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Table of contents:
Key takeaways:
- The purpose of a description: A podcast description summarizes your show’s topic, host(s), and value to attract listeners.
- Increase discoverability: Including keywords improves SEO and helps your podcast stand out on platforms like Spotify.
- Clear descriptions set expectations, build credibility, and connect with your audience.
Feeling lost when it comes to writing your podcast description?
A dull description can have listeners scrolling right past your show, no matter how good it is.
This guide covers everything you need to know to write a podcast description, including the key elements to include, handy templates, and real-world examples.
Let’s get into it!
What is a podcast description?
A podcast show description is a concise summary describing your podcast to potential listeners. It typically includes the show’s topic, host(s), and what listeners can expect from episodes.
Good podcast descriptions are key to attracting new listeners, so it’s important to put some time and effort into writing one.
Side note: It’s important to know that podcast descriptions differ from podcast summaries found in individual episode show notes. Podcast descriptions are short overviews of the overall podcast, whereas the summary is a detailed summary of an individual episode.
Where does a podcast description appear?
A podcast description appears when you open a podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other podcast app. When someone browses through various podcasts and clicks on any of them, the description is the first thing they’ll see.
For example, here is a podcast description of the Smartless podcast:
You write your podcast description on your podcast hosting platform. In most of these platforms, you’ll find a section to add your podcast description when you’re setting up your show. It may be labeled “Description,” “Show Summary,” or something similar. Your description is included in your RSS feed and sent to podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Why is a great podcast description important?
You might think that your show’s cover art or episode titles impact potential podcast listeners the most. But, a survey of 780 podcast listeners found that people rated the podcast description as the No.1 most important factor when they’re evaluating a show.
The data speaks for itself – a good podcast description is key if you want to attract potential listeners. However, there are other compelling reasons to write a good description, like:
SEO and discovery
Podcast SEO is a lot like any other kind of SEO - it requires keywords. Just like websites optimize their content with relevant keywords to rank higher in Google’s search results, podcasts need to do the same with descriptions.
By including specific terms that potential listeners might use when searching for a podcast, you increase the likelihood of your podcast getting found on these directories. You can see how the podcast below uses some choice keywords that people interested in this topic might be searching for.
Top Tip: Boost your podcast SEO by including relevant keywords in your episode summaries as well. Riverside's automatic show notes do this for you!
Setting expectations
You should clearly describe your podcast so that people who see it know what to expect. Tell people what they’ll get if they hit play. This will attract the right audience and avoid disappointing those looking for something different.
For example, the description below for Freakonomics shows exactly what content you’ll get if you listen.
Audience connection
A podcast description can establish a connection to your audience even before they listen to your podcast.
Can you speak directly to a pain point you know they have? Can you show that your interests align with theirs?
This is the start of a long-term relationship, so it helps to make a good first impression!
Check out how Jay Shetty connects with his target audience through his podcast description for On Purpose with Jay Shetty (recorded on Riverside!).
Builds credibility
A professional and engaging description can make your podcast look credible and trustworthy. For new podcasts trying to establish themselves, this is crucial. While a brand-new podcast may not have reviews, you can at least show that you’re invested and have made an effort.
How to write a podcast description (with examples)
Ready to start writing a compelling description for your podcast. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Know your podcast inside and out
Before you start writing, you should clearly understand your podcast. You should know:
- Your podcast’s main topic (e.g., personal finance, true crime, comedy)
- The format of your podcast (e.g., interviews, storytelling, solo commentary)
- Your ideal listener (e.g., age, interests, needs)
- What makes your podcast unique (e.g., your expertise, humor, background)
Step 2: Make the opening statement relevant to your ideal listener
Open with a statement that lets your ideal audience know if the podcast is relevant to them. The description should make them feel “this podcast is meant for me!” Here’s an example of Crime Junkie doing this right:
Step 3: Let the audience know who you are
Your podcast description should also explain why someone should listen to your podcast. Look for details that set you apart from the rest. Have you won any awards in the field? Have you worked with famous people? Are you well-known in any way in your industry?
Add these details in.
Phrases like “respected industry expert” or “three decades of experience in the entertainment industry” will give listeners an idea of why you’re the best person for this niche. Below is an example of credibility used in the Mel Robbins Podcast.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to be an expert to have a successful podcast. Maybe you’re the most die-hard fan out there in your niche. Maybe you have a unique point of view or set of life experiences. Maybe you’re just really funny and engaging. Whatever it is, sell yourself and what you bring to the table!
Step 4: Explain the value listeners will receive
Let your listeners know what to expect from your podcast. Will you explore topics in niches they’re passionate about? Will you inspire and motivate them? Or will you bring on guests who will teach them great lessons? What value will they gain?
Whatever the case, mentioning these in your description can help you attract the right people.
Step 5: Bonus details
You can also add bonus details to your podcast description like:
- Show format (interviews, solo commentary, news roundup)
- Release schedule (date, time, frequency)
- Episode length
Because these details are more secondary, you’ll probably want to add them near the end of your description. This way, you can show the most compelling content first. Here’s an example.
Podcast description templates with examples
Below are some templates that you can use to create a compelling introduction to your show.
The main things to remember when writing a podcast description include:
- Make sure you clearly explain our podcast’s topic, theme, or niche
- Give a hint of who your ideal listeners are and what they will gain
- Explain what makes your podcast’s topic, theme, or niche special
- Include relevant keywords that will help your show appear in search results
Download podcast description templates and examples
Template 1: Self-improvement podcast
Ideal for: Business and entrepreneurship, health and fitness, personal development
[Podcast name] is the podcast for [target audience] who want to [achieve specific goal]. Join [host's name], a [host's credentials/experience], as they explore [main topics or themes] with a focus on [unique angle/approach]. Expect [format, e.g., in-depth discussions, practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories] and [what makes the podcast special, e.g., expert guests, exclusive content]. Tune in every [frequency] and start [call to action, e.g., your journey to, building your, unlocking your..].
Template 2: Storytelling podcast
Ideal for: True crime, personal stories, narrative-driven podcasts
Step into a world of [intrigue/emotion/connection] with [Host Name(s)] as we uncover [main theme or subject]. From [specific example, e.g., "unsolved mysteries and shocking discoveries"] to [another example, e.g., "the hidden stories behind everyday lives"], we bring you compelling narratives that captivate and inspire.
Each week, we’ll take you on a journey through [key elements of the podcast, e.g., "twists and turns," "real-life accounts," or "deeply personal moments"]. Whether you’re here for the thrill, the empathy, or the unexpected, [Podcast Name] is your ticket to [emotional hook, e.g., "explore the extraordinary in the ordinary"].
Template 3: Informative podcasts
Ideal for: Educational, news and politics, documentary, technology, hobbies and interests
Join [Your Name/Host Names] every [Frequency - e.g., week, other week] as we delve into the world of [Podcast Topic]. We'll explore [Specific aspects of the topic - e.g., the latest breakthroughs, key historical events, current debates] with expert guests, insightful analysis, and engaging discussions.
Whether you're a seasoned [Enthusiast of the topic] or just starting to learn, [Podcast Name] will keep you informed and engaged.
Examples of good podcast descriptions
Your podcast descriptions don’t need to fit in a particular box. They can be written in ways other than the templates above. Let’s look at some examples:
Example 1: Modern Wisdom
I mean, this description is just name-dropping and humble bragging. But it works! Mentioning famous people you’ve worked with shows that experts value you and that your podcast has a lot to offer. This description also clearly states what you’ll get out of the podcast - a better understanding of the world!
Example 2: Philosophize This!
This podcast nails its target audience in the second sentence. It also explains the value of the podcast. You’ll be learning about “the thinkers and ideas that forged the world we live in!”
Example 3: Swindled
This description starts off with a powerful hook. This isn’t just talking heads - this podcast is promising an immersive narrative experience. It tells readers what kinds of stories they can expect and hints at why those stories matter (because they’ve “shaped our world in unimaginable ways.”)
Final thoughts
Your podcast description may be your best chance to hook browsers and turn them into listeners. Take the time to make it great! Riverside can help. It uses advanced AI technology to automatically transcribe your recordings, then uses the transcript to build show notes, summaries, and chapters in a click. These can serve as a foundation for your podcast description, which you can further customize to align with your brand’s voice and style.
FAQs on podcast descriptions
Looking for more information? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between a podcast description vs. podcast show notes?
A podcast description provides a concise overview of the entire show. It helps potential listeners understand the podcast's topic, theme, and format.
Show notes, on the other hand, provide detailed information about individual episodes, including key topics discussed, guest information, timestamps, and links to resources mentioned during the episode.
Key differences
Podcast description:
- Provides an overview of entire podcast
- Generally remains unchanged
- Helps attract new listeners
- Usually shorter in length
Show notes:
- Episode-specific, detailed content
- Created for each new episode
- Contains timestamps, resources, links
- Usually longer in length
How long should a good podcast description be?
A good podcast description should be 50-170 words or 250-900 characters. While platforms allow for 4000 characters, podcast directories tend to cut off descriptions with a “read more” link after about 150 characters.
However, once you’ve summarized your podcast in 50-170 words, you can add additional details for SEO purposes. Just make sure the main points are in the first few paragraphs.
