How to Make a Great Podcast Intro

No matter what topic you’re covering or what guests you’re interviewing, every podcast episode you ever release should have one element in common: your podcast intro. Because it will kick off every single one of your episodes, it’s vital that you use your podcast intro to make a great first impression. After all, every time you release a new episode, chances are there’s at least one listener tuning in for the very first time. And attention spans are short these days. This brand-new listener probably has a whole lineup of podcasts downloaded. If you don’t give them a reason to listen from the get-go, they’ll probably skip ahead to the next podcast on their list.

That’s why creating a great podcast intro is so important. This (approximately) 30-60 second blurb is your chance to set the tone for your show, be unique, and establish yourself as an expert on the topic at hand. 

What Goes Into a Great Podcast Intro?

Provide vital information

Using a voiceover in your intro is an easy way to provide your listeners with the most important information on your podcast. 

When you’re thinking about what information you really need to include in your podcast intro, the best thing to do is think about this scenario: a new listener is on their way to the grocery store, and they’re hoping to fill the time by trying out a podcast. What details are going to grab this person, who only has a few minutes to spare? 

Every podcast is different, and what you decide is vital might vary from what another podcaster would decide. But there are three elements that should always be included in your podcast intro: 

1. The host’s name(s)
2. The podcast title
3. A description of what the podcast is about.

Why are those three elements so important? Because you can’t assume that every listener knows who you are or what your podcast is about. So be sure you share who you (the host) are. Make sure you tell them the title of the podcast so they know how to search for it and listen again in the future. And come up with a short “elevator pitch” of sorts to expain what the podcast is about, and what listeners can come to expect from it.

Once you’ve provided that information, you have some wiggle room with the other elements you decide to include. Depending on the tone and theme of your show, you could incorporate the name of the upcoming episode, what you’ll be talking about in the episode, the names of guests you’re interviewing, directions on how to find show notes, and/or your podcast’s sponsors. 

Include music

Making your podcast intro unique and memorable depends strongly on your choice of intro music. Music has a way of sticking in someone’s head in a very special way. 

Try this: think of your very favorite television shows. Can you conjure their theme music in your head almost instantly? The answer is probably a resounding yes! That’s the power of music. 

Now, when it comes to picking music, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. First, you want it to be unique. Make an effort to avoid choosing gimmicky or overused music. Second, you must be aware of copyright. You can’t just use your favorite song and call it a day. There are a couple of ways to avoid any copyright issues. You can either browse a royalty-free/stock music website, or you can create your own music. Obviously, creating your own intro music or paying someone to create it for you is the best way to get something completely unique and branded for your specific podcast.

Be consistent

The most important thing to remember when creating a great podcast intro is to be consistent! Your podcast intro is the one spot in your podcast that should never significantly change. That consistency and reliability can be very comforting for listeners. Again, think of your favorite television shows. How would you feel if one of those shows changed their intro (music, font, images, the works) a few seasons in? Would the show Friends really be the same without hearing the tune of “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts at the beginning? To say the least, it would be jarring. 

People like returning to something that’s familiar. This is also how you develop over time an emotional tie and recognition of your podcast’s brand.

So let consistency be your guiding principle when it comes to your podcast intro.

Check out other podcasts

If you’re having trouble making your podcast intro, it’s always a good idea to use established podcasts for inspiration. For some examples of great podcast intros, check out The Freedom Club Podcast, The Marketing Secrets Show, and Happier with Gretchen Rubin.

What are some of your favorite podcast intros? Share any that we missed in the comments!

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