How (and why) to make an unforgettable podcast trailer
Plus, 52 weeks of podcast growth
We love a good trailer, be it movies, podcasts, or even books. Today, we’ll cover the whys and hows of a great podcast trailer. We wrap it up by sharing some examples of trailers we loved, in the hope that you might both enjoy and learn from them.
But, first.
✅ If you only have time for one thing
Bookmark this issue for later and listen to Trailer Park: The Podcast Trailer Podcast. Arielle Nissenblatt and Tim Villegas feature trailers from existing, new, and never-to-be-made podcasts. They break down what works and what doesn’t work in these trailers.
And, now.
✨ 52 Weeks of Podcast Growth
Record a trailer of your show. If you already have a podcast: listen to your initial trailer and if you see some things you might do differently, record a new one!
This trailer can be for your ears only, to show to a friend, or even to send to me (shreya@tinkmedia.co). Creating a trailer is a fun and effective way to gauge where you’re at with your podcast and where you want to go.
To sum it up, the last five podcast growth tips are:
Write a 300-word pitch for your show.
Spend 15 minutes writing a new pitch for your show.
Show your 300-word pitch to a friend. Ask them if they understand what your show is about.
Rework your pitch if needed. If not, share it with a community that is not your friends.
Record a trailer of your show.
👋 New here? Start from Week #1 of Podcast Growth.
Enough teasing. Here we go!
👑 One Trailer to Rule Them All
When I think of the word trailer, I can’t help but think “In a galaxy far, far, away…” despite the low-hanging Lord of the Rings reference above.
However, no two (good) movie trailers are the same. Similarly, no two podcast trailers are the same. But, they do achieve some common purposes.
Why make a trailer?
Quite simply, to build anticipation.
To give the intended audience a chance to decide if your show is for them.
To have an asset to share with the press in your pre-release press release.
To make it easy for a listener to recommend your podcast; a trailer is less commitment than listening to a full episode recommended to you by someone.
How to make a great trailer?
🎯 Decide why you are making this trailer
Start with deciding the purpose the trailer is meant to serve. Generally, a podcast or season trailer can be:
A teaser trailer: a shorter trailer giving but a tease of your show.
A coming soon trailer: a slightly longer trailer meant to give your audience an idea of what to expect.
A seasonal trailer: a trailer for an upcoming season. This can also include a recap from the previous season, if relevant.
A snapshot trailer: quite useful for interview-style podcasts, this highlights content and quotes the audience might want to hear more of.
🎯 Include the basics
Every decent podcast trailer includes the following:
What is your show about?
If you’re making a show that requires intrigue and mystery in the trailer, be sure to mention your story’s main hook.
Why might they like to listen to this?
You can compare it with another podcast, TV series, film, or book so they might know what to expect.
What are the highlights?
Think quotes, twists and turns, or even bloopers for comedy.
When is your podcasting debuting?
Where can they listen to your podcast?
Any other call to action like:
Following you on social media.
Subscribing your newsletter.
🎯 Common FAQs
Question: Do I really need a trailer?
Answer: The short answer is - yes. The long answer is - yes, you do.
Question: How long should my trailer be?
Answer: It depends on the purpose your trailer is meant to serve. While a teaser trailer is typically under 60 seconds, a full trailer could go up to 3 minutes. We recommend 2 minutes for any trailer other than a teaser.
Question: When should I release my trailer?
Answer: Anywhere between 2-4 weeks before the release of the first episode.
Question: Can I just clip together parts of my podcast episodes to make the trailer?
Answer: It might be tempting to create a trailer that is just a series of moments from your show. While this works for some, it may not work for everyone. If you do decide to do this for the trailer, we suggest scripting transitions between one clip to the next.
Resources and Examples
📜 Resources:
Apple Podcasts recently wrote a blog on how to make the next great podcast trailer.
BuzzSprout has a YouTube video on how to make a great podcast trailer.
The podcast Trailer Park: The Podcast Trailer Podcast shows, by example, what good podcast trailers sound like. Also, sometimes the creators of the podcast speak to the hosts to share their vision behind the podcast and the trailer.
🎧 Examples
If you’re looking for some inspiration, some trailers really stayed with us. Presenting, the trailers of:
Let’s Make A Rom-Com and its’ predecessor Let’s Make a Sci-Fi
❣️ From the desk of Tink
On paper, the small South American country of Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in the world, thanks to its oil boom. The country started shipping barrels of oil in 2019. Hotels are popping up all over its capital city. Historic homes are being turned into condos for visiting oil execs. But average citizens say they aren’t benefiting from the boom like they thought they would. And one lawyer is trying everything she can to stop her homeland from being changed from a carbon sink into a carbon bomb. In this special crossover season of Drilled and Damages, a look at 21st century oil colonialism, amid the climate crisis.
🪄 More Magic
12 Interview Podcasts Way Better Than Joe Rogan (Lauren’s most recent Lifehacker)
Last year, we wrote about video in podcasting and what do about it? It still seems quite relevant.
Earlier this year, we shared how to get your guests to share their episodes?
Last week, Lauren shared 8 Jack Handey-inspired podcast marketing tips.
WOW! Thank you for the shoutout.