3 chapters across the catalog
Podcast titles are categorized into four types: cute/in-joke titles, lazy numbered titles, keyword-stuffed titles, and human-centric descriptive titles. The hosts argue for a structure that leads with a descriptive phrase followed by a guest name or "voice" hook to satisfy both search engines and human readers. They conclude that creators should "write for the stranger" while trusting regular listeners to tolerate less creative, more functional titles.
Importance of Feed Descriptions in Podcast Apps
A distinction is made between show notes on a website and the episode description field within a podcast feed. Many creators neglect the feed description, leaving it blank or using a one-liner, which prevents mobile app users from seeing the detailed pitch. The hosts stress that copying website show notes into the hosting platform's description field is a vital, free task that takes only 30 seconds.
Optimizing Podcast Episode Titles for Search and Discovery
Many podcast titles fail to attract new listeners because they rely on "cute" in-jokes rather than descriptive language. While creative titles can reinforce a show's voice for existing fans, functional titles are necessary for strangers to understand the value of an episode in search results. A hybrid approach—combining a creative hook with a descriptive phrase—is recommended to satisfy both loyal listeners and search algorithms.
