Podcast Intro Examples: How To Hook Listeners
Your podcast intro is the first thing your audience hears. It sets the stage, creates an expectation, and—when done right—keeps people listening.
But if your intros are repetitive or drawn out, they could be working against you, causing potential listeners to tune out before you even get started.
In this article, I’ll break down different podcast intro examples, provide actionable tips to boost engagement, and share ways to keep your intro fresh while maintaining consistency.
Your Podcast Intro Matters A LOT
Think about how people listen to podcasts. Many brush past the beginning, skipping ahead to get to the content they came for.
That’s why it’s crucial to make those first few moments compelling. If your intro isn’t grabbing them, they may never stick around to hear the meat of your episode.
Good Podcast Intros Include:
- Clearly communicate what the show is about.
- Set the tone and style of your podcast.
- Hook listeners immediately.
- Be concise and avoid fluff.
Now, let’s dive into different podcast intro examples you can use to structure your podcast intro.
The Stock Podcast Intro
This is the most common type of podcast intro—a pre-recorded clip that plays at the start of every episode. It’s professional, polished, and provides consistency for your brand.
Podcast Stock Intro Elements:
- Podcast Name: Listeners should immediately know what they’re listening to.
- Host Introduction: A quick line about who you are.
- Show Value Proposition: What can listeners expect to learn or gain?
- Sonic Branding: A theme song, jingle, or unique sound to reinforce your brand.
Example of a Stock Intro Using My XYZ Formula
“Welcome to The How to Trade Stocks Podcast. My name is Eric Montgomery, and I’m your host. This is the podcast where I teach you how to trade stocks and give you my personal playbook to 10x your income.”
This format builds authority by clearly positioning you as an expert in your niche. It also creates FOMO (fear of missing out) by making listeners feel like they could be missing crucial strategies for success.
Additionally, it immediately communicates the core value of your podcast, ensuring potential listeners know exactly what to expect and why they should keep listening.
Here’s the stock intro to my podcast, CLIPPED.
Best Practices for Stock Intros
- Keep it short: Ideally, under 30 seconds. Long intros get skipped.
- Use engaging music: Sonic branding creates emotional connections.
- Make it clear: Don’t waste time rambling—get to the point.
The Cold Open Podcast Intro
A cold open is when you jump straight into engaging content before rolling your stock intro. This technique can immediately grab attention and create anticipation.
Types of Cold Opens with Real Examples
Promoting a Freebie
Hook listeners by offering something valuable.
Below is an example of how I introduce a freebie in my podcast, CLIPPED. “Before we dive in, I have a free eBook for you called The Four Pillars of Podcasting. It’ll help you take your podcast from idea to launch. Get it on Amazon Today.”
Freebie Clip – Music
Guest Bio Introduction
Set up your interview by previewing the guest’s background. Here’s an actual guest bio intro I did for an episode with my buddy Evan Phillips, owner of Pod Peak Studios. This also rolls into the episode’s sponsor, making it a seamless flow from teaser clip to music, stock intro, guest bio, sponsor mention, and then the main interview.
Teaser Clip – Music – Stock Intro – Guest Bio Intro – Sponsor – The Interview
Teaser Intro
Play a compelling snippet from your guest or yourself if hosting solo. Below are two examples of teaser opens I used for CLIPPED about marketing touchpoints.
Teaser – Music
Teaser – Music – Stock Intro – Episode Intro – Episode
Call to Action (CTA) Intro
Start with an immediate ask (but keep it simple). Below is an example of how I incorporate a CTA at the start of an episode to encourage engagement without overwhelming listeners. “Before we get started, do me a favor—hit follow and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people find the show.”
CTA Intro – Music
How to Keep Your Podcast Intro Fresh
Your podcast intro shouldn’t feel stale, but you also need a level of consistency to establish brand recognition and trust with your audience. Striking the right balance is key to keeping listeners engaged without making your show feel predictable or repetitive.
Rotate Cold Open Styles for Variety
Switching between different cold open styles can keep your podcast engaging and dynamic. Trying a new format every few episodes or changing things up monthly helps maintain intrigue for both you and your audience.
Whether you start with a teaser, a guest bio, or a call to action, varying your approach prevents stagnation and keeps listeners curious about what’s coming next. This keeps things fresh and engaging for both you and your listeners.
Try a new format every few episodes or mix it up monthly to prevent stagnation.
Update Your Stock Intro Regularly
Refreshing your stock intro periodically prevents it from feeling stale. Consider making updates every quarter or at least biannually.
A subtle change in music, tone, or wording can give your podcast a fresh feel while still maintaining brand recognition.
Even a small tweak can make a noticeable difference, keeping longtime listeners from tuning out due to predictability. Consider updating it every quarter or biannually. A slight change in music, tone, or wording can prevent it from feeling outdated while still maintaining brand identity.
A slight change in music or wording can keep it feeling new.
Test Different Intro Lengths for Engagement
Intro length matters. If your intro is too long, listeners might skip it entirely.
Experiment with different durations—15 seconds, 30 seconds, or 45 seconds—to determine what resonates most with your audience. Shorter intros often perform better, keeping people engaged and ensuring they stay for the full episode.
Attention spans are short. If your intro drags on, listeners might skip it altogether.
Experiment with 15-second, 30-second, or 45-second intros to see what resonates most with your audience. Listeners may engage more with a snappier start.
Final Thoughts on Podcast Intros
Your podcast intro isn’t just filler—it’s a critical opportunity to hook your audience and build engagement.
Whether you go with a polished stock intro, a dynamic cold open, or a combination of both, always focus on making those first moments count.