Podcast SEO Rules

The following content is a summary and elaboration of the Spotify Search Guidelines adapted by Podseo

Optimizing your podcast for success involves more than just creating great content—it’s about making sure your show is discoverable, engaging, and appealing to your target audience. From crafting attention-grabbing titles to refining metadata and ensuring consistency across platforms, each element plays a vital role in attracting listeners and keeping them coming back.

The rules below provide actionable guidance to help you elevate your podcast, maximize its reach, and achieve lasting growth.

Titles and Descriptions

1. Create a catchy show title:

• Keep it short (3–4 words)*.
• Avoid abbreviations, punctuation, and misspelled words.
• Include a keyword that reflects your content.
• Be creative.
• Avoid common or generic names, unique spellings, special characters, and long titles.

* Podseo Note: Heuristic experimentation suggests that adding relevant keywords to your title can enhance SEO performance. These additional keywords can be appended to the main title using a separator such as a colon, dash, or vertical bar (e.g., Title: Keywords for SEO). While the main title should remain concise, the total length, including the additional keywords, can extend to 10–12 words, provided it remains natural, descriptive, and aligned with your content’s focus.

Examples

• Podcast Success Playbook | Growth Strategies, Marketing Tips
• The Creative Spotlight: Ideas, Inspiration, Stories
• Digital Influence Hub | Social Media, Personal Branding

2. Write an enticing show description:

• Include the host’s name.
• List topics covered on the show.
• Add abbreviations of the show’s name.
• Stick to 100 characters or less*.
• Introduce yourself and include primary/secondary keywords.
• Link your socials.

Podseo Note: while it’s true that long descriptions can be detrimental, we believe that 100 characters might be too strict in some contexts. Definitely connect with your target keywords but feel free to experiment

3. Use episode titles to your advantage:

• Keep titles straightforward, SEO-friendly, and specific to the theme.
• Include relevant keywords and guest names.
• Match search intent.

4. Compose searchable episode descriptions:

• Limit to 3–4 sentences.
• Make the first 120 characters count.
• Include keywords and guest names.
• Create a connection with the episode title.
• Avoid filler words and spoilers.

Aesthetics and Visuals

5. Put some thought into your show art:

• Design according to industry standards (3,000 x 3,000 pixels, square image, clear graphics).
• Feature your podcast name and logo.
• Use simple, catchy designs without overcrowding or tiny scripts.

6. Personalize your show page:

• Include category tags, social media links, and website links.
• Add your name and podcast title.

7. Launch a podcast website:

• Create a dedicated webpage to connect with listeners and increase discoverability.
• Use it for teasers, newsletters, email marketing, or running a storefront.

8. Build anticipation with a podcast trailer:

• Create a 30-second engaging trailer to promote your podcast.
• Highlight it prominently on the listening platform pages.
• Use it to hook new listeners by showcasing the podcast’s best moments.

General Tips

• Include relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and metadata.
• Avoid overcomplicating visuals and text.
• Stick to industry guidelines to ensure search engines and platforms categorize your podcast correctly.
• Use creative marketing strategies like trailers and social connections to grow your audience.