How to Write a Podcast Description + Examples and Templates

Key takeaways

• Podcast descriptions matter because they’re one of the first things potential listeners look at.
• A good description has a few key elements: A clear explanation of what your podcast is about, what listeners will gain from it, and what makes you different. 
• Besides a description, you’ll also need an episode summary and show notes for each episode. Luckily, with Riverside, you can generate all of these automatically.

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A podcast description is one of the biggest factors in attracting new listeners. That can make writing a compelling podcast description feel intimidating.

The good news is, it’s much easier when you know what components matter and how to strategically craft your description so that you actually appeal to your ideal audience.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do that, plus examples and templates you can use along the way.

What is a podcast description?

A podcast description summarizes what your show is about (topic), who it’s for (listeners), what they’ll get out of listening (benefits), and what makes it different.

Podcast descriptions, show notes, and episode summaries often get confused. They’re all important, but each serves a different purpose:

• Podcast description: A short overview of your show as a whole that appears on your main show page in podcast playing apps. It’s one of the first things listeners see, along with artwork, when they browse your show. It should help new listeners decide whether to subscribe.
• Podcast show notes: An overview of an individual podcast episode that often includes a summary, timestamps, guest bios, calls to action, links and resources. Podcast show notes provide additional resources around an episode and help encourage engagement.
• Podcast episode summaries: A teaser for an individual podcast episode, usually a couple of sentences to hook listeners in. Episode summaries appear as a short text snippet along with an episode on many podcast listening platforms.

Where do I write my podcast description?

You can add your podcast description in your podcast hosting platform (Spotify for Creators, Captivate, Libsyn, Buzzsprout etc). When you first set up your podcast, your host will often prompt you to fill in this field, along with other details such as your podcast name, artwork, and topic categories. Your host then distributes this information (along with your episodes), to podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify via an RSS feed. From there, listeners will see the description when they browse your show and episodes. 

For example, here is a podcast description of the Smartless podcast:

You can change your podcast description at any time—simply log in to your host, go to your podcast settings, update the necessary field, and hit save/publish. Your podcast description will get updated on your host and across all connected podcast listening apps via the RSS feed.

How to write a podcast description (with examples)

Ready to write a compelling description for your podcast that hooks in listeners? Let’s walk through the steps to see what’s involved.

Step 1: Understand the purpose of your podcast

Before writing your description, get clear on the following:

• Your podcast’s main topic (personal finance, true crime, comedy).
• The format of your podcast (interviews, storytelling, solo commentary).
• Your ideal listener (age, interests, needs).
• Why they should listen (what they’ll learn, problems you solve, entertainment value).
• What makes your podcast unique (your expertise, humor, background).

Step 2: Get listeners to remember your podcast name

You want listeners to remember the name of your podcast. Use it early and naturally in your description so it sticks. This is important because if someone enjoys an episode but forgets to subscribe, they can easily recall your name later when searching the apps. Check out how This American Life smoothly inserts their name at the top of the podcast.

Step 3: Make your ideal audience clear

Make it clear who the podcast is aimed at (ideal audience) from the start with your opening statement. Make them feel that this podcast is meant for them! Here’s an example from the Crime Junkie podcast:

Step 4: Let listeners know why they should trust you

Make it clear from the podcast description why listeners should trust you as the podcast host.

For example: 

• What experience do you have? 
• Have you worked in the industry for a long time? 
• Are you award-winning, or have you worked with famous/respected people? 
• Do you have a compelling story, or perhaps you're well-known in your field?

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. The example below shows the description for the Huberman Lab podcast, which puts the host’s expertise front and center.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to be an expert to have a successful podcast. What matters is having a unique angle. Maybe you’re the most die-hard fan in your niche, or you have a distinct point of view or life experience. Or maybe you and your co-hosts just have that kind of chemistry that makes episodes fun and engaging! Whatever makes you different, lean into it and sell what you bring to the table.

Step 5: Explain the value listeners will receive

Attract your ideal audience by explaining what listeners can expect and the value you bring. For example, talk about the topics you’ll explore that they’re passionate about, and how you’ll inspire and motivate them each episode. Tease the type of guests you’ll interview, and what your audience will learn or be able to implement after listening.

Step 6: Finish with a clear CTA

Don’t forget to add a clear call to action in your podcast description. What would you like people to do after coming across your podcast? It may be too early to ask them to subscribe, especially if they’ve just come across you, so direct them to your trailer or a particular episode to check out. See below how the description for the Heavyweight podcast invites viewers to “join” the host.

Step 7: Optional details you can include

You may also want to include these extra details in your podcast description:

• Show format (interviews, solo commentary, news roundup)
• Release schedule (day, time, and frequency)
• Episode length
• Tagline (a short, catchy phrase or slogan that sums up your show and purpose)

These details are less compelling and important, so add them towards the end of your description. Always start with the most compelling content first. Here’s an example from On with Kara Swisher:

Podcast description templates with examples

Ready to start working on your podcast description? Hook your ideal listeners with the help of these compelling templates.

If you’re creating your own template, remember to include:

• A clear explanation of the podcast’s topic, theme or niche.
• A clear indication of who your ideal listener is and what value they’ll gain from listening.
• A clear unique selling proposition (USP), or what makes your podcast different from what already exists.
• Relevant keywords that will help your show appear in search results.

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 [host name(s)] 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.

Download podcast description templates and examples

Examples of good podcast descriptions

You don’t have to rigidly stick to the templates above. Use them as a guide, along with the examples below for inspiration to help you craft the best possible podcast description.

Example 1: Modern Wisdom

Why this works: This description is name-dropping and humble bragging—and it works! Referencing famous people you’ve worked with demonstrates they respect and value you, and that your podcast offers a lot of value. It’s also clear that listeners will get “a better understanding of the world” from listening.

How to improve: This description could be improved more by making it clearer who the audience is and ending with a clear call to action, such as checking out their trailer.

Example 2: Philosophize This!

Why this works: It’s clear who the target audience is in the first two sentences—beginners who are interested in philosophy. It also explains the value of the podcast: You’ll be learning about “the thinkers and ideas that forged the world we live in.”

How to improve: More information on the host(s) would help to add integrity, and a clear call to action could be used to direct people to the first episode.

Example 3: Swindled

Why this works: This description starts with a powerful hook. This isn’t just talking heads—this podcast is promising an immersive narrative experience. It tells listeners the types of stories they can expect and hints at why they matter (because they’ve “shaped our world in unimaginable ways.”) It also ends with a clear call to action.

How to improve: More information on the host(s) would help to entice listeners even more.

5 reasons to nail your podcast description

Let’s run through the top reasons why it’s important to get your podcast description right.

It brings in listeners

The data speaks for itself: A good podcast description is a key factor in attracting potential listeners. A survey of 780 podcast listeners found that the podcast description is the most important factor when evaluating a show. Survey respondents rated this higher than cover art or episode titles. 

It helps with SEO and discovery

Including keywords that potential listeners are using when searching for podcasts is basic podcast SEO, and it’s essential if you want to be found in Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

‍Beginners SEO Podcast uses the terms “search engine optimization” and “SEO tips” in its description, terms it knows its audience is likely to be searching for.

Pro Tip: Keywords are also important to use in your episode summaries for discovery and visibility. Riverside's automatic show notes does this for you!

It sets expectations

Setting expectations about your show helps ensure you connect with the right audience, and helps you avoid disappointing listeners who aren’t a good fit.

The Freakonomics Radio podcast description demonstrates exactly what content you’ll get if you listen.

It helps you connect with your audience

A podcast description can help you establish a connection with your audience even before they hit play. Speak directly to a pain point you know they have or show how your interests/passions align. Perhaps there’s a common joke or antidote you can use for your industry. This is the start of a long-term relationship, and it all starts with 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).

It builds credibility

A professional and engaging description makes your podcast credible and trustworthy, which is especially important for new podcasts trying to establish themselves. While a brand-new podcast may not have reviews, you can at least show that you’re invested and have made an effort.

FAQs about podcast descriptions

What’s the difference between a podcast description and podcast show notes?

Both are important but have different roles and purposes. A podcast description is a short overview of your show as a whole and appears on your main show page in places like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Podcast show notes provide an overview of an individual podcast episode. They often include a short episode summary, timestamps, and links to resources. They appear on the podcast episode page.

How long should a good podcast description be?

Technically, podcast platforms allow up to 4,000 characters for podcast descriptions, but these get cut off with a “read more” link after around 150 characters. While there is no magic formula when it comes to word count, people have short attention spans and will often skim content. Cut the waffle and make sure to include compelling information that will hook your listeners in—the shorter and snappier the better.

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