When starting a podcast, one of the most common questions I get is, “What’s the difference between podcast descriptions, show notes, and episode descriptions?”
These terms can be confusing, especially for new podcasters. Today, I’m going to explain each one in detail and guide you through how to use them effectively and how to write a Podcast description.
So, let’s dive right in.
What Is a Podcast Description?
A podcast description is one of the most important parts of your podcast setup. It’s essentially the summary of your entire podcast and is uploaded into your hosting platform, such as Buzzsprout, Podbean, or any other podcast hosting service.
Where Is It Displayed?
Your podcast description appears everywhere your podcast is distributed, such as:
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
- Spotify
- Podcast directories
It’s the same description no matter where your show is listed.
Think of it as the introduction to your podcast—every potential listener will read this before deciding to hit play.
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What Should You Include?
Here’s what you should focus on when crafting your podcast description:
Relevant Keywords: Use terms that are specific to your podcast niche. These keywords will help new listeners find your podcast.
Your Ideal Listener: Mention who your target audience is. This helps connect with listeners who resonate with your content.
Show’s Takeaways: Briefly explain what your listeners will gain by tuning in, whether it’s entertainment, information, or advice.
Pro Tip: Your podcast description does not change with every episode. It’s like the header on your website—it stays consistent. However, if you ever rebrand or want to update the description to better reflect your content, you can easily do so.
What Are Episode Descriptions?
Next up, let’s talk about episode descriptions. Unlike the podcast description, which is static, episode descriptions are unique for each episode. These show up on platforms like:
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
- Google Podcasts
Where Is It Displayed?
When someone clicks on an individual episode, they’ll see the episode description in their chosen podcast player. This is what tells your listeners exactly what to expect in that specific episode.
What Should You Include?
Episode descriptions can vary in length and detail. Here’s a breakdown of what you might include:
- Short Synopsis: A brief overview of what the episode is about.
- Detailed Overview: You can go more in-depth if your episode requires it, perhaps including key takeaways or topics covered.
These descriptions are vital because they give listeners insight into the specific episode, helping them decide if it’s something they want to listen to.
Note: Some people may call these show notes, but for clarity, in this guide, we’ll stick with the term “episode description.”
What Are Show Notes?
Show notes are entirely different from both podcast and episode descriptions. Think of show notes as a blog post for your podcast episode.
Where Are Show Notes Hosted?
Show notes typically live on your podcast’s website or blog. They can either be on your custom site or on a site offered by your podcast host, such as Buzzsprout, if you’ve chosen to use their podcast website service.
For example, my show notes live on my website under the URL format: www.autopodcastai.com/episode-90.
These are distinct pages for each episode and can contain much more information than what is available in the episode description.
What Should You Include?
Here’s a breakdown of what you can add to your show notes:
- Embedded Audio Player: Usually, the audio file of the episode is at the top of the page.
- Detailed Breakdown: Go deeper into the topics covered in the episode. This can include insights, guest information, and any additional resources.
- Links and Resources: If you’ve mentioned external websites, books, or other media in your episode, this is where you can include those helpful links.
Pro Tip: Unlike episode descriptions, show notes allow you to include images, detailed text, and multiple links—things that most podcast players won’t let you do in episode descriptions.
Why Should You Create Show Notes?
You might be wondering, “Isn’t an episode description enough?” Well, here’s why I believe show notes are worth the effort:
More Control:
Having show notes gives you full control over the content you want to share. You can format it however you want, add images, and include multiple links without limitations.
SEO Benefits:
If you’re trying to grow your podcast audience, having show notes on your website helps with search engine optimization (SEO). More content on your site makes it easier for search engines to find and rank your podcast.
Additional Information:
Not all information fits neatly into an audio format, so show notes allow you to elaborate, include bonus content, or provide further resources.
The Differences Between Podcast Descriptions, Episode Descriptions, and Show Notes
Let’s break down the differences between these three:
| Type of Description | Purpose | Where It’s Displayed |
|---|---|---|
| Podcast Description | Summarizes your entire podcast. | Everywhere your podcast is listed (e.g., Apple Podcasts, Google Play). |
| Episode Description | Describes a specific podcast episode. | Appears with the episode on podcast players like Spotify. |
| Show Notes | Blog post-like detailed notes for each episode. | Hosted on your website, separate from your podcast host. |
Do You Need All Three?
At the end of the day, it’s up to you how much effort you want to put into your podcast’s descriptions and show notes. Here are some options:
Just Episode Descriptions: If you’re tight on time, stick with episode descriptions.
Full Show Notes: If you want to go the extra mile, show notes allow for more detail and flexibility.
Outsource to a Virtual Assistant: If you’re stretched thin, consider outsourcing the task of writing show notes.
Whatever approach you choose, the key is understanding the function of each description type and how they fit into your overall podcasting strategy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to refine your podcast process, understanding podcast descriptions, episode descriptions, and show notes will help you present your show in the best light. Customize your approach to what fits your needs, and always keep in mind how your audience consumes content. And remember, it’s okay to adjust your strategy as you grow.
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Sonu is a passionate blogger who reviews the latest AI tools. With a focus on providing insightful and unbiased reviews, Sonu helps readers navigate the evolving world of artificial intelligence.
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