The Importance Of Podcast Trailers
Feb 28th
A great podcast trailer can do wonders for your show. It’s a bite-sized way to get your show shared far and wide across social media, marketing channels and podcast platforms, helping more listeners discover your pod. If you don’t already have a trailer, it’s about time you record one! So, in this article, we’re exploring the importance of podcast trailers. But, of course, we always like to come with the goods, too. So, we’ll send you on your way with our top tips so you can nail it.
Podcast trailer numbers
Have you ever wondered how many podcasts have trailers in their feed? Well, Podnews has the answer. Over three months, Podnews analysed 362,324 podcast feeds and found just 50,096 (14%) have a trailer marked in their feed.
The remaining 86%? A land of missed opportunity.
Following further analysis from Dan Minsener of Bumper, 54% of the Apple Podcasts 200 had trailers, while 50.5% of the Spotify top 200 did too.
While a trailer alone isn’t the secret to securing a top spot with the streaming giants, it can help. According to Arielle Nissenblatt’s recent Twitter thread, here are just three reasons you should have a trailer for your podcast:
- Many podcasts apps prioritise trailers by giving them a special promotional space
- It gives a potential listener a taste of your content
- It challenges you to distil your message down into a short audio teaser
If you’re looking for inspiration for your podcast trailer, check out Arielle’s brand new show, Trailer Park: The Podcast Trailer Podcast. Once you’ve perfected yours, you can submit it to be featured.
How to create a killer podcast trailer
Ready to take the plunge and create your trailer? Here are our top tips.
Keep it short
Approach your trailer like an elevator pitch. A trailer is your chance to capture your audience’s attention and quickly convince them to keep listening. The secret? Find the sweet spot between being succinct while reflecting your personality and what the show’s about.
Introduce yourself
Let listeners know who you are and your role in the show. Whether you’re an expert in your field, have a particular geek, or tackle taboo subjects head-on, share it.
Introduce your show
A trailer is your chance to let listeners know what they can expect from your show. Cover episode frequency and format (Q&A, interview, documentary style) and share your core objectives concisely. Don’t forget to include the name of your podcast here.
Sell it
What makes your podcast stand out from the tens of thousands of shows, and why should people listen to it? Take the opportunity to sell your strengths and what makes you different; lean into it unapologetically if you have a niche.
End with a clear call to action
Be sure to let people know what you want them to do once they’ve finished listening. Whether it’s subscribing, following or rating, give listeners crystal clear instructions. Brownie points if you can include a super juicy hook, too.
If you enjoyed these tips, there’s plenty more to come. Stay tuned for more insights and actionable advice coming soon. In the meantime, check out our affordable membership options to join our inclusive community of audio creators.