Scripting Your Podcast Intro, Outro, and Teaser

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When you’re starting a podcast, one of the first things you’ll want to do is script the standard intro and outro for your episodes, plus the teaser (the teaser is essential for setting up distribution channels like Apple Podcasts, and Spotify).

Putting together these short scripts is more challenging that you might expect - but the process will help you distill and focus your thoughts around your goals for your podcast and your ideal audience.

Here are some tips and examples for each of the three elements:

Intro

Goals:

  • Brand yourself and the show

  • Get people excited to listen / hook listeners and draw them in

  • Orient new listeners

Length: Under a minute, even less is better. 

The intro SHOULD include:

  • Name of the show

  • Host Name(s)

  • What is this show? (a one line description)

  • Why we should listen / why you’re excited about the show

  • Set the tone for the show (upbeat? serious? etc…)

The intro CAN also include:

  • Plug(s) for your organization and/or sponsor

  • Who this podcast is for (intended audience)

  • Host qualifications (why should I trust you on this subject?)

DON’T Include:

  • Anything timely or about specific episodes (remember, this intro will accompany every episode, but you’ll have an episode-specific intro where you introduce your topic/guest that follows)

  • Too much detail (we want these intros to be short and punchy so we can get into the content of the show quickly)

Examples:

  • I’m JP Davidson and this is “How to Podcast,” where I share tips on how to get started podcasting, and show you how simple it can be to share your message with the world.

  • Welcome to “How to Podcast.” I’m JP Davidson, founder of Pop Up Podcasting. If you’re new to podcasting, you’re in the right place. I can’t wait to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned after nearly a decade of podcasting. Stick around. 

  • I’m JP Davidson and this is “How to Podcast,” brought to you by Pop Up Podcasting. I’ve been podcasting for nearly a decade and our team has helped hundreds of new podcasters launch their shows. Stick around for the tips and tricks that will help you become a podcasting pro.

Teaser

Goals:

  • Same as intro

  • Build buzz before show launch

  • Get people to follow your show

Length: 1-5 minutes 

The teaser SHOULD include:

  • Everything in the intro (we can even use the same voiceover)

  • A “coming soon” message.

  • A call to action to follow the show.

The teaser CAN also include:

  • Clips from the show (if already produced)

  • A preview of upcoming guests or topics

  • Elaboration on the elements mentioned in the intro (More host bio, more qualifications, more on why you’re making this show, who it’s for, and why we should listen).

  • Additional calls to action (website, social feeds, etc…)

Examples:

  • [Intro script] + “Coming Spring 2020, follow us wherever you find podcasts”.

  • [Intro script] + “Follow us now so you don’t miss episode one, dropping March 1st, 2020”

  • [Intro script] + “Follow now in your favourite app so that you don’t miss episode 1 - coming in March. You can also follow us on Instagram @popuppodcasting and visit popuppodcasting.ca for more info about the show. This season is going to be amazing, I’ll be speaking with X, Y, Z…”

  • [Intro script] + “I really wanted to start this podcast for a few reasons… ...so I hope you’ll follow along on this journey. Our first episode will be up in February, but you can follow us right now in Apple Podcasts or your favourite app to be notified as soon as it’s ready - just search “How to Podcast”. You can also join our email list at popuppodcasting.ca to know when new episodes are available. Happy podcasting for now.”



Outro

Goals:

  • Reiterate your branding

  • Get people to do something

Length: 15 seconds to 2 minutes 

The outro SHOULD include:

  • Host name

  • Show name

  • Call to action (similar to the teaser)

The outro CAN also include:

  • Plug(s) for your organization and/or sponsor

  • Call to action for audience participation

  • Invite listeners to review your podcast (“If you enjoyed the show, don’t forget to rate and review us wherever you get your podcasts”)

 

Examples:

  • Thanks for joining me for this episode of “How to Podcast.” Remember that you can join our email list at popuppodcasting.ca for more tips and tricks on how to make your podcast great. I’m JP Davidson, happy podcasting.

  • This has been “How to Podcast” - I’m JP Davidson. Thanks to our sponsor Pop Up Podcasting, where Ottawa makes its podcasting dreams come true. You can find them at popuppodcasting.ca. If you have feedback on today’s episode, tweet us @popuppodcasting, or email hello@popuppodcasting.ca - we’d love to hear from you. Join us again next time for more podcasting tips and tricks from industry pros. Thanks for listening.

  • That’s it for this week’s episode of “How to Podcast.” Be sure to sign up to our email list at popuppodcasting.ca and follow us in your favourite podcast app, so that you don’t miss our next episode. I’m JP Davidson wishing you happy podcasting.

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