Your podcast name is the first thing potential listeners see in search results, and most people decide whether to tap or scroll past within 2 seconds. A strong name communicates your topic, tone, and personality before anyone hears a single episode. You don’t need a stroke of creative genius—you need a repeatable process.
This guide walks through every step, from early brainstorming to final availability checks, so you can land on a name you won’t regret 200 episodes from now.
1. Start with your show’s core promise
Before you brainstorm a single word, write one sentence that answers:
What will a listener get from this show?
Use this format:
“[Audience] will [benefit] by listening to my show about [topic].”
Example: "Aspiring entrepreneurs will learn how to validate their startup ideas by listening to my show about bootstrapped business launches."
This sentence becomes your naming compass. Every title you consider should connect back to that promise.
2. Brainstorm 50 names in one sitting
Quantity beats quality in the first round. Set a timer for 20 minutes and write down every name idea that comes to mind. Do not edit. Do not judge. Just write.
Use these prompts to keep ideas flowing:
- Combine two unrelated words ("Startup Campfire")
- Use alliteration ("Founder Focus")
- Reference your format ("The 30-Minute MBA")
- Name your audience ("The Bootstrap Builder")
- Describe the transformation ("Zero to Launch")
After 50 names, take a break. Come back the next day and circle your top 10.
3. Test for memorability and clarity
A good podcast name passes two tests:
- The phone test: Say the name aloud to a friend over the phone. Ask them to spell it back. If they cannot, the name is too complex.
- The topic test: Show the name to someone who knows nothing about your show. Can they guess the topic within 5 seconds? If not, the name is too abstract.
Names that fail both tests include inside jokes, obscure references, and generic phrases like "The Podcast" or "Real Talk."
4. Check availability across platforms
Before you fall in love with a name, verify that you can actually use it:
- Search Apple Podcasts and Spotify for exact and similar matches
- Check domain availability (.com is ideal, but .fm and .show work for podcasts)
- Search social media handles on Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok
- Run a trademark search on USPTO.gov to avoid legal conflicts
A name that is taken on Apple Podcasts is not automatically off-limits, but launching with the same name as an established show makes discovery harder and confuses listeners.
5. Sleep on it before committing
Live with your top 3 names for at least a week. Say them out loud when introducing your show to friends. Type them into cover art mockups. The name that still feels right after 7 days is your winner.
How Jellypod helps
Jellypod's podcast name generator accelerates the brainstorming phase by producing dozens of relevant name suggestions based on your topic, tone, and target audience. Each suggestion includes availability checks for Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and .com domains, so you skip the manual search process. The tool also suggests variations and related names, helping you explore directions you might not have considered.
Final thoughts
Your podcast name is important, but it is not permanent. Many successful shows have rebranded after finding their audience. Focus on picking a name that clearly communicates your topic, passes the memorability tests, and is available where it matters. Then start recording, because a great name means nothing without great content behind it.
