A podcast trailer is one of the most powerful tools you have when launching (or relaunching) your show. It’s often the first impression a potential listener gets, just like a TV show or film, before they ever hear an episode. In just 30–60 seconds, your podcast trailer can hook new listeners, build anticipation, and boost visibility in podcast apps and directories like Apple and Spotify.
In this guide, you'll learn what a podcast trailer is, how to create the best podcast trailer, how long a podcast trailer should be, and how to write a script for the best podcast trailer that converts casual browsers into subscribers. You’ll also find podcast trailer examples, script templates, and a breakdown of real trailers from Saspod’s shows.
Whether you're creating a podcast teaser, podcast preview, or full podcast trailer, this guide will help you craft the best podcast trailer possible.
What Is a Podcast Trailer?
A podcast trailer is a short audio (or video) promo that introduces your show, hooks your audience, and encourages people to subscribe. Think of it like a movie trailer: short, punchy, and designed to make people curious.
Podcast Trailer vs Podcast Teaser vs Podcast Preview
Podcast Trailer: A complete promotional intro to the show (most common format).
Podcast Teaser: Shorter, usually a single moment or dramatic soundbite (5–20 seconds).
Podcast Preview: Usually longer; can include clips or an extended intro to an upcoming episode or season.
How Long Should a Podcast Trailer Be?
The ideal length of a podcast trailer is 30 – 60 seconds. This time frame is long enough to explain the show, short enough to keep attention.
Other good options, depending on your style, could be:
15–20 seconds → Great for teaser-style trailers
60–90 seconds → For richer storytelling formats
Both Apple and Spotify recommend keeping it tight, clear, and engaging. Did you know the average human attention span is only 8.25 seconds? This is short! Especially when scrolling through feeds where distraction is rife. Your podcast trailer needs to hook and stop people from scrolling instantly.
Why Your Podcast Needs a Trailer
Podcast trailers help you achieve a variety of goals. They are an integral part of your podcast marketing strategy. Here are a few reasons why a podcast trailer is needed:
Attract subscribers before your first episode launches
Increase discoverability on podcast platforms
Pitch your show to collaborators, guests, or sponsors
Promote your show on social media and YouTube
Submit to podcast charts early
It’s a foundational piece of your launch strategy and ongoing brand recognition marketing. A good podcast trailer is one of the easiest ways to instantly level up your show from being yet another podcast to something really attention-grabbing.
How to Make a Podcast Trailer
1. Define Your Core Hook
First step: define your podcast teaser hook. Ask yourself these fundamental questions:
Why should someone listen to your show?
What makes you different from similar podcasts?
Is the hook emotional, educational, entertaining, or surprising?
Your unique hook should appear in the first 3–5 seconds of the podcast trailer and be super clear. The clearer the better!
2. Write Your Podcast Trailer Script
Your podcast trailer script should follow this clear 4-part structure:
The Hook – A bold statement, question, or story beat
What the Show Is About – Summed up clearly and simply
Why It Matters – Who it’s for and why they should care
Call-to-Action – “Follow now,” “Subscribe,” “New episodes every Monday”
Your sound design sets the vibe to the whole podcast trailer. Think about what would draw you in and what suits your show best. Need some inspiration? Here’s a few examples to help you think about your podcast teaser soundtrack:
Upbeat for business or lifestyle shows
Cinematic for true crime or storytelling
Minimalist for educational content
Playful for comedy
Avoid: ❌ Music that overwhelms the voice ❌ Copyrighted tracks
Always use royalty-free libraries or original compositions for legal purposes.
4. Record Clean, Confident Audio
As with recording your podcast episodes, you need to have clean and confident audio for your podcast preview. Make sure you have these essential tips in the back of your mind when recording your podcast trailer:
Smile while speaking. It’s noticeable! You can hear a smile!
5. Edit for Energy
Still new to podcast audio editing? Editing for a podcast trailer is slightly different from a full episode.
Cut aggressively.
Your trailer should feel tight and punchy. Remember, you only have a short window to hook your listeners and tell them what you’re all about in the podcast teaser.
How to make a podcast trailer energetic:
Remove long pauses
Remove repeated statements
Never use monotone sections
Think in “moments” when editing your podcast trailer. Every 3–5 seconds should add impact for your listeners.
6. Add a Clear CTA
Clear CTA’s are the make-or-break in marketing. And at the end of the day, your podcast trailer is an extension of your podcast marketing strategy.
Good CTA (call-to-action) examples are:
“Follow The Pod Files wherever you get your podcasts.”
“Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.”
“New episodes every Tuesday.”
This is non-negotiable. Always, always, always use a CTA.
7. Upload & Optimise for Apple, Spotify, and YouTube
Once your podcast trailer is edited and polished, it’s time to upload it to the major listening platforms. This step is crucial—not just for discoverability, but also for ensuring your trailer appears correctly in podcast directories, chart algorithms, and recommendation feeds.
Below is a breakdown of how to optimise your trailer for Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, along with best practices to help it rank higher and attract more listeners.
Platform
What Matters Most
Quick Wins
Apple Podcasts
Episode Type “Trailer”, clean metadata, keywords
Label as Trailer, keyword-rich title
Spotify
Description keywords, Canvas video, clean artwork
Short titles, add Canvas
YouTube
Thumbnail, title, description SEO, video format
Upload video version + SEO caption
Podcast Trailer Script Template (Copy & Paste)
If you are looking for a little extra guidance and help to make the best podcast trailers, here is a simple script template to use as your framework. Use this for any genre:
The Ultimate Podcast Trailer Script Template
HOOK:
Open with a bold statement, question, or sound moment. “What would you do if you found a secret your family never meant you to learn?”
INTRODUCE THE PODCAST: One or two lines. “Welcome to The Mindshift Show, the podcast where we explore the habits, psychology, and science behind human transformation.”
WHY LISTEN / WHO IT’S FOR: Explain the value. “If you’re someone who wants practical tools to stress less, think clearer, and live intentionally—this podcast is for you.”
WHAT TO EXPECT: Episodes, format, vibe. “Each week, you’ll hear inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable strategies you can use right away.”
CTA: Tell them exactly what to do. “Follow the show now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday.”
Podcast Trailer Examples
Below are real-world examples of strong podcast trailers. Each one demonstrates a different style you can draw inspiration from to learn how to create the best podcast trailer for you.
The Pod Files
Why It Works:
Opens with immediate context for what the show is about
Clear value for listeners interested in podcasting insights
Strong CTA, clear tone, and well-paced edit
Auli’i Cravalho: Navigating Youth Fame
Why It Works:
Uses emotional storytelling and personal stakes
Builds intrigue through narrative soundbites
Excellent example of a podcast teaser for a guest episode
The Third Sector Podcast
Why It Works:
Communicates authority and credibility
Highlights the audience (“charity leaders, fundraisers, and social impact professionals”)
Highly polished with a strong professional tone
The Most Common Podcast Trailer Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
We see so many podcasting mistakes that can easily be avoided. Many mistakes revolve around microphone technique. However, podcast trailers have their own set of common mistakes too!
Here are the most common mistakes we see and how best to avoid them:
❌ Too long. A podcast trailer isn’t an episode. Keep it sharp and to the point.
❌ No hook in the first 5 seconds. Listeners scroll fast. You must grab attention. That’s the whole point of a podcast trailer.
❌ No clear message or target audience. People won’t subscribe from your podcast teaser if they can’t tell what the show is for.
❌ Low audio quality. Static, echo, and uneven audio instantly break trust, even in a show trailer.
❌ Too much music or overediting. Your voice is the star, not the soundtrack. Keep it that way.
❌ No call-to-action. If you don’t ask for a follow, you will not gain subscribers.
Podcast Trailer Promotion: How to Get the Most Out of It
Once your podcast trailer is live, promote it like a mini product launch. This is the best way to get the most out of your hard work creating the teaser!
Share it on social (as audio or video). You could use:
Instagram Reels
TikTok
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube Shorts (HUGE reach opportunity)
Add it to your website homepage.
Email it to your mailing list.
Run cross-promotions or trailer swaps.
Use it in paid ads.
Podcast trailers make excellent 15–30 second snippets of content.
Podcast Trailer Checklist
Before hitting publish, make sure your podcast trailer includes:
✔ A clear hook ✔ What the show is about ✔ Who the show is for ✔ What makes it unique ✔ Clean audio + balanced sound design ✔ A punchy script ✔ Strong call-to-action ✔ Optimised metadata ✔ Episode type set to “Trailer” in podcast apps
Your Trailer Is Your Show’s First Impression, So Make It Count!
A well-crafted podcast trailer is one of the most powerful tools for launching or growing your podcast. When done right, a podcast teaser builds anticipation, establishes your tone, and turns browsers into subscribers.
Use the script templates above, study the examples from our shows, and keep your podcast trailer short, punchy, and packed with value.
If you’d like help producing a standout trailer (or want a complete podcast launch strategy), our team can support you with editing, scripting, creative direction, and promotional assets.
Abigail Leach
Copywriter and Content Strategist at Saspod. Based in Rugby, UK. When I'm not typing, you'll find me riding a horse or on a yoga mat.
Comments
No comments yet!