3 Strategies to Get More Podcast Listeners

The first episode of the You Turn podcast was released on May 14, 2018 (listen to it here). Since then, I’ve recorded almost 450 episodes with a 4.8-star rating on iTunes and Spotify and 40,000 downloads monthly. But none of that happened overnight! The first step is creating binge-worthy content that people want to listen to and share with their friends. The next step is strategic promotion using sure-fire strategies to get more podcast listeners.

Social media platforms TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have popularized shorts — videos under 60 seconds. Studies show that 60% of consumers will watch a video in its entirety if it’s less than 60 seconds long. Short-form videos appeal to shorter attention spans and curiosity, and they are perfect for content on the go. Short-form videos are also easy to share. That’s why they are such an effective tool to promote your podcast and get more podcast listeners. 

Here’s how.

Create a Podcast Trailer that Appeals to Your Ideal Podcast Listener 

Can you remember watching a movie trailer and thinking, “I’ve got to see that movie!” That is the emotion you want to capture from your podcast trailer. It’s a short video that promotes your podcast and elicits an “I want more” response. 

Your podcast trailer should do three things: 

• Give potential listeners a taste of your podcast in two minutes or less. 
• Be visually appealing — it will be featured on your podcast platform.
• Be SEO for keywords and phrases to boost your overall ranking.

Here are a few tips for creating a podcast trailer that will recruit new podcast followers: 

1. Start with a strong hook. In the first 5-10 seconds, capture attention with an intriguing question or a bold statement.
2. Introduce yourself and your podcast. Tell listeners who you are, what your show is about, and why they should tune in.
3. Highlight what makes your podcast unique. Let listeners know who you interview and why. Be clear about the actionable strategies your podcast delivers.
4. Include a call to action. End with a call to action to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, or other podcast platforms. 
5. Keep it short and sweet. Keep your trailer between 45 and 90 seconds.

Use YouTube Shorts to Create Buzz for Podcast Listeners 

YouTube is the most popular social media platform in the US and the second most visited website globally…behind its parent company, Google. YouTube shorts have a 5.91% engagement — higher than any other platform, including TikTok (5.75%) and Instagram reels (5.53%) — and generate 16.9 subscribers for every 10,000 views. 

Why you should use YouTube shorts: 

• YouTube shorts reach massive audiences fast. 
• Shorts introduce your podcast to listeners quickly in an entertaining way. 
• Videos posted to YouTube rank in Google searches for more visibility. 

Here is how to turn your pre-recorded podcast episodes into YouTube shorts:

1. Find 15-60-second high-impact clips. Look for moments that are insightful, funny, or controversial from your pre-recorded podcast episodes.
2. Add subtitles. 85% of social media users watch videos on mute, so captions are a must.
3. Use a dynamic layout. Display a waveform or a talking head format if you record a video.
4. Hook them in the first three seconds. Start with a question, a bold statement, or a teaser. Draw people in quickly.
5. Don’t forget a CTA. Add a text overlay like “Full episode on YouTube” or “Listen on Spotify.”

Create three to five shorts per week to maximize exposure and drive traffic to your podcast. 

Create Instagram Reels to Gain More Podcast Listeners

Reels are another video form that turns scrollers into subscribers. There are a lot of options here. You can create reels from specific parts of your podcast, or you can create a video 

Instagram reels can do a lot for podcasters:

• They reach new audiences beyond your followers.
• IG reels are shareable and have the potential to go viral.
• Reels work well for storytelling and engagement.

How to use Instagram reels to promote your podcast:

1. Clip the best parts of your podcast. Find engaging soundbites that would make someone want to hear more.
2. Use trending audio. Instagram boosts reels that use popular sounds, even if you keep your voiceover.
3. Overlay engaging text. Use captions or bold text to highlight the most compelling part of your message.
4. Encourage interaction. Add a CTA like “Drop a 🔥 if you agree!” to boost comments and reach. 
5. Post consistently. Aim for three to four reels per week.

Another way to use Instagram reels is to create mini podcast trailers for specific episodes. You can also create behind-the-scene reels showing your personality and why you chose to host a podcast. Use Instagram reels to create excitement for your brand, your podcast, and specific podcast episodes. You will gain new listeners. 

Do you dream of having your own podcast but don’t know where to start? Consider Pod Launch Academy. I co-created this program with SWELL, my incredible production team, to save you time and energy so you can easily launch your dream show in just a few weeks.