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Once you’ve decided to launch a podcast as part of your content strategy, that podcast needs a podcast trailer. In this article, I share some great podcast trailer examples and the basics of creating one to get going with your show.
Specifically, I discuss the following in this article:
- What is a podcast trailer?
- Benefits of one
- Steps to create a podcast trailer
- Essential elements to include
- Tips for promoting your trailer
- Podcast trailer examples
What is a podcast trailer?
At the most basic level, it’s a quick soundbite highlighting what a podcast is about. It’s a similar concept to a movie trailer, but please don’t get overwhelmed by thinking you need to create a Hollywood-level product for your podcast. It just needs to include the basics.
On some podcast networks, like Spotify, these soundbites stay in the show’s About section, and potential listeners can tune in before they listen to an entire episode.
The mini-episode overviews an entire podcast show, while an episode trailer runs at the end of episodes and previews the next episode.
Read next: How to use cliffhangers in corporate storytelling
The benefits
The benefits are that these short soundbites offer people who run across the podcast a glimpse into what the show is about without having to listen to an entire episode.
Read next: Sound Up: Why a branded podcast works in a solid marketing strategy
Steps to create a trailer
Grab this complete podcast launch checklist to ensure all podcast launch tasks have been completed. Here are the specific steps that I follow to create a trailer:
- Determine what keywords need to be included.
- Write the script and ensure proper grammar with the Grammarly app.
- Use Restream to record the soundbite. (Have the script on the screen in front of you).
- Upload the trailer to all the relevant platforms. I use Spotify for Podcasters for that.
- Upload it to your YouTube podcast playlist.
- Use it on other social media channels and promote podcasts, asking people to subscribe.
Essential elements to include in a podcast trailer
Usually, I follow this kind of script:
Welcome to <insert show name>; I’m <host name>, your host. In our ongoing conversations with <insert industry> industry leaders, we discuss <mention some topics that will be addressed or a high-level overview. <Share any insights you want to mention>. You can listen to our episodes wherever you listen to podcasts (and we also live stream them to <insert networks if you live stream>).
Read next: Transform Your Podcast with Live Podcasting
Tips for promoting your podcast trailer
It’s essential to get it on all the podcast networks to start the promotion there and then share it on other social media channels where you already have a following.
Read next: How many podcast episodes should you launch with?
Podcast trailer examples
Here are some examples:
Overall, I would highly recommend creating a trailer for your podcast and publishing that ahead of the launch of your show. It’s also an excellent way to get it on all the different podcast platforms, which can take a few days.