Podcast Trailers: What Are They and Why You Must Have One
The Importance of a Podcast Trailer
Podcast trailers are important because they quickly tell the podcast audience about your show. A podcast trailer is a short recording that builds anticipation for your podcast, without giving so much information that the recording becomes a full podcast episode.
The length of podcast episodes vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours and the same is true for podcast trailers. Some recording hosts advertise that podcast trailers should be shorter than five minutes long and other recording companies explain that the best podcast trailers are less than a minute.
I think the best way to determine the length of a podcast trailer is to decide the type of podcast trailer you want to create.
All Podcast Trailers Aren’t The Same
If you didn’t know that podcast trailers existed, then you are in good company. Not only was I surprised to find out that podcast trailers existed, but I was shocked to learn that there are different types of podcast trailers that you could create: Coming Soon trailers, Show trailers, and Teaser trailers.
A Coming Soon podcast trailer is similar to movie trailers that you view while waiting for the main feature film to appear. Coming Soon trailers allow the podcast host to explain what this show will highlight and allow the listener to get excited for and anticipate this new podcast.
Show trailers are highlight reels of an existing podcast. If your podcast has existed for a few episodes (or seasons), you can create a Show trailer that shares exciting sound bites from your podcast. The best thing about these trailers is that the audience can choose these clips for you! If you receive emails or social media comments about your podcast, use these messages to create your Show trailer.
Teaser trailers are for the podcast host who is really organized because these trailers are included in the current podcast episode to tease the next podcast episode. For example: include a Teaser trailer at the end of Episode 35 with exciting clips from the upcoming Episode 36. To effectively use a Teaser trailer, you need to have multiple podcast episodes recorded, edited, and waiting to be released.
What to Include in a Podcast Trailer
Now that you are excited about creating a podcast trailer, it's time to find out what to include in a podcast trailer. What you include in your podcast trailer depends on the type of podcast trailer you want to create.
A Coming Soon podcast trailer should include the name of the show, the name of the show host (or hosts), the show topic, and include a call to action like subscribe to the podcast or join the email list.
Show trailers should include the name of the show, the name of the show host (or hosts), a sentence about why you included these clips or highlights in the trailer and a call to action.
A Teaser trailer should include the name of the show, the topic of the next episode, and a call to action to subscribe to hear the full episode that was teased. Whether or not to mention the host of the show depends on whether you have multiple show hosts or guest hosts. If there is only one podcast host, you would not need to restate the name of the podcast host because the audience just listened to you host the podcast. If there are multiple podcast hosts or guest hosts, include the name of the upcoming podcast host (or hosts) in the teaser trailer.
Regardless of the type of podcast trailer that you create, these two elements must be included: the name of the podcast and a call to action. You want the podcast audience to remember the name of your podcast and you boost their memory by repeating the podcast show name over and over again. And you want the podcast audience to act! Remind the audience to join your email list, subscribe to the podcast, or tell a friend about the show. Whatever action you want the podcast audience to take, make sure you mention it in the podcast teaser.
Why Create a Podcast Trailer
The simple reason to create a podcast trailer is to have an additional episode. But let's explore the unique reasons to create different types of podcast trailers.
A Coming Soon podcast trailer allows you to have a short recording to submit before you release a full podcast episode. A Coming Soon trailer provides you with content so that you can submit your podcast RSS feed to a podcast hosting company before your podcast launches! That's very fancy. This short podcast trailer will tease the podcast audience and briefly explain the niche of your podcast. Coming Soon podcast trailers are typically shorter than the other two podcast trailers.
A Show trailer is a great way to add bonus content to your existing podcast. A show trailer is a great way to repurpose your podcast content and promotes your other podcast content.
A teaser trailer is the easiest podcast trailer to create. Earlier, I used the example of including a podcast teaser trailer in Episode 35 to promote Episode 36. This type of trailer will keep your podcasting momentum going because you are consistently working ahead to prepare for the next episode.
How to Record a Podcast Trailer
You can record a podcast trailer the same way you record a podcast episode; with your microphone, home or professional recording studio, and the details bout your next episode. Just remember to keep the recording short and sweet. A short initial recording will make the editing process easier and help you keep the finished trailer short and sweet. You will not need any extra equipment or skills to create a podcast trailer.
The Benefits of a Podcast Trailer
I hope you’ve learned that every podcaster can include a podcast trailer in their show. Whether you are planning to create a podcast or using a podcast trailer to promote an existing show, podcast trailers are beneficial to every podcaster.
