How to choose your podcast's name and artwork

Before anyone hears your voice, they see your name and artwork. In a catalogue of millions of shows, those two things decide whether people click or scroll past. And they're hard to change once you have listeners.

What makes a good name?

A good name does several things at once:

If your podcast is for a brand, link the name to it, but avoid the usual "The … podcast". A name with personality sparks more curiosity.

A method for generating ideas

Is your name very abstract? Add a descriptive subtitle, such as "Show name, the podcast about…". It appears on the platforms and helps you rank in search.

Is it available?

Before you fall in love with it, check that you can use it:

• Search for it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iVoox.
• Check whether the domain and social media handles are available.
• Check trademark registers for any brand with the same name in your sector.

Artwork that works at a small size

Your artwork is a thumbnail: in many apps it appears about the size of a stamp. If it doesn't work small, it doesn't work.

• Keep it brief. The show's name and, at most, a short phrase.
• Large text. It needs to be readable at just a few centimetres across.
• High contrast. Colours that separate the text from the background.
• One visual idea. A clear image is better than a collage.
• Your brand. Use the colours and typography that identify you.

If the podcast is fronted by one person, a well-framed professional photo gives the show a human face. But it also has to look good when it's small.

If your artwork can't be read at icon size, it can't be read.

Format and size

Platforms require a square image. 3000 x 3000 pixels in JPG or PNG is a safe standard and meets Apple's minimum of 1400 x 1400. Check the current requirements before publishing, as they may change.

Test it before publishing

Shrink the image to icon size and look at it on your phone, next to artwork from other shows in your field. Does it stand out? Can you read the name? Does it convey the right tone?

Ask for honest feedback from people in your audience, not just those close to you. A few minutes of testing saves you changing it later, once people know you.

Consistency between name, artwork and episodes

Your artwork, your name and each episode's images should work together as a set. Use the same palette and typography in your social media posts, such as the clips and audiograms we cover in how to promote your podcast on social media. That way, anyone who's seen you on social media will recognise you instantly on their podcast app.

Common mistakes

• Long or hard-to-spell names. Nobody searches for them.
• Tiny lettering on the artwork. It can't be read on a phone.
• Copying another podcast's style. People will mistake you for it.
• Constantly changing your artwork. People stop recognising you.
• Forgetting the description. The text that goes with the artwork also helps people find you.

When should you ask for help?

If your podcast is for brand or business communication, it's worth having a designer or production company look after its identity. And if you're still shaping the project, take a look at how to start a podcast and how to choose the topic and format.

In short

A clear, short, memorable name, and artwork that's legible when small, with good contrast and in keeping with your brand. Check it, test it with your audience and get the format right. They'll stay with you for the life of the podcast.