51. Podcast Introduction: How to Craft Intros & Outros That Hook Listeners and Grow Your Brand with Grayson Dotzert
- Brittany Miller
- Mar 26, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
I started my first show with zero followers, three kids underfoot, and a stubborn belief that my voice could find its people. What helped more than anything? A clear, compelling podcast introduction and a thoughtful outro that treated every episode like a handshake and a smile. If you want listeners to stay past the first 30 seconds, the way you open and close your show matters more than you think.
If we haven't met yet, I’m Brittany, an online marketing strategist for female entrepreneurs. I teach women how to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality through smart, actionable marketing strategies that get them seen, loved, and paid. Whether you’re eager to DIY your way to success or hire professionals to help you along the way–my goal is to make sure you walk away with the clarity you need to see the results you desire and build a life you love.
Why your podcast introduction matters (more than you expect)
When someone discovers your content for the first time, they rarely start at episode one. They find you on a topic, click play on episode 23, and decide in the first 20–30 seconds whether this host speaks their language. Your podcast introduction is the elevator pitch, welcome mat, and reliability stamp all rolled into one. Done well, it sets expectations, builds trust, and makes it easy for a new listener to say, "Yep—this is for me."
Think about basics: your episode content might be great, but if your podcast introduction is long, flat, or confusing, you’ll lose listeners before the main content begins. I’ve seen podcasters over-explain their mission or read their mission statement word-for-word—yawn. A mission statement helps you internally; your podcast introduction needs to help the listener immediately.
Table of Contents
What a professional podcast introduction should do
Your podcast introduction has a few purposes, it should:
Identify the show and the host within the first few seconds.
Define what the podcast is about and who it’s for.
Set the tone: energetic, calming, witty—whatever matches the content.
Hook the listener with a benefit or a promise of what they’ll learn.
Be short enough that new listeners don’t instinctively press the forward button.
How to write a podcast introduction script that works
I love simple, fill-in-the-blank scripts because they keep you focused. Here’s a reliable template to get you started:
Greeting and show name: Hi, I’m [your name], and this is [podcast name].
One-line purpose: We help [who] do [what].
Quick examples: On this show you’ll find [type of episodes, e.g., interviews, tutorials, personal stories].
Who it’s for: If you’re [ideal listener], you’ll want to stick around.
In practice that looks like for my podcast: “Welcome to the Go Get Great podcast, the perfect spot for aspiring entrepreneurs and ambitious small business owners. I’m Brittany, your host, an online marketing strategist, and a mom of 5. Here, you’ll discover how to start or scale your small business with practical marketing and business strategies that even the busiest entrepreneurs can implement.
But we don't just stop at business insights because we know that what you do when you're not wearing your ‘entrepreneur hat’ is just as important to the success of your business. As a fellow mom, I understand the importance of having a space for real talk, where we share the relatable, messy moments of balancing motherhood and business.
So, let’s dive in and start your journey from good to GREAT!"
Tone and delivery: why energy matters
It may feel strange to be peppy at a microphone when you’re recording at 8 p.m., but energy translates in audio. Smile when you speak. Use natural hand gestures during a video version. If your voice is flat or you sound like you’re reading from a script, listeners will feel it.
Your podcast introduction should match the episode tone, but even calm shows benefit from a warm, intentional delivery. The goal is not to perform; it’s to sound like someone the listener is excited to spend 20–40 minutes with.
How long should your podcast introduction be?
Short is usually better. For audio only shows I recommend keeping your podcast introduction to about 30 seconds or less. That’s long enough to communicate the essentials but short enough that new listeners rarely skip it. Some high-profile hosts use longer intros, and fans tolerate it because they already know the voice. But when you’re building an audience, err on the shorter side.
What to avoid in your podcast introduction
What you excluse is almost as important as what you include in a podcast introduction. Aviod these to keep your listeners engaged:
Reading your business mission statement verbatim—it's rarely interesting to listeners.
Overly long intros that repeat the same info on every episode.
Using copyrighted music without permission (more on music below).
Being too generic—failed intros sound like filler, not leadership.
why Podcast Outros Matter as much as a podcast introduction
Intros and outros aren’t mandatory, but they make your podcast feel intentional. They help new listeners instantly understand whether your show is a fit and give long-term listeners a familiar rhythm. For business owners, the outro is a chance to support your goals—invite people to follow your socials, visit your website, or explore a service—without interrupting the episode flow.
What to include in your Podcast outro
Your outro has a different job than the podcast introduction. Where the intro grabs attention, the outro converts interest into action. It’s where you thank your listener, remind them what the show is about, and invite them to take a next step. Always include:
A sincere thank you for listening.
A quick reminder of what the podcast is about (especially if you cover varied topics).
A clear call to action (CTA): subscribe, follow on social, join a Facebook group, or book a call.
A short sign-off that becomes familiar to returning listeners.
Put the most important CTA first. People often click away during the outro; give them the highest-value ask right up front. Keep the outro consistent for cohesion, but consider tweaking it occasionally so regular listeners don’t tune it out entirely.
Music: the fast way to brand your podcast introduction
Music does a lot of heavy lifting. It signals a beginning and an ending, sets mood, and builds brand recognition. For a podcast introduction, you don’t want dead air or awkward silence—music helps your show sound finished and professional.
But a huge caution: don’t use popular copyrighted songs unless you have the rights. Using a hit song without a license risks takedowns, legal trouble, or being unable to monetize your podcast later. Instead, choose royalty-free tracks or create custom music.
Where to find safe music
There are lots of libraries with royalty-free music. Some are free, others paid. When you search, verify that the license covers commercial use—many tracks let you create a YouTube video but forbid commercial distribution or require attribution. A few places to explore:
Freesound.org (watch licensing details)
Premium libraries like AudioJungle, Epidemic Sound, and Artlist (paid but reliable)
Free music libraries provided by podcast hosting platforms (check the fine print)
Pay attention to licensing terms: some tracks require attribution in your episode notes, others require a commercial license for business use. If licensing feels confusing, opt for a paid license or custom music to remove the stress.
Should you create your own intro music?
If you—or someone on your team—are musically inclined, creating custom music is often the best route. Original music makes your podcast introduction unique and avoids the risk of hearing the same loop in five other shows. It also lets you craft the exact length, energy, and fade that fits your voice and format.
If you don’t play an instrument, hiring a composer on Fiverr or working with a local musician are both options. Fair warning: inexpensive gigs sometimes repurpose stock loops, so ask for a demo and revise until the piece feels tailored to your brand.
DIY recording basics
If you want to record your own music, here’s what you need to know in simple terms:
Acoustic instruments: a decent microphone captures the sound well. You’ll want a mic that handles a range of frequencies.
Electronic instruments: you’ll likely need a DAW (digital audio workstation) and possibly a MIDI keyboard. Popular DAWs include Ableton, FL Studio, and GarageBand.
Electric instruments: an audio interface is required to plug the instrument into your computer, plus DAW software that simulates amp and effects.
For most podcasters, starting with a simple acoustic loop or a minimal electronic motif is more than enough. I’ve recorded short guitar chords that serve as the opening cue—simple, recognizable, and easy to edit.
Editing your podcast introduction and outro
Editing is where everything comes together. I use Audacity for a straightforward, free editing experience that’s widely supported across platforms. Audacity is great for basic cuts, fades, and mixing. If you have a Mac, GarageBand is a friendly DAW alternative that offers more control over virtual instruments and multiple tracks.
Some editing tips for your podcast introduction:
Trim silence so the intro lands quickly.
Use fades rather than hard cuts to make transitions feel natural.
Normalize levels so music doesn’t drown your voice.
Front-load CTAs in the outro in case listeners click off mid-way.
How much music should play before you start speaking? A good rule: 5–10 seconds of music leading in gives the listener a moment to settle, then fade down the music under your intro voice. At the end, let a final chord ring or fade out naturally. If you have lyrics in your music, time the vocal end to avoid clashing words with your spoken outro.
Need help editing your podcast introduction? Grayson shares professional editing tips here 👇🏻 or you can hire us to do it for you.
Podcast introduction For video: do you need a visual version?
Video is tempting. I record a video version of my show for social content and YouTube because it gives me footage for clips and helps me reach new audiences. But video doubles the work and brings new constraints—aspect ratio, background, lighting, and file sizes.
If you do a video version of your podcast introduction, here’s what to consider:
Record in the correct aspect ratio for the platform (16:9 for YouTube, vertical for Instagram Reels and TikTok).
Have a quiet, clean background—interesting but not busy, so text overlays read easily.
Record a video take of your intro so the visuals match the audio transition; otherwise, create b-roll or a title card to fill the music-only seconds.
Important note: posting the audio-only episode to YouTube with a static cover art is possible, but it rarely performs well. YouTube prioritizes engaging visuals and may deprioritize a plain title card. If you don’t have the bandwidth to do video well, stick to audio and allocate those resources to promotion instead.
Outro script ideas you can steal
Keep outros consistent but flexible. If you have a business-related CTA, put it up front. Here are examples:
Business-first outro: “Thanks for listening. If you want help with [service], check the show notes for my link to book a free clarity call. If you liked this episode, subscribe and follow on Instagram at [handle]. Catch you next week.”
Community-building outro: “Thanks for spending time with me. Jump into our free Facebook group—link in the show notes—to get support and swap wins with other entrepreneurs. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode.”
Short & sweet: “Thanks for listening. Subscribe and I’ll see you next week.”
Where to place calls to action in your outro
Front-load them. Put the highest-value CTA first, then secondary asks. For a business-focused podcast that might look like:
Book a call or visit the link in the show notes.
Follow on Instagram for episode highlights.
Leave a review—if they loved the episode.
Keeping the CTA order intentional increases the chance listeners hear it before hitting the next episode or switching apps.
How to make your intro and outro evergreen
Instead of listing static platform names in your podcast introduction or outro, use evergreen language like “subscribe wherever you get your podcasts” or “check the show notes for links.” Platform availability can change and you don’t want to constantly re-edit episodes because you added a new distribution platform. Evergreen phrasing also respects listeners’ intelligence—they found you once; they can find you again.
Technical checklist: what to record and how to assemble it
Record an audio-only version of your podcast introduction and outro for hosting platforms.
Record a video take of your intro/outro if you’re doing a video podcast (match aspect ratio to the platform).
Choose music that fits your brand and license it properly.
Keep intro under 30 seconds; outro can be longer but front-load CTAs.
Edit in Audacity (free) or GarageBand (Mac) for basic mixing and fades.
Export with consistent volume and metadata so your hosting platform displays the right title and artwork.
Deciding whether to outsource intro/outro production
If you’re starting a podcast while juggling a business and family, outsourcing the creation of your podcast introduction and outro can save time and reduce stress. Here’s a quick decision guide:
DIY if you enjoy audio, have the tools, and want full control.
Hire a freelancer if you want a custom sound but don’t know how to record music.
Work with a podcast setup service if you want everything from audio branding to full editing handled for you.
Whatever you choose, make sure the person or service understands your brand and the key messaging that should live in your podcast introduction and outro.
Quick checklist: Your podcast introduction & outro essentials
Your podcast introduction names the show and the host within the first five seconds.
Your podcast introduction explains what the show covers in one concise sentence.
Intro length: aim for 30 seconds or less.
Add a short musical cue that signals the beginning and end, licensed or original.
Outro thanks the listener and includes one clear, front-loaded CTA.
Keep an evergreen sign-off to avoid future edits when distribution changes.
Edit with Audacity or GarageBand for clean fades and consistent levels.
Measuring success: how to know your intro is working
You’ll know your podcast introduction and outro are effective when:
New listeners stick to the episode past the first 30–60 seconds.
People engage with the CTA in the outro (clicks to your link, follows on social, or reviews).
Your downloads trend upward and listeners return week after week.
Use analytics to watch listener drop-off rates. If most people leave during the intro, tighten or rework it. If they leave in the middle of the episode, focus on content structure. If they leave during the outro, consider front-loading your CTAs.
Common pitfalls and how I avoid them
Here are mistakes I see people make—and how I recommend avoiding them:
Intro too long: Trim to the essential three to four lines.
Energy mismatch: Record your intro like you’re talking to a friend, not reading a memo.
Copycat music: Invest in original or licensed music so your podcast introduction is distinct.
Platform overload: Use evergreen language instead of listing platforms in the outro.
No CTA: Decide what you want listeners to do and ask for it clearly in the outro.
Final thoughts: make your podcast introduction a tiny, powerful story
Your podcast introduction is a promise. It tells a new listener what they can expect, why the show exists, and why they should care—often before the episode’s real content begins. When you respect that moment and treat it like the valuable entry point it is, you’ll build trust faster and grow listeners who come back week after week.
If you walk away with one action today: write a 20–30 second script for your podcast introduction, record it with energy, and pair it with a short, licensed musical cue. You don’t need a studio, but you do need clarity. And clarity keeps people listening.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my podcast introduction be?
Aim for about 30 seconds or less for the podcast introduction. Keep it short and focused so new listeners hear the essentials without hitting the skip button repeatedly.
What should I include in a podcast introduction?
Include your name and show name, a one-line description of what the podcast covers, who it’s for, and a quick example of episode topics. Add a short musical cue to signal the start.
Do I need music for my podcast introduction?
Music isn’t technically required, but it makes your podcast introduction feel professional and helps with brand recognition. Use royalty-free music or original music to avoid copyright issues.
Can I use popular songs in my podcast introduction?
No—using popular copyrighted songs without a license can lead to takedowns or legal issues. Choose royalty-free tracks or commission custom music to stay safe.
Should my podcast introduction be different for video versions?
The audio content can be similar, but video introduces visual considerations: aspect ratio, background, and b-roll. Record a video take or plan b-roll to fill music-only seconds so the visual feels intentional.
Where can I find music for my podcast introduction?
Explore free libraries like Freesound.org (check licenses) or paid options like AudioJungle, Epidemic Sound, and Artlist. For unique branding, hire a composer to create custom music.
What tools do I need to edit my podcast introduction and outro?
Audacity is a free, beginner-friendly option for audio editing. Mac users can use GarageBand. For more advanced music work, DAWs like Ableton or FL Studio offer deeper control.
How do I get listeners to act on my outro CTA?
Front-load your most important CTA at the start of the outro, keep it clear and actionable, and repeat the ask in your show notes and social posts. Track clicks or bookings to measure impact.
Want help writing your podcast introduction?
If you’d like a second set of ears on your script, or you want me to create a polished intro and outro for you, I offer done-for-you options and coaching. A tight podcast introduction and a conversion-focused outro can change how listeners discover and connect with your work—so don’t skip these moments. They’re small, deliberate, and powerful.
Episode References
Ready, Set, Podcast! Your Step-by-Step Checklist to Launch Your Podcast Quickly & Confidently - https://www.brittanymillersocials.ca/podcastchecklist
*This post contains affiliate links
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Give us a follow if you're ready to take life from good to great, you'll be the first to know when we share more about motherhood and business. If it really resonated, the kids and I would do a happy dance if you left us a review 💗 ~ Brittany
00:00 Intro
2:00 Why have a podcast intro
5:00 What to include in an intro
9:00 Defining outro's and what to include
16:00 How long should an intro and outro be?
18:00 Finding music for your podcast
23:45 Creating your own music
34:30 Podcasting videos, yay or nay?
43:30 Wrap up
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