Remember Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles?
Besides its groovy beat and catchy-lyrics, the band was alluding to how the growth of video content had disrupted the world of audio content.
Fast forward a few decades and podcasts have “saved the radio star”.
Today, at least 32% of Americans tune in to podcasts at least once per month.
It’s no surprise then that the industry has become incredibly competitive with content creators wrestling for market share in their respective niche.
And like any other business, a creative podcast name is part of the equation.
Unfortunately, picking a name can be a cumbersome and confusing process.
Your podcast title has to not only be creative and memorable but also reveal what your content is about.
You have two choices here.
Either select a name manually or use a podcast title generator.
In this post, we’ll review some popular podcast name generators, how to use them to your advantage, and how you can determine the worth of your podcast name.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
7 Free Podcast Name Generators To Try In 2021
Before you start using podcast name generators, it’s important to know what they are and how they help.
Basically, these tools save you time and energy by doing away with brainstorming work.
Regardless of which tool you use, remember that the words you use should relate to the content and/or the emotion it provides.
Remember that a creative podcast name alone cannot guarantee success.
You also need to create captivating podcast cover art templates to capture a listener’s attention on crowded podcast platforms such as Spotify (more on how to create covers later in the post).
1. Kopywrite Kourse
As the name suggests, Kopywrite Kourse is a training agency that helps copywriters improve their chops.
But that’s not all they do.
They also have a nifty free podcast name generator tool.
To use it, all you need to do is enter the following information into a search bar: your topic, your name, and/or city and the tool will generate a list of suggestions for you.
Here’s a view of the input field:
And here’s a list of suggestions provided by the website:
Pro-Tip: You have some control over the suggestions by selecting specific words to be placed in the front or end of your name.
Visit Kopywrite Kourse
2. NameBoy
If you have ever made a website, you must be familiar with the concept of domain names.
Although NameBoy initially specialized in checking the availability of domain names, they have diversified and created several other title generators, including one for podcasts.
When visiting their website, click on “all generator tools” and select “podcast”.
Visit NameBoy
3. Business Name Generator
As its name implies, Business Name Generator was made to help businesses come up with a name, however, the service also offers a podcast name generator service.
Type in relevant keywords in your niche and wait for the algorithm to work its magic.
You can also search for a theme or idea rather than keywords.
The tool syncs with GoDaddy, so if you’re keen on registering a website under your podcast name, it can help you quickly determine domain availability.
Visit Business Name Generator
4. BizNameWiz
Focused solely on creative podcast name suggestions, BizNameWhiz was created by branding experts.
It works like most other title generators out there.
Enter some words related to the theme of your podcast and wait for suggestions generated by the website.
But this tool is not about just providing name suggestions.
The site also features specialists who share useful tips and strategies about how to name your podcast in order to attract a large audience.
Visit BizNameWiz
5. Portent Podcast Name Generator
Portent is a digital marketing agency based in Seattle.
As part of its offerings, the agency provides a free title generator tool. Although it was created to provide ideas for your content calendar, it can still be used to name your podcast.
Just enter words you think are important and the tool will generate the best podcast names for you.
What’s especially great about Portent is that besides names, it also offers marketing strategies you can apply to market your podcast.
Visit Portent
6. Crowdspring Name Generator
Crowdspring’s podcast title generator is a paid service that helps you pick a name and more.
Using their service ensures that a team of professionals will help you select a name that attracts the most potential listeners possible.
Moreover, the site can also help you with logos, illustrations, and design of your podcast which play a key role in determining your success.
Visit Crowdspring
7. SquadHelp
Unlike other podcast name generators, SquadHelp is a paid tool.
The website has ‘gamified’ the process of name selection by letting you create contests where strangers can submit name suggestions for a range of businesses, including podcasts.
But why would strangers help you out?
For a chance to win the cash prize you have set for the winning entry (this is mandatory). But if you are not a fan of contests, there’s another option.
You can simply window shop for a podcast name in the “names for sale” section.
Don’t overlook this option as you’ll often discover hidden gems here since names are provided by humans instead of emotionless robots.
Visit SquadHelp
Additional Resources
While podcast titles are important, a great name alone does not guarantee success.
To make a lasting first impression, your logo and podcast cover art also have an impact on your appeal. If either element is not strong, your podcast will never achieve its full potential despite how great your content is.
Pixelied
Pixelied is a free online graphic design tool that makes it incredibly easy to create optimized cover art for a range of social media platforms, including podcasts.
So, how can you use it to your advantage?
First, head over to the Podcast cover art templates page.
You should now see a range of pre-made podcast cover art templates you can play around with.
Once you pick a template, you will be taken straight to the software’s editing tool or you can head straight to the editor using this link.
Here, you can flex your creative muscles.
Want to add some illustrations?
Browse through a large library of web-optimized sketches and experiment with the design.
Or perhaps you’d like to add a hero image, icons, curved text, or change the color scheme? Again, Pixelied’s editing tool makes all these steps easy.
Once you’re happy with your design, simply click the download button.
Your new design is now ready to use!
What’s great about Pixelied is that there is no need to sign-up or register to use the editor, which means you can focus all your attention on the design.
NameChk
Shortform for “name check”, this website does exactly what its name hints: check if a name is available on over 98 different social networks as well as if a domain is available for your desired name.
The site is straightforward and easy to use.
Type your desired podcast name and wait for the platform to do its job.
For example, let’s say I want to name my podcast “All About Cars”.
Here’s a look at the results:
The results are color-coded (green means the name is available for that domain).
Frequently Asked Questions About Podcasts
While free podcast name generators can be helpful, they don’t always work as planned.
Often, you’ll run into problems such as your desired name being unavailable, confusion about how to trademark your name, how to change your podcast name, and more.
To come up with the best podcast names, you’ll need to put in some manual work.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions that podcasters bring up when starting out.
1. How Do I Know If The Name I Chose Is Good?
Coming up with a creative podcast name is already tricky.
But what’s worse is doubting your decision after the fact. Fortunately, there are metrics that can help you determine how good your podcast name is.
First, ask yourself if your name contains any alliterations, puns, or rhyming elements?
Why?
Because these literary devices make a name catchier and memorable.
For example, a name such as “Finance Freak” is more likely to stick in people’s head than “Finance Strategy Podcast”.
Here’s a great example of this trick in action:
Next, look at the length of your name.
The best podcast names are short and simple (no more than three to five words). Also, while you can use words like “the” or “podcast” in your name, try to avoid it.
Even though it can help listeners connect your name to a podcast, it can pose a problem down the line if you want to branch out beyond podcasts with your brand name.
Last but not least, ask yourself if the name of your podcast conveys the message or theme you want?
A podcast name should reveal what your podcast is about.
Here are some great examples of creative podcast names that tell you exactly what to expect.
2. Should You Use Your Real Name When Podcasting Or A Pseudonym?
When it comes to the internet, many people prefer to keep their identity hidden.
Whether it be a name for a forum, blog, or even podcast, pseudonyms are common online. But is it a good idea to use them?
There’s no right answer here.
It depends on what you want to achieve.
If you’re looking to build credibility in your niche, you should absolutely use your real name.
Why?
It helps you earn the trust of your listeners.
By putting yourself out there, you’re letting people know what you’re all about.]
Here’s a great example of a podcast name where you have no question who the host is:
However, if you want to keep your offline life private, use a pseudonym to protect yourself. Just make sure that you use this name everywhere though and don’t leave any breadcrumbs behind.
Of course, you don’t have to follow either extreme.
For example, if you want to be personal but still maintain some level of privacy, an easy trick is to simply use your first name in your podcast title.
3. Should You Name Your Blog And Podcast The Same?
Again, ask yourself if you are trying to build a brand or want people to recognize you easily.
If you’re eyeing a podcast empire, you should absolutely name your podcast and blog the same name.
This makes it easy to recognize you on all the different platforms you are on from your podcast, related social media profiles, and even a standalone website.
For example, Crime Junkie features prominently on Spotify.
A quick Google search and you’ll find a standalone with the same name.
The only time you should not use the same podcast and blog name is if you want to maintain anonymity.
If you’re podcasting is covering sensitive issues or something you don’t want to be tied to your name, make sure not to leave any breadcrumbs behind.
4. What To Do If Your Podcast Name Is Taken?
If your desired name is already taken (the best podcast names usually are), you have two options.
First, you can attempt to contact the person who owns the rights to that name and attempt to buy it off them. While there are no guarantees, this can work especially if the person isn’t using the name actively.
Otherwise, it’s back to the drawing board.
Look at words in your desired name and consider what synonyms you can use in their place.
For example, you can easily swap “expert” for “guru” and still maintain the same impact. However, don’t fall prey to the temptation of giving your podcast the same name by altering the spelling or any other clever play on words.
Not only will this create confusion but it can also lead to legal hassles.
If none of these options suit you, your last course of action can always be to try another run at a free podcast name generator.
5. How To Come Up With A Unique Podcast Name?
Without a structured approach, picking a great podcast name is next to impossible.
Here are five easy steps you can follow to ensure a great name:
Step 1: Create a keyword list
Before you decide to give your podcast a name, you should have a clear idea of the type of content it will offer, including the tone and personality.
Use this to list some words or phrases that describe your podcast.
To narrow down your options further, put yourself in the shoes of your ideal listener. What terms might interest or appeal to them?
Last but not least, look at podcast names of your potential competitors.
An easy way to do this is to browse for a podcast using categories on a platform like TuneIn:
When spying on competitors, notice if they are using phrases or words you have listed?
If so, ask yourself how you can differentiate and stand out. you are different and can stand out.
Step 2: Pick a style
Podcast names fit into the following styles: descriptive, creative, and named after the host.
Do your listed words from the previous step match your chosen style?
Usually, descriptive podcast names are always a safe bet because they let listeners know exactly what your content is about and are easy to search for.
Step 3: Test your name
Before you go finalize your selection, be sure to get a second opinion.
Ask your friends or colleagues what they think about your podcast name? Do they think the name fits well with the type of podcast you’re going for?
To really know which names are a good fit, follow up a few days later to see if they remember the name.
Another option is to conduct a survey asking people the feeling(s) they associate with certain names, what they think a podcast might be about based on a name, or what name intrigues them to investigate further.
Google Forms provides an easy and free way to create a survey in seconds.
If you’re not sure where to conduct a survey, consider online communities.
Forums are full of friendly, helpful people who are ready to help you given you follow the community rules.
Last but not least, you can also run paid ads on Google or Facebook to gauge the popularity of different names.
Test different names and see which deliver the most interaction. Again, if you’re not sure how to run a paid ad, you can hire someone for a one-off project on platforms like UpWork or Fiverr.
Step 4: Check availability and finalize
Now that you have a name for your podcast (ideally you should have a top 3), it’s time to check if it is available.
Use a search engine like Google or platform like iTunes, Spotify, or TuneIn to see if a name is available.
If a name is taken, don’t give up hope (see above for options about what you can do).
But if your name is available, you’re nearly there! The last step is to check a trademark database to make sure the name has not already been claimed by someone else.
6. How Do I Trademark My Podcast Name?
Most podcasters aren’t legal experts.
Just picking a name for your podcast does not mean you own the legal rights to use it. To claim ownership, you need to register for a trademark which identifies you as the source of a good or service.
Fortunately, it’s a relatively simple process.
To start, register your name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
You’ll have to set up an account on USPTO’s website and file a trademark application form after paying a small fee.
Once filed, you can track the progress of your application on the website until you receive an approval or rejection. Consider hiring a legal attorney to help you in this process.
Wrapping It All Up
We get it.
Naming your podcast can be a tricky and scary process.
However, if you follow the structured approach described above and use tools such as podcast name generators and Pixelied to your advantage, you can rest assured that your name and covert art is appealing as can be.
So now that you know what to do, click here to get started.
