If you’re looking to create a podcast, one of the essential elements of your show is the intro. This is your chance to capture your listener’s attention and make them want to stick around for the rest of the episode. This article will discuss tips for creating an engaging podcast intro that will keep people coming back for more.
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Why are Podcast Intros Important?
Intros are essential for many reasons. First, they help to set the tone for the episode. If you’re trying to be funny, your intro should be funny. If you’re trying to be serious, your intro should be serious.
Second, intros help listeners know what the episode will be about. This is especially important for long-form podcasts that cover a variety of topics.
Third, intros help to build rapport with listeners. When they finish listening to your intro, they should have a good sense of your personality and style.
And fourth, intros help to establish your brand. If you want people to remember your podcast, you must make sure your intro is memorable. So, there you have it: four reasons why podcast intros are essential.
Podcast intros are like any other kind of introduction; they provide context and set the tone for what’s to come. A good intro will make your listener want to hear more, while a lousy intro will lose their attention before the first sentence is even finished.
Related: 12 Cool Tricks to Grow Your Number of Podcast Listeners
Ten Tips For Creating a Good Podcast Intro
Here are ten tips for creating an engaging and practical introduction to your show.
1. Keep it short.
Your intro should be no more than 20-30 seconds long; anything longer risks losing your listener’s attention.
2. Make sure it’s relevant to your content.
For example, your intro should give listeners a taste of what they can expect from your show, so avoid tangents and irrelevant information.
3. Hook your listener with a strong opening line.
This is your one chance to make a first impression, so make it count!
4. Make it interesting.
Start with a subject that will grab your listener’s attention and make them want to keep listening.
5. Use music to set the tone.
Choose a song or piece of instrumental music that fits the overall style of your podcast.
6. Be consistent.
Once you’ve created your intro, try using it in every episode so listeners can easily recognize your show.
7. Introduce yourself and your co-hosts.
Give your listeners a taste of what they can expect from the show by briefly introducing yourself and your co-hosts.
8. Set the tone for the show.
Whether you’re going for funny or informative, make sure your intro sets the tone for the rest of the show.
9. Promote upcoming episodes.
Use your intro as a chance to promote upcoming episodes or special guests appearing on the show.
10. Thank your listeners.
Always end with a sincere thank you to your listeners for their support.
Related: PODCAST INTROS: How do the top podcasts do their intros?
How To Choose a Music For Your Podcast Intro
The question of what music to use for your podcast intro is tricky. After all, the intro is your chance to make a first impression and set the tone for the rest of the show. Choosing the wrong music could turn off listeners before they even get a chance to hear what you have to say.
So, what kind of music should you use? First, consider the overall tone of your podcast.
Are you trying to be funny or serious? Informative or irreverent? Once you’ve decided on the style, you can start to narrow down your options. Try pop or rock if you’re looking for something catchy and upbeat. If you want something a little more laid-back, try jazz or folk.
And if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, try using an instrumental track or a song with unique lyrics. No matter what music you choose, make sure it fits the tone of your show and sets the stage for an enjoyable listening experience.
There are a few ways to find music for your podcast intro. You can buy royalty-free tracks from sites like AudioJungle and Pond5. Or, if you have a musician friend, see if they’ll let you use one of their pieces.
Another option is to create an original piece of music specifically for your podcast. This can be a great way to set the tone for your show and give it its unique identity. If you go this route, make sure you have someone who knows what they’re doing composing and producing the track.
Related: Music Licensing For Podcasts
How to Make Your Podcast Intro Engaging
It’s essential to make sure your podcast intro is engaging so that your listeners will want to continue listening. Here are some tips for creating an engaging introduction:
- Start with a hook. You want to grab your listener’s attention from the very beginning. A great way to do this is to start with a question or a shocking statement.
- Make it personal. Introduce yourself and explain why you’re passionate about the topic of your podcast. This will help create a connection with your listeners.
- Keep it short and sweet. You don’t want to bore your listeners with a long, drawn-out intro. Instead, focus on giving them just enough information to pique their interest. Then, you can provide more details in future episodes.
Examples of Great Podcast Intros
A great podcast intro can be many things: funny, informative, thought-provoking, or simply entertaining. But there are a few key elements that all great intros share. First, a great intro must grab the listener’s attention and hold it until the end of the intro.
Second, it must give the listener a brief overview of the podcast and why they should keep listening.
Finally, it should set the tone for the rest of the episode. With these elements in mind, here are three examples of great podcast intros:
Up First
The first comes from the NPR morning news show “Up First.” The intro starts with a catchy music bed and then quickly dives into the day’s top stories. The hosts’ banter is informative and entertaining, and by the end of the intro, listeners know exactly what they can expect from the rest of the show.
Serial
The second example comes from the popular true-crime podcast “Serial.” The intro starts with a chilling reenactment of a real 911 call, followed by a brief description of the case covered in that episode. This intro sets the tone for the podcast – suspenseful and captivating – and leaves listeners wanting more.
2 Dope Queens
The third example is the comedy podcast “2 Dope Queens.” The intro starts with one of the hosts telling a hilarious story about an awkward encounter she had at a wedding. This gets listeners’ laughs and gives them a taste of the funny feminist conversations they can expect from the rest of the podcast. So, whether you’re looking for some inspiration or want to laugh out loud, these three podcasts have got you covered.
The Tim Ferriss Show
The fourth example is the business podcast “The Tim Ferriss Show.” The intro starts with Ferriss saying, “For nearly two years now, I’ve been obsessed with learning from world-class performers.” This tells listeners what they can expect from the show and sets Ferriss Up as an authority on the subject. By sharing his journey of self-improvement, Ferriss instantly establishes a connection with listeners looking to improve their own lives.
Nerdist
Finally, we have the pop culture podcast “Nerdist.” The intro opens with host Chris Hardwick saying, “Welcome to Nerdist. This is where we celebrate our love of all things nerdy.” This lets listeners know what to expect from the show and perfectly encapsulates its lighthearted and fun tone. Hardwick’s enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s impossible not to get excited about everything nerdy after hearing his intro.
Whether serious or lighthearted, informative, or entertaining, all great podcasts have one thing in common: a strong intro. These intros ensure that audiences will stick around for the whole episode by hooking listeners from the beginning.
How to Create a Custom Voiceover For Your Podcast Intro
If you want to create a genuinely engaging podcast intro, one of the best things you can do is record a custom voiceover. This will give your podcast its unique personality and help it stand out from the rest. Here are a few tips for recording an excellent custom voiceover:
- Choose a script that reflects the overall tone of your podcast. If your show is lighthearted and fun, your intro should also be. On the other hand, if your podcast is more serious, make sure your voiceover reflects that.
- Find a professional voice actor or actress who can bring your script to life. The right voice can make all the difference in how engaging your intro is.
- Make sure your voiceover is well-recorded and free of background noise. This will ensure that listeners can hear every word clearly.
Related: How to Write a Podcast Script: Step-by-Step Guide
Conclusion
Podcast intros are vital because they are the first thing your listeners hear. A good intro will engage your audience and make them want to listen to the rest of your podcast. There are a few things you can do to create an intro that is both engaging and professional. Use music that sets the tone for your podcast, introduce yourself and your guests, and keep it short and sweet. If you need help getting started, check out some great examples we’ve provided in this post.
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To learn more about podcasting, check out our other blog posts.
