Podcast Name Availability: How to Secure a Unique Podcast Title

Podcast name availability is 👉 one of the most important factors 👈 in picking a title for your show.

In this blog post, we are going to list the sites you should check to make sure you podcast’s name is not taken.

We will show you the quickest, most efficient ways to check podcast directories. We will also show you how to check for availability when it comes to social media, website domain, and trademark. 📋

But first let’s spend a little time on why it is important to have a unique podcast name.

Why Podcast Name Availability Matters for Your Show’s Success

Podcast name availability is important because you do not want people confusing your podcast with someone else’s. 👯

You also want to be easy to find on the internet, with a consistent handle across social media and a similar website domain.

Also, you do not want to get into any trouble in terms of a business trademark dispute, especially if you are doing a branded podcast for your company. 👩‍⚖️

What Makes a Podcast Name Strong?

A great podcast name should be memorable, clear, and easy to search. Here are key elements to consider:

✅ Relevance – The name should reflect your podcast’s topic and audience.
✅ SEO-Friendly – Including a keyword improves visibility on platforms like Spotify.
✅ Easy to Say & Spell – Avoid long or complicated words that are hard to remember.
✅ Unique – Check podcast directories to ensure it’s not already taken.
✅ Brandable – A name that stands out makes marketing and social media easier.

Choosing a strong podcast name helps attract more listeners and rank better on podcast platforms.

How to Brainstorm a Podcast Name ?

Coming up with the perfect podcast name can be challenging. Follow these brainstorming techniques:

🎯 List Core Themes – Identify your podcast’s main topics and values.
📝 Use Word Association – Write down related words and mix them creatively.
🔍 Check Competitors – Look at top podcasts for inspiration (but don’t copy!).
🧠 Test It Out Loud – Say your potential name to ensure it’s easy to pronounce.
👥 Get Feedback – Ask friends or potential listeners what they think.

A structured brainstorming process leads to a memorable and brandable podcast name.

Step-by-Step Process to Ensure Your Podcast Name is Available

Step 1: Trademark Search – Avoid Legal Issues with Your Podcast Name

It is good to start with the US Patent and Trademark Office because if someone else has trademarked the name you want to use for your podcast, you really should not use it. 🙅‍♀️

The agency has an easy to use search engine.

Not many people do the work to register a trademark, so chances are, your naming idea will pass this hurdle. 😅

Step 2: Podcast Directories – Check If Your Podcast Name is Taken

The next place to check if your podcasting title is already taken is podcast directories or listening platforms. Podcast directories are where people go to listen to the actual audio recording content of podcasts. Examples of podcast directories are Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, etc.

The good news is that you do not have to go through each directory individually to find out if your podcast title is available. ListenNotes.com is a search engine for all podcasts. If you search for your podcast name there and it is not already taken, you are in the clear in terms of not duplicating other podcast name already out there. 🙌

Note: There are a lot of zombie podcasts out there 🧟 … they are no longer active, but they still appear on podcasting directories. If you find that there is a podcast that already uses the title you want, check to see if it has been inactive for a long time. While it is best to not have the same name as any other podcast, if you really love the name and it only matches an old, inactive podcast, you can use it without worrying.

Step 3: Social Media Handles – Secure Your Podcast Name Across Platforms

Congrats on making it this far! 🥳

At this point you can be confident that your podcast name is not shared by anyone else. So you are good to go, right? Not quite. ✋

Remember, podcasting is all about attracting your target audience or listeners. A big part of this is building a brand across social media platforms. That is why you want your social media handles need to be identical or at least very close. And, obviously, they need to be available.

That’s why the next step is to check Namecheckr.com. This website has a list of all the social media platforms. You enter your title idea at the top and then it shows you on the list which platforms have that handle available. 😎

Your social handle does not need to be exactly identical to the title you choose, but making it very similar will help. 🤝

Step 4: Domain Name Availability – Lock in Your Podcast’s Website

The last step in this process is to check to see if your title is available as a website domain name. There are lots of places to check this online, including InstantDomainSearch.com. 🔍

Like social media handles, your website domain does not need to be exactly identical to your podcast’s title. However, it does need to be somewhat similar. And of course, be sure to use keywords on your website to help potential listeners find you on major search engines like Google. 🗝️

Tips for Crafting a Good Podcast Title

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing your podcast title is optimizing it for podcast listening platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. A well-optimized title ensures better discoverability and helps potential listeners understand the focus of your show at a glance 🎧

We made a study at Ausha that shows that 65% of podcasts in the top 10 search results include their primary keyword in the podcast title 🔍

For example:

If your podcast is about healthy eating, try something like “Eat Smart: Healthy Living Tips” instead of a generic title like “Smart Talk”.
Keep the title clear, concise, and relevant to your audience.

So, brainstorm a title that grabs attention, communicates your podcast’s purpose effectively, and ranks well on podcast platforms!

5 ChatGPT Prompts for Finding the Best Podcast Title

Not sure where to start? Here are some tailored ChatGPT prompts to help you overcome common challenges podcasters face when choosing the perfect, optimized title:

“Help me brainstorm podcast titles for a show about [your topic] that clearly convey the show’s value to listeners while incorporating the keyword ‘[your keyword]’. Include options that are engaging and easy to remember.”
“Suggest 5 podcast titles that stand out in the crowded [specific genre] space while being optimized for search engines and podcast directories like Spotify. Focus on clarity and relevance.”
“My podcast is about [your theme], and I’m struggling to create a title that captures the emotional connection I want to make with my audience. Can you propose titles that resonate with listeners and also include SEO-friendly keywords?”
“Provide creative podcast title ideas for a show aimed at [specific audience or niche]. Each title should balance branding potential with discoverability on platforms like Apple Podcasts.”
“I want my podcast title to convey authority and credibility in [your industry]. Suggest title options that feel professional, highlight my expertise, and use strong, searchable keywords to attract my target audience.”

Podcast Name Availability – FAQ

🔹 How can I check if a podcast name is already taken?

You can check podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and ListenNotes to see if a name is already in use. Also, search for trademarks on the USPTO website and verify social media handles using Namecheckr.

🔹 Can I use a podcast name that’s already in use?

If a podcast name is already taken, it’s best to choose a unique one to avoid confusion and branding issues. If the existing podcast is inactive, you might still use the name, but always check for trademarks first.

🔹 How do I trademark my podcast name?

To trademark your podcast name, search for existing trademarks on the USPTO database and, if available, apply for registration. This ensures exclusive rights to your podcast name and protects it from being used by others.

🔹 Should my podcast name match my domain name?

While not mandatory, having a matching domain name improves branding and SEO. If the exact domain isn’t available, use a variation that still reflects your podcast name while keeping it easy to remember.

🔹 What makes a good podcast name?

A strong podcast name should be memorable, clear, and relevant to your topic. Including a keyword can improve discoverability, while keeping it short and easy to spell ensures better audience engagement.

Final Word on Podcast Name Availability

If you have completed all four steps and your podcast name is available on all of them, congrats, you did it! 🎉

More likely than not, whatever name you first create, will not pass all these steps. That’s ok! When you hit a wall, think of it as an opportunity to come up with more creative ideas. Chance are there is a better word (or words) out there to really convey what your show is all about. If you need some inspiration, check out our blog post with 400+ podcast name ideas!

Also, try out Ausha’s popular, free Podcast Name Generator tool. Trained on hundreds of podcast names, it will give you tons of options to choose from and play with. 🤓

That’s all for today, folks! Enjoy the process! 🚀