get included in relevant playlists, dramatically increasing discoverability beyond your subscriber base.
Pro Tip: Both platforms reward consistency. Publishing on a regular schedule with optimized titles builds algorithmic momentum over time. Your 50th episode with a great title will outperform your 1st episode with the same title due to accumulated platform trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Podcast Titles
What's the ideal podcast episode title length?▼
50-60 characters is optimal for podcast titles. Apple Podcasts displays approximately 60 characters on desktop before truncating, while Spotify shows around 50-55 characters on mobile. Front-load your most important keywords and hooks within this limit. If you must go longer, ensure the first 50 characters convey the episode's value proposition completely.
Should I include my podcast show name in episode titles?▼
No, avoid redundancy. Podcast apps already display your show name separately. Using precious title characters to repeat your show name wastes space that should describe the episode's content. Focus entirely on what makes this specific episode valuable and searchable.
Can I change episode titles after publishing?▼
Yes, and you should test it if performance is poor. Podcast platforms allow title updates anytime. If your episode underperforms in the first week, try a different title approach. However, major changes to highly-ranked episodes may temporarily affect their position while the new title gets reindexed.
Should I use clickbait podcast titles?▼
No—use curiosity, not deception. The difference is fulfillment: clickbait promises what you don't deliver, curiosity-driven titles tease what you do deliver. Misleading titles hurt completion rates, which damages your algorithmic rankings. Create intrigue while staying 100% honest about your content.
Do episode numbers help or hurt podcast SEO?▼
They typically hurt discoverability for new listeners. "Episode 127" tells potential listeners nothing about content and wastes title space. However, loyal subscribers may appreciate episode numbers for chronology. If you must include them, put them at the end in brackets: "[Ep. 127]" or skip them in titles and include them in descriptions instead.
How do I write titles for interview-based podcasts?▼
Lead with the guest if they're famous in your niche; otherwise, lead with the topic. Format: "[Guest Name]: [Valuable Insight/Topic]" works well when the guest has name recognition. For lesser-known guests, use: "[Topic/Value Proposition] with [Guest Name]." Always prioritize searchable topics over guest names unless the guest is a household name.
What are the best hook words for podcast titles?▼
High-performing hook words include: Secret, Untold, Proven, Ultimate, Essential, Controversial, Hidden, Insider, Shocking, Urgent, Unexpected, Breakthrough, Definitive, and Exposed. Use them sparingly and authentically. Overuse dilutes impact and damages credibility with your audience.
How often should I update my podcast title strategy?▼
Review your title performance every 10-20 episodes. Check which titles generated the most listens and try to identify patterns. Do numbered lists perform better than questions? Do controversial angles drive more shares? Use these insights to refine your approach. Also test new formulas quarterly to avoid creative stagnation.
Should podcast titles be different for YouTube vs audio platforms?▼
Yes, optimize separately when possible. YouTube titles can be longer (60-70 chars) and benefit from different formulas due to visual thumbnails. Podcast-only platforms rely more heavily on title-driven discovery. If distributing to both, create YouTube-optimized titles with timestamps and visual hooks, while keeping audio platform titles more concise and keyword-focused.
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