Buzzsprout Weekly

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Let’s be honest: we all judge podcasts by their cover.

In fact, 62% of new listeners are more likely to check out a podcast if they like the cover art. That means your artwork isn’t just a placeholder, it’s your show’s first impression! And that can either be a good thing or a bad thing.

Here's how to make sure your artwork is doing its job and standing out to new listeners:

1. Keep It Simple
The best artwork does one thing really well. That might mean a bold font, a single striking image, or a unique color palette. But once you start adding in a logo, tagline, headshot, app icons, and your podcast’s URL…you’ve lost the plot.

Aim for:

• One strong visual concept
• Clear, readable typography
• Zero clutter

If you want real examples of what works (and what doesn’t), we break it down in ​this blog post​ with templates and visual references to get you started.

2. Match the Tone of Your Show
Think about how your podcast sounds. Is it funny, serious, calming, or unhinged? Make sure your cover feels like that! Listeners make assumptions based on your artwork. If it looks good and communicates tone clearly, they’ll know exactly what your show is about.

3. Choose the Right Visual Approach
There’s no single right way to design cover art, but here are three directions that usually work:

Host Photo If your face is the brand (think celebrity or influencer), a photo makes sense. If not, consider whether it’s adding anything or contributing to clutter. 

Iconography A single, meaningful image can tell a story at a glance. Just avoid clichés like microphones or headphones; you wouldn’t put a DVD on a movie poster!

Typography-Led If your show name is clever or strong on its own, lean into that. Bold, clean type can stand out more than an overworked design ever will.

No matter which route you take, it needs to look good on a small scale, because that’s how people are seeing it in app menus and search results.

Real Feedback from Real People
If this is starting to feel intimidating, you don’t have to do it alone. 

I love this ​Reddit thread​ where podcasters share their thoughts on what makes good podcast artwork. It’s a great way to gut-check your design or get unstuck.

And if you want to help a Buzzsprout podcaster decide, the host of People in Australia could use your help ​weighing in on different designs​.

TL;DR:

If you're a visual learner, watch this video!

You can listen to the team break down everything about podcast cover art in ​this week's episode of Buzzcast​. 

Both resources walk you through design best practices, how to think about thumbnails, and how to avoid common design pitfalls without needing to be a professional graphic designer.

If your cover art communicates tone, stands out in your category, and looks sharp at small sizes, you’re in great shape. And if you're not sure, we're here to help! Post your artwork ​on Reddit​ and we’ll weigh in. 

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! 

This week, we are switching things up! We're going to talk about a feature that doesn’t get nearly enough love: Dynamic Content. Let's get to it!

If you’ve never used it before, ​Dynamic Content​ is a tool in your Buzzsprout account that lets you easily add or remove pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll segments to any of your episodes.

Think of it as being able to add a quick message, announcement, or promotion, and swap it out whenever you want. But with no editing! That's right, these segments aren't added to your original audio files, so you can switch them out at any point.

It’s a flexible way to keep your episodes fresh without the hassle of re-editing your entire back catalog.

You can use Dynamic Content to...

• Thank a sponsor
• Announce an upcoming event
• Send a holiday greeting
• Respond to Fan Mail 
• Thank your supporters
• Promote a giveaway
• Invite listeners to interact on Social Media
• Mention upcoming conferences you'll be attending
• Cross-promote other podcasts

You can even get creative! Some podcasters use Dynamic Content to rotate intro or outro music across their episodes (like this ​great idea on Reddit​).

If you'd rather listen than read, you can learn about Dynamic Content in ​this episode​ of The Proffitt Podcast. Krystal does a great job of walking you through four ways to use Dynamic Content and why it's important for content creators to know how to utilize it. 

How do you use it? ​Join the conversation in our Facebook group​ and share your best practices or ideas with other podcasters.

Dynamic Content is available for all Buzzsprout podcasters in your Buzzsprout account! You can check it out by going to the Episodes page and clicking on the Dynamic Content tab.

Alright, that's all for Dynamic Content, and all I have for this week. I'm excited to hear how you use it! 

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! 

Our team is prepping for Podcast Movement next month, which has my brain in full conference mode. One of our most asked questions at conferences actually isn't about Buzzsprout, it's about podcasting equipment! 

Podcasters want to know if the gear they are using is "right," and while the best equipment for one podcaster might not be the same for another, there are some common themes that can make a big difference. So today, we're going all in on one topic: podcast equipment. Let’s get to it!

The Best Gear for Any Budget

As the podcast industry continues to grow, so do the podcast equipment offerings. And while it is great to see so many companies investing in the podcasting space, it can be tough to know what products are right for you! 

This week on Buzzcast, the team is sharing their favorite podcasting equipment after hitting 500k downloads. They share why they still prefer dynamic microphones, what products are luxury vs necessity, and how to get the most out of your recording space.
Listen ​wherever you get your podcasts​, and ​text us​ what you think! 

Listen on Apple

Ready to Learn More?

Check out ​the ultimate podcast equipment guide​: There are so many podcast equipment guides out there, and I always find it hard to determine what are actual recommendations and what is just an affiliate link. 

That's why I always recommend this ​podcast equipment guide​ from our Head of Marketing, Alban Brooke. He breaks down two setups that he has used to record over 500 podcast episodes and explains why these products work for him! 

Share Your Thoughts

​Share what equipment works for your podcast​: The best podcast setups are usually the most simple! We've found that dynamic mics with budget headphones and a treated space give you a better sound than most expensive gear. Do you have tips on podcast equipment? Let us know on ​Reddit​! 

Get Connected

​Learn from Jacksonville podcasters:​ Jax Podcast Camp is a free half-day event packed with workshops for new and experienced podcasters, happening July 31 from 1–5 pm at WJCT in Jacksonville, FL. It's a great chance to learn, connect, and grow your podcasting community! 

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! 

Editing takes time, but what if your episode could sound polished without all the cleanup?We've added powerful new tools to Magic Mastering, saving you time while making your audio sound better:

• Filler Killer cautiously detects and removes filler words like "ah" and "uhm" to achieve a high-quality listening experience.
• Power Clean is designed for particularly bad recordings, removing complex noises like chatter, wind, traffic, or reverb.

These updates are built into your Buzzsprout account, so you can publish faster without sacrificing quality. To get started, head to the Episodes page in your account and click on the Magic Mastering tab! Learn More

Get Connected​

Podcasting Made Simple Live: Podcasting Made Simple Live is a premium podcasting virtual event focused on helping podcast guests and hosts improve their craft. The event is this Thursday, July 17th, from 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST. We're covering the cost of tickets for Buzzsprout podcasters to attend! RSVP to reserve your spot.​

Ask Megan

"Hey, a lot of people talk about narrowing down your audience. How do I find my podcast niche?"

Finding your niche as a podcaster is a great way to attract your target audience! Start by thinking about what you bring to the table: your interests, expertise, and point of view. Then look for the overlap between what excites you and what people are already searching for or talking about. That sweet spot is usually your niche!

Then think about who your podcast is for. What kind of listener would get the most out of your content? And here’s the big tip: speak directly to your ideal listener in your titles, descriptions, and episode intros. The more your podcast feels like it was made for them, the more likely they are to hit subscribe and stick around!

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! 

It can be hard to find a good podcast guest, and even harder to navigate all of the prep that comes with it. So today, we're taking a look at everything you need to know about podcast guests. Let’s get to it!

How to Find Great Podcast Guests

In this episode of Buzzcast, ​Alex Sanfilippo​, host of ​Podcasting Made Simple​ and founder of ​Podmatch​, joins the team to explore how to book great podcast guests, what makes a good guest, and how to prepare for your interview! 

They also reveal two new ​Magic Mastering features​ and answer listener questions. Listen ​wherever you get your podcasts​, and ​text us​ what you think! 

Listen on Apple

Industry Insights

​For when you’re curious what it takes to stand out in 2025:​ Apple Podcasts has started a list ranking top new shows! The list covers a diverse mix of genres and highlights ten new creators who have made an impact. The first list includes shows from NBC, 20/20 True Crime, and The Black Effect Network. 

​For when going big means thinking local:​ As video podcasts gain momentum and platforms lean into visual formats, one major opportunity is still hiding in plain sight: local content. Some of the biggest growth for podcasting is happening at the hyperlocal level with radio. 

Get Connected

​For when you want practical tips from real podcasters:​ Podcasting Made Simple Live is a premium podcasting virtual event focused on helping podcast guests and hosts improve their craft. The event is on Thursday, July 17th, from 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST. We're covering the cost of tickets for Buzzsprout podcasters to attend! ​RSVP​ to reserve your spot. 

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! 

It's been 20 years since podcasts were added to iTunes! Can you believe it? In some ways it feels like podcasting has been around forever, and in others, it feels like they are still so new. 

A Smarter Way to Recommend Podcasts

Serial was my introduction to podcasts. It was so good that I would’ve traded my iPhone 7 for one solid podcast recommendation to listen to next.

That feeling of wanting more and not knowing where to turn still exists for so many podcast listeners. And that’s exactly where ​Podroll​ steps in.

Podroll is a way for creators to recommend the podcasts they love to their audience. These recommendations are powerful because they're from a podcast creator, not an algorithm.

​In this video,​ we're taking a look behind the scenes at how we designed Podroll and why we think it matters! 

Industry Insights

​For when you want to see the shows that started it all:​ Apple celebrates 20 years of podcasting with a list of 20 influential shows that shaped the medium across four eras, highlighting podcasts that pushed boundaries and set standards for creativity and storytelling. Check out ​20 Podcasts We Love​ by Apple Podcasts, and find out why they made the list!

​For when a little motion goes a long way in your feed:​ Audiograms are a popular way to promote your podcast, but do they still bring engagement in 2025? This ​blog post​ from We Edit Podcasts is taking a look at how to use audiograms to grow your show! If you want to create one for your latest episode, ​we can help​. 

Ask Megan

"Hi Megan, I am working on my show cadence, and I can't quite nail down my publishing schedule. How often should I release new episodes?"

There’s no one-size-fits-all cadence; it comes down to consistency. Pick a schedule you can actually stick to!

Weekly is the most common cadence because it gives your audience a steady rhythm and makes your show part of their weekly routine. But, biweekly or even monthly can work just as well, especially if your episodes are longer or more research-heavy.

Remember, the key is consistency! Listeners like knowing when to expect new episodes, so whatever cadence you choose, try to keep it consistent so your audience can keep up.

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! 

Starting a podcast is easy. Keeping it going is the hard part!

In this episode, the Buzzsprout team shares 10 practical lessons learned from decades of podcasting experience. These are the strategies that actually help shows grow, be sustainable, and remain enjoyable over time. 

From keeping episodes short to building a workflow you love, these tips will help you create a podcast that lasts.

Listen  wherever you get your podcasts , and  text us what you think! 

Industry Insights: 

• For when staying off camera is the strategic choice: Signal Hill Insights' Podcast Download report found that audio remains the primary mode of podcast consumption despite growing video options. Continuing to show that video is fun, but it's not necessary for success in podcasting. 
• For when your next episode needs a spark (or 90): A great podcast interview feels effortless, but it rarely is. Interviewers spend a lot of time preparing to make an interview great. We know it's not always easy to think up unique questions on your own, so we made a master list of 90+ questions to help you prepare! 

Get Connected:

Podcasting Made Simple Live is a premium podcasting virtual event focused on helping podcast guests and hosts improve their craft. The event is on Thursday, July 17th, from 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM EST. We're covering the cost of tickets for Buzzsprout podcasters to attend!  RSVP to reserve your spot. 

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! 

How do you help listeners find their next favorite podcast without relying on an algorithm?

Pocket Casts just rolled out support for Podroll, giving podcasters a direct way to recommend shows inside the app.

Last week on ​Buzzcast​, the team talks about how this is a powerful shift in podcast discovery and how you can add recommendations in Buzzsprout. 

Listen ​wherever you get your podcasts​, and ​text us​ what you think! 

Industry Insight: 

• ​For when indie creators quietly start leading the way:​ For the first time ever, user-generated content like videos, podcasts, and social media posts from indie creators will eclipse the ad revenue of traditional media produced by TV networks, movies, and news companies. This is a huge cultural shift for the media world, and can help podcasters attract more ad opportunities!

Ask Megan:

"I'm already using Fan Mail, any tips on how to make the most of it?"

Definitely! Once you have ​Fan Mail​ turned on, the next step is making it part of your show’s rhythm. 

One of the best things you can do is actively invite feedback in your episodes. A quick mention like “Tell us what you think using the Fan Mail link in the show notes” makes a big difference.

It also helps to respond to Fan Mail on your show. That kind of acknowledgment encourages more listeners to reach out!

Some podcasters even use Fan Mail as a content tool, shaping future episodes around listener questions or suggestions. If you're not using Fan Mail yet, you can turn it on by going to your Home page and clicking on the Fan Mail tab in your Buzzsprout account! 

And if you haven't received any Fan Mail, reply to this email and let us know! We want to send you your first message! 

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! 

Getting started with podcast gear can feel overwhelming, especially when every search turns up expensive recommendations and affiliate links. 

So our Head of Marketing put together a no-nonsense guide he wishes he had when he started podcasting over a decade ago. After 500+ recordings, he breaks down exactly what equipment he recommends, from a $70 beginner setup to the pro gear he uses today. 

You’ll also learn what actually matters when choosing gear and how to avoid common mistakes that derail great recordings. 

Whether you're just starting out or upgrading your studio, this guide keeps things practical, affordable, and focused on what works!

Read Blog

Episode of the Week:

​How to Succeed in Digital Marketing: Lessons from 20 Years​: After 20 years in marketing, Buzzsprout podcaster Krystal Proffitt is sharing exactly what she would do differently if she were starting over today in 2025. These three fundamental strategies will help you stand out in the digital marketing landscape and achieve sustainable success without burning out.

Question About Buzzsprout? Ask Megan!

"What podcast analytics should I actually care about?"

Podcast stats can feel overwhelming at first, but you really only need to focus on a few key numbers! 

• Downloads in the first 7 days
• Podcasting apps people are using to listen
• Listener location

Those three together are usually the most helpful for independent podcasters.

We recently talked about this on​ Buzzcast​, where Tom Rossi broke down which stats matter and which you can probably ignore. Give it a listen if you want a deeper dive!

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Send a question for 'Ask Megan'

Hey, Podcasters! Your best podcast ideas don’t always come when you’re sitting at your computer. They tend to show up during a walk, in line for coffee, or mid-scroll on your phone. 

But with the Buzzsprout app, you can keep up with your creative mind, no matter where you are! 

Whether you're revamping episode descriptions, uploading new artwork, or sharing your latest episode to Instagram Stories, the Buzzsprout app lets you quickly make changes on the go. 

Download the app today and let us know what you think! 

Download iPhone App

Download Android App

Industry Insights: 

• For when you struggle with remote recording​: The Buzzcast team is digging into why remote recording software sometimes struggles to deliver. In this episode, they share what’s going wrong and what podcasters need from remote tools.
• ​For when you're ready to stand out on YouTube:​ Podcast Packaging is a specialized team helping podcasters attract their ideal audience through expert thumbnail design and compelling title copy. They take the guesswork out of packaging so your show gets maximum visibility and engagement. Get 50% off your first title + thumbnail with code FIRST50 at checkout!

Ask Megan:

"Hey, I have been podcasting for a few years now, and I'm trying to keep my show engaging. What can I do to keep my show feeling fresh over time?"

Great question! A fresh format usually comes down to structure with flexibility. That means having a consistent core, like a recognizable intro, segment flow, or recurring theme, but giving yourself room to experiment within that framework.

Try mixing things up with new segment ideas, guest types, or episode lengths. Even small changes like asking a different opening question or switching where you place a story in the episode can make things feel new without losing what listeners love about your show.

Also, pay attention to your own curiosity. If you’re feeling energized by a new topic or format twist, your audience probably will too.

Have a question for Megan? Send a text!

That's all for this week! Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!