Naming your podcast is that weird mix of fun and frustrating that makes you question all your creative decisions. You want something catchy, memorable, and somehow perfectly representative of hours of content you haven't even created yet. After all, the stakes are high—or at least they feel that way when you're staring at a blank page titled "Podcast Name Ideas." starting a show.

The truth is, your show's name matters—but probably less than you think. People ultimately stick around for great content that's insightful or entertaining, not just clever wordplay. It's like naming your kids: that initially awkward choice will eventually just feel right, because the content behind it gives it meaning.

That said, your title does serious heavy lifting. It's the first impression, the handshake, the quick elevator pitch before anyone hits play. A good podcast name telegraphs your content, establishes tone, and signals to your ideal audience that this show was made specifically for them.

There's also the purely practical angle: the right name boosts discoverability in podcast directories and search results. In the increasingly crowded audio universe, this isn't just marketing fluff—it's how potential listeners find you in the first place.

While no magic formula exists for the perfect podcast name, you can stack the odds in your favor. Start by exploring what's already out there—both the actual hits and the totally made-up examples we've created below. Sometimes inspiration comes from seeing what works (and what definitely doesn't).

60 best podcast name ideas

To get a sense of the different options and maybe spark some inspiration, browse the following lists of podcast names. You can choose one from this list, but it's probably better to use the names as inspiration for your own.

Catchy podcast name ideas

A catchy podcast name draws attention and encourages people to listen, much like a good book title. The right name can significantly boost your podcast's discoverability and help you stand out in crowded directories.

• Glamor Glow
• Polish, Pouts, and Powders
• Mirror Mirror
• Cultural Crossroads
• Voices in the Mosaic
• Kaleidoscope: Snapshots of Society
• C-Suite Secrets
• The Startup Staircase
• Pivot Point: Navigating Business Change
• Compass Chronicles: Tales from Abroad
• Passport Pals
• Cold Blooded

Creative podcast name ideas

Creative podcast name ideas revolve around being interesting or sparking imagination. These names make potential listeners think they'll broaden their perspectives on a topic or overcome prejudices. Creative names often perform well across different podcast genres from comedy to educational content.

• 2 Nerds and a Jock
• We're Just The Messengers
• What The Podcast
• Unwanted Voices
• The Good News Project
• The Podcast About Nothing
• The Hipster Show
• Uncut & Unfiltered
• The Weekly Vibes
• I Said What I Said
• That One Show With Zulu
• Hometown Crime

Clever podcast name ideas

Clever podcast names use fun wordplay and alliteration to capture attention. Names like 'Baking A Murder' (true crime + baking) or 'ZED Talks' (play on TED Talks) immediately communicate the podcast's concept while being memorable.

• LushLuxe Lounge
• Vanities and Virtues
• Silken Secrets
• Social Tapestry
• Profit Prophets
• Cutting Edge Commerce
• Money Moves
• Data Dances
• Code Chronicles
• Endless Horizons
• Travelers Tales
• The Culture Corner

Cool podcast name ideas

What defines “cool” is subjective, but overall, for a podcast name, it makes your target listeners feel like they're in the know.

• Life Talks
• The Cinephile Podcast
• Headlines & Hot Coffee: Waking Up to the World
• The Daily Dive
• Bytes & Bots
• Tomorrow's Blueprint
• Couch Critiques
• Snippet Stories
• Popcorn Perspectives
• Food For Thought
• Conscious Connect
• Laugh Riot Files

Unique podcast name ideas

A unique podcast name stands out in the sea of sameness. It gives listeners the feel that you and only you can provide the information they need. When checking name uniqueness, verify availability across podcast directories, domain names, and social media platforms to ensure consistent branding.

• Stories for The Soul
• Tech Titans
• Cinema Secrets
• Business Bytes
• The Daily AI
• Capital Chameleons
• Healing From Within
• Through the Cultural Lens
• Time Capsule Today
• Standup Sitdown
• Belly Laughs
• The Story Of …

Want more podcast name ideas for 2025? Try out Riverside's free podcast name generator to get the right name for your show. For example, if you want a funny podcast name idea, you just need to tell the generator your podcast genre and style preferences, and it'll generate relevant name suggestions tailored to your content.

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Always check for name availability before locking one in. Take your short list of potential podcast names and give each one a quick Google search to see if they exist in the real world. Also check podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, domain name availability, and social media handles to ensure consistent branding across platforms. If a name is already taken, just move on to the next one. No name is worth the confusion and potential legal problems that come from copying another show.

How genre-specific naming strategies can refine your brand

Choosing a podcast name that reflects your show's genre is often the secret sauce for attracting the right audience. Comedy podcasts may use playful puns or pop-culture references, while finance podcasts tend to favor titles that convey credibility and expertise. In the tech space, titles often highlight innovation or cutting-edge themes to catch the ear of digitally savvy listeners. Tying your name closely to a genre can immediately signal what your show is about, saving potential listeners from guesswork. It can also spark curiosity by positioning your podcast alongside popular subgenres they already enjoy. By weaving in keywords and the thematic hook of your niche, your name becomes an instant ambassador for your brand identity.

How to create podcast name ideas

Coming up with a great podcast name is one of the most important parts of the whole process (not as important as topic ideas, though).

Here are 10 tips for coming up with the perfect name for your podcast.

1. Brainstorm podcast name ideas

With podcast name ideas, more is more. Take into account the topic, genre, and tone of your podcast and start scribbling down any and all possible show titles. You want something descriptive yet interesting. Try plays on words, break out the thesaurus, and make word clouds — any synonym or related word may spark inspiration. Ask friends for feedback or try a name generator for additional ideas. You can always whittle your list down later.

For example, if you're going to start a podcast about money, you might think to use words like “money,” “budget,” and “saving.” But The Financial Feminist went with a related term that added some alliteration instead. With “financial” the show's name rolls off the tongue and gives listeners more information about its message.

2. Consider your audience

Your listeners are the life force of your show, so your name should appeal to them. Figure out who they are, what they want from your podcast, and what keywords they might use to find content like yours. Understanding your audience demographics helps shape effective naming decisions that will resonate with your target listeners.

Serial was a fantastic name for a crime podcast show for journalists and true crime enthusiasts: “Serial” is common journalistic parlance for a story told in installments, and the word also sounds a little bit like “serious” and “serial killer” — perfect for a show whose first season was about a murder case.

Similarly, the show "Boom! Lawyered" immediately communicates that it's a show about legal matters that doesn't take itself too seriously.

3. Study names of successful podcasts

When you're looking for a name, think about other show titles that you believe work or don't work, then consider why. There are a few broad naming conventions you'll notice:

• Short, simple, and direct titles like Crime Junkie and Pop Culture Happy Hour rely on important keywords to convey information. That way, they tend to perform well in searches on Google or in a podcast app.
• Clever titles that use puns or esoteric terms are eye-catching and memorable, but they rely heavily on context. Names like these work if they relate clearly to their niche. The title Parks and Recollection doesn't deliver much information about the show's content. But in a list of TV show podcasts or next to the cover art, which features Rob Lowe and a very recognizable font, it's immediately clear that Parks and Recollection recounts the making of that sitcom.
• Some abstract titles, like Trust Me: Cults, Extreme Belief, and the Use of Power use a colon and subtitle to provide more context. However, Apple Podcasts in particular is strict about keyword stuffing titles and may reject your podcast.
• Many podcasts incorporate existing brands or the name of a recognizable host — think of The Ezra Klein Show or The Atlas Obscura Podcast. These titles work well if you have an established audience that already knows what to expect from your content.

4. Keep your podcast name concise

Most successful podcast titles are short and snappy. In fact, according to the content creation company Pacific Content, which actually did the research on this in 2019, about half of all podcast titles are between 14 and 29 characters — as in, between Generation Why and My Brother, My Brother and Me. While this research is from 2019, the principle of keeping names concise remains relevant for podcast discoverability in 2025.

That may not seem like enough, but there are plenty of ways to include extra information about your show's topic. You can add it into the description or illustrate it in your cover art, for example.

For example, The Daily from the New York Times is only nine characters long, but it manages to convey a lot in a small package. The logo is bold and striking because the name is short enough to be big, and it also incorporates the New York Times logo, which tells new listeners that it's serious, factual, and from a well-known news source.

5. Include relevant search terms

Make sure that potential listeners can find your podcast on the internet by naming it with words and phrases that someone might use to find a show like yours. This connection between your podcast name and discoverability is crucial for marketing success.

Aim to include relevant keywords in your name, provider name, and episode titles, since search engines and podcast directories comb through these sections to find matches for keyword searches. (It's worth noting that they don't scan podcast descriptions.) Free keyword tool websites like wordstream.com or keywordtool.io can help you find popular search terms for your topic. For podcast-specific keywords, look at trending topics in your genre on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

6. Avoid keyword stuffing

Keyword stuffing is the practice of including unnecessary but relevant search terms in a podcast title — stuff like The Ira-Joe-O-Cast: A Comedy Podcast for Fans of This American Life, Joe Rogan, and Oprah Winfrey. This is a common pitfall to avoid when naming your podcast.

Not only is the practice spammy, but podcast hosting platforms like Apple Podcasts reject any show titles that appear to have been keyword stuffed. Great content will earn you more loyal fans than shady SEO ever will.

7. Skip the word "podcast" in your name

The word “podcast” doesn't just take up precious space in a show title that ought to be short, it's also redundant. (Imagine if it was called The Simpsons TV Show or The Goodfellas Movie.)

Exceptions to this rule include podcasts about podcasts, like How to Start a Podcast by the podcast hosting site Buzzsprout, or titles that rely on already well-known figures and brands, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe Podcast (though on the latter, why?).

Feel free to use the word “podcast” in your social media handles and on your website — in fact, doing so may boost SEO for the rest of your web presence.

8. Test your name by saying it aloud

Because your audience is going to both see and hear your show's title, practice saying it out loud as often as possible. Make sure it's easy to pronounce — you don't want to be stumbling and mumbling every time you say it. And if you're investing in podcast promotion, you definitely don't want potential listeners stumbling when they say it.

Then consider whether there are any words, punctuation symbols, acronyms, or homonyms that create ambiguity. Spoken numbers are especially tricky because they might refer to the numerals or the written number.

If you'd never seen it written, would you know that the show was 99% Invisible or would you guess that it was “Ninety-Nine Percent Invisible”? Most of us don't have Roman Mars's silky baritone to carry us over that search discrepancy.

9. Ensure your podcast name is unique

Using the name of another podcast is not only confusing to potential audiences, but it can also lead to legal issues. Do your due diligence before settling on any name: Check Google, Namecheckr, and podcast directories like Apple Podcast and Spotify. Also check your potential domain names and social media handles, since you'll want those to be unique (and available) as well for consistent branding across platforms. After the first episode is published, a podcast's name is considered trademarked intellectual property; you can check copyrighted and trademarked terms via Google.

Also check your potential domain names and social media handles, since you'll want those to be unique (and available) as well. After the first episode is published, a podcast's name is considered trademarked intellectual property; you can check copyrighted and trademarked terms via Google.

10. Get feedback on your name ideas

Once you've found a name you love, talk about it with everyone: friends, family, colleagues, strangers. Find out what they think about your podcast title, what it tells them, and what it makes them expect. Ask for their opinions and feedback and take it all to heart. An outside perspective might help you see issues you may have overlooked. This network feedback is especially valuable for catching potential negative associations or pronunciation difficulties.

Ensuring name availability to secure your brand identity

Before you commit to a podcast name, do a thorough search across all major platforms to see if someone else is already using it. Start with domain registry sites to check whether a clear .com or .fm version of your name is up for grabs. Next, scout Apple Podcasts and Spotify to confirm that no existing shows share your potential title. One recommended approach is to consult the USPTO database for potential trademark conflicts, especially if you plan to monetize your show. Clearing each hurdle ensures that your branding remains consistent, distinctive, and free from legal landmines. Once you verify availability, lock down your name, handles, and domain so you can start marketing with confidence.

Podcast name ideas FAQ

What are good podcast name ideas?

The name of your podcast should reflect its content, your personality, and the message you want to share with your audience. For example, if your podcast is about personal growth, you could name it "Evolve with (Your Name)" or "Check This Growth." When considering podcast name ideas for 2025, think about what will remain relevant as your show grows.

Should I name my podcast after myself?

Naming your podcast after yourself is a good idea if you're already a known figure, and potentially if you're building a personal brand. If you're not a household name, though, it's a better idea to name your podcast something more descriptive that helps with discoverability and clearly communicates your content's value.

What are some good podcast names?

Some podcast name ideas could be "The Daily Grind," "Mindful Moments," "Tech Trends Today," "Cooking Chronicles," "Wanderlust Stories," "Startup Uncovered," "Beyond the Bookshelf," or "Fitness Fundamentals." The name really depends on your podcast's topic and tone.

What does the name of my podcast say about me?

The name of your podcast is often a listener's first impression of what to expect from your show. It communicates the topic and tone of your podcast. A catchy and meaningful name can express your passion and knowledge about a topic, helping you attract and retain listeners. For podcasts in 2025, your name is also a crucial part of your discoverability strategy across increasingly crowded podcast directories.

How do I ensure my podcast name doesn't infringe on existing trademarks?

The most reliable step is to search the USPTO database to check whether your chosen name is already trademarked. If you find a conflicted name, it's best to pick a different one to avoid legal trouble. Consider consulting an expert if you’re unsure about the nuances of trademark law. In many cases, free directory and Google searches aren't enough because they won't uncover all registered trademarks.

What are some common pitfalls when choosing a podcast name?

Many creators choose names that are either too generic, too long, or already in use, leading to confusion and weak brand recall. Overstuffing the name with keywords can also backfire, since platforms like Apple Podcasts may reject titles that appear spammy. Another misstep is failing to do a thorough search on podcast directories and social media to check for duplicates. Always strive for a name that's easy to pronounce, memorable, and relevant to your content.

How do I manage social media handles for my podcast?

First, pick handles that match your podcast name as closely as possible to ensure consistency across platforms. If the exact handle is taken, opt for a slight variation that’s still easy to remember. Secure these usernames early in the naming process to avoid losing them to another brand. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram can help you gauge availability quickly, but always confirm your choices are free of any trademark conflicts before you finalize.