How long does it take for podcast intros to make an impression on listeners? A few minutes? A couple of seconds? According to Forbes, the window of impression is 7 seconds. That’s barely enough time to reach across your desk and grab your coffee! So, how can you hook your listener’s attention within seconds of your podcast intro?
Think of podcast intros like a TV show’s theme song. Globally audiences can automatically recognize The Simpsons or Game of Thrones intros without even looking at the TV. How? The intro usually has a custom theme song, expert visuals and it’s the perfect sing-along jingle! It’s also a reminder that it’s time to get comfy and grab your popcorn.
A podcast intro is no different. The first few seconds are enough to tell new listeners whether they should stay tuned or keep scrolling. They also create an identity that previous listeners recognize, resulting in podcast recall. So, whether you’re starting a show from scratch or want to take your current podcast intros to the next level, let’s take a look at what is a podcast intro, how to make a podcast intro, and the best intro examples to guide your scripts.
What is a podcast intro
A podcast intro is the first opening seconds or minutes (for longer episodes) of a podcast episode that gives listeners a brief rundown of the expected content. To hook listeners, these intros can include catchy jingles, taglines, sound effects, and information like host and guest introductions or even a question to catch audiences’ attention.
According to NPR One Data, the average podcast loses 20-35% of listeners within the first 5 minutes. So to maximize the first few seconds/minutes of your podcast intro, put yourself in the AirPods of your listeners.
They’ve tuned in to your episode to get something out of it. So how could your intro shine a spotlight on the content in a way that appeals to listeners? Essentially, telling them, ‘this is what you need to hear.’ The Daily’s podcast does a good job of introducing the host with catchy background music and then dives straight into the current topic, all within the first 20 seconds. So, the key is to make a podcast intro that hooks listeners in the shortest timeframe. This will also contribute to promoting a podcast that draws in listeners.
How to make podcast intros
You can make podcast intros by including key elements such as 1) the podcast name, 2) the episode number, 3) the episode title, and 4) and the host, co-host, and guest names.
Optional information you can include:
- Music – Brand your show with unique music/sound effects to make episodes recognizable. Notice how Joe Rogan show starts his show with catchy drumbeats and the recognizable voice over ‘Train By Day, Joe Rogan By Night.’
- Tagline – This could be a catchphrase or slogan that captures the gist of your show, like “A podcast that helps you triple your website traffic.”
- Sponsors – You could mention ‘This show is/was brought to you by _____’ in the intro or outro.
- Disclaimer – Declare any info you want listeners to know in advance. This American life declares in some episodes, “A quick warning, there are curse words that are unbeeped in today’s episode.”
Podcast intro script examples
Direct podcast intro script example:
“Welcome to _______, the show where _______. Each week we delve into _____ and bring you _______. So, crank up the volume and kick your feet up because we’re about to dive into _____.
Relaxed podcast intro script example:
How’s it going, everybody? This is _______ from ______. More people than ever are _______, so on this episode, I sit down with the ______ of ______ to discuss how ______ can _______.
Guest podcast intro script example:
Today, we’re talking about _______ with none other than _____. He/She is _______, so you’re in for a treat. Keep listening because we’re about to discuss everything there is to know about ______. Thanks for joining us, ______.
How to choose the right podcast intro music
Here are three ways to choose the right podcast intro music to enhance the value of your content. The music/tune/sound effects should:
- Fit your brand. If your product is a video game, would your audience expect to hear Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake? Probably not. So use music that maintains the tone and personality of your podcast.
- Start at the right moment: Use the middle of a track instead of the beginning because it doesn’t have a slower, longer build-up. You can also create memorable jingles to keep your brand in your listener’s heads! Like Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty (now we know that’s in your head).
- Highlight and don’t distract from the content. Music is an excellent accompaniment to an intro, but the voice is what listeners want to hear. So avoid loud overpowering music or sounds unless they fit your brand and target audience. Can you hear me now, may work for Verizon but may not have the same effect in a podcast intro.
How to end your podcast
You should end your podcast by tying your intro with your outro. You can include a recap of the episode’s main points, your signature sign-off, and an actionable CTA. So, if you were interviewing an animator about new technology or software, you could end with a question about where listeners can access this new tech.
And everyone likes to be appreciated. So, since your listeners have stuck with you from start to end, why not thank them for taking time out of their busy day to hear you out? Next, ask your listeners to do something in addition to your regular CTA, like:
- Leave a review or comment on a social media platform.
- Join a social media community.
- Buy merchandise, memberships, or courses.
- Look out for your next episode by providing the release date.
The difference between podcast intros and outros
An intro voiceover starts a podcast episode with a professional voice actor. Their voice opens the show by addressing the “what’s in it for me” question for listeners. Whereas an outro voice over leaves the final impression on listeners with a pro voice over to wrap up the episode content in a way that listeners remember longest.
Most podcasters find it easier to stick with a standard podcast intro and outro, while others prefer to spice up their routine with unique episode scripts. Since there’s no set template, choose whatever makes you comfortable and fits into your workflow.
Final thoughts on podcast intros
So, what made you read this article to the end? Maybe it was engaging, or perhaps it answered a question. Now think of how you can maintain that same interest in your podcast intros. Your opening should always answer the question: “Why should I listen to this show?”
Be sure to include the podcast’s name, title, episode number, and a catchy jingle that gets listeners strumming the beat on their steering wheel while stuck in traffic or humming at their desks.
On that note, we’d like to thank you for sticking with us on this journey into the world of fantastic podcast intros. And since there’s nothing like a professional voiceover to make your already awesome podcast intros even more catchy, head over to Voice123 to choose from a wide assortment of vocal talent. Many of whom specialize in podcasts. Because our voices belong everywhere!
FAQs
A podcast intro is the first opening seconds or minutes of a podcast episode that gives listeners a brief overview of the content and it can include taglines, sound effects, introductions or questions to catch audiences’ attention.
You can make podcast intros by including 4 key elements in your introduction such as 1) the podcast name, 2) the episode number, 3) the episode title, and 4) and the host, co-host, and guest names.
You should end your podcast by tying in your podcast intro with your outro and including a recap of the episode’s main points, your signature sign-off, and an actionable CTA for audiences to follow.
