Maintaining a listener’s attention throughout your podcast episode is an art. Yet, in podcasting, it’s just as essential to make an exciting ending that leaves your viewers wanting more.
But as a podcaster, have you ever thought about how to end a podcast episode that leaves listeners both satisfied and wanting more in the last few minutes? How can you always end your podcast show in a way that makes people want to hear more?
I’m Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy. In this blog, I’ll detail how to end a podcast, explain the importance of good podcast outro music, and give you the podcaster a complete guide to mastering this often-overlooked but essential part of the craft.
Just as a well-made “podcast intro” can draw in listeners, a strong podcast outro can leave an impression long after the show. The podcast experience can be made or broken by the sound effects, last note, the final thought, and the lingering belief.
This is where the often-overlooked skill of adding a “hook” to the end of your podcast comes into play. It’s not enough to wrap things up nicely; you also need to leave your viewers with something to think about so they can’t wait for the next episode.
Table of Contents
Understanding Podcast Outros
What makes the difference between an ending that doesn’t do much and one that gets people excited for the next episode?
Here are some qualities that make a compelling podcast outro interesting:
Brief and Engaging
A podcast with outro music that is short and sweet has a lot of power. It’s essential to keep your podcast outro short. A great podcast outro should be brief, clear, and powerful, just like a good podcast intro.
This accuracy makes sure that your main point is noticed in a sea of unimportant details. You can get your main point across more effectively by eliminating all the extra stuff.
A short podcast outro shows respect for your audience’s time and gives them something they’re more likely to remember. Also, a short podcast outro keeps a positive impression and keep people interested.
And lastly, a good podcast outro leaves just enough room to get people excited about what’s next. It’s the same as leaving an intriguing question unanswered, which keeps your listeners interested and excited for your next show.
Thank Your Listener
By saying “thank you,” you show that you appreciate the personal connection you’ve made through podcasting. It’s more than just a nice thing to do!
By showing your gratitude, you build a feeling of community and remind everyone that they are all part of the community you are making.
And thank 1 person. Talk as if you are having a direct conversation with one person. Not to a group. This helps build a personal connection.
Recap the Episode
Summarizing the show’s main ideas makes sure your listeners understand what you’ve talked about. A quick recap is not just a way to repeat what has already been said but also to help your listeners understand the concepts, ideas, and thoughts better. It allows them to tie up any loose ends, strengthen connections, and build a strong base for further research.
Tease the Next Episode
Teasing the next show isn’t just a way to give your listeners a sneak peek; it’s a smart way to keep them interested, intrigued, and eagerly awaiting what’s to come.
Getting people excited about what’s to come has a number of advantages. It keeps them interested in your show. By telling your listeners what’s coming up next, you keep them interested in your journey even after your latest episode.
So, how do you get your listeners excited about your podcast idea or upcoming episode? Here are a few strategies:
- Curiosity-Inducing Questions:
Use questions about the next topic that make people think. These questions can make people curious and want to listen in order to find out the answers.
- Mystery and Intrigue:
Share an interesting piece of information or a hint about the next episode. Keep it short enough to get people interested but clear enough to let listeners coming after them know that the new episode is worth listening to.
- Prominent Guest or Expert:
If the next episode will have a special guest or an expert in the field, say their name and what they will be doing. This can get people excited to hear what they have to say.
- Tease a Story or Anecdote:
Share a short story or anecdote that fits your upcoming episode’s theme. This can give people a taste of what’s to come in particular episode and make them curious about the bigger context.
- Highlight Unique Angle:
If the next episode has a different perspective on a familiar topic, you should say this. It’s a great way to make the show stand out and interest people.
- Imply Value:
Tell the people who listen how the next show will help them. Will they learn something new, get new ideas, or be entertained uniquely?
By using these techniques, you’re not just teasing an episode but inviting your listeners to join you on the next part of your podcast journey.
Engage with the Listener
When you ask questions or ask for feedback, you encourage a two-way conversation. This isn’t a monologue; it’s a chat where your listener’s thoughts add to the discussion. They add more depth to the things you’ve explored when they share their thoughts, whether in comments, emails, or on social media.
Engaging the listener makes podcasts better in more than one way. It turns your episodes from something they sit back and listen to into something they participate in.
When they share what they think, they’re not just taking in information but adding to it. This makes them feel like they’re a part of what you’re doing, which makes the content more understandable and useful because their different points of view shape it.
Engaging people also makes each episode last longer. By talking about and sharing the content, they help it reach new listeners and might start conversations in their groups. This ripple effect makes your podcast’s impact bigger and builds a community of people with similar hobbies and ideas.
Engaging with your audience also makes them feel like they belong. It reminds everyone who listens to your podcast that they are part of a more extensive network of people interested in learning, growing, or whatever your show is about. Their words help people connect, making strangers into friends who have something in common.
Clear Call to Action (CTA)
The goal of a call to action (CTA) is easy but important: to get your audience to do something. Whether it’s to read more of your website or content, connect on social media, or sign up for more, a call to action (CTA) directs your audience’s energy, turning them from passive listeners into active participants.
Here are some examples of good calls to action for different podcast goals:
Growth in Subscribers
- Engagement on Social Media
- Getting the word out about a product or service
- Getting feedback from listeners
- Bringing people together
When writing your CTA, you must find a balance between assertiveness and inviting people to do something. Make it clear to your audience what you want them to do, but also make them feel important and encouraged to participate.
Remember that the CTA is your parting gift and the link between your podcast show and the rest of the world. Use it well, and you’ll see the effect of your podcast grow.
And don’t overwhelm the listener with requests. Stick to one CTA per episode. What do you want the listener to do most.
Signature Sign-Off
With consistent sign-offs, your listeners will be able to quickly recognize your tone. It’s a simple but strong tool that reminds people who you are, what you stand for, and what kind of experience you offer.
It’s not a coincidence that each show ends in the same way; it’s a deliberate choice that has a big impact on how people think of your brand.
Here are some examples of memorable signature sign-offs that have made an impression:
“Stay Curious, Keep Learning”
This sign-off is excellent for a podcast about exploration, learning, and always getting better. It gives people a sense of hope and reminds them to keep looking for answers.
“Until Next Time, Stay [Adjective]”
Adding an adjective that describes the tone of the podcast, such as “Stay Curious,” “Stay Inspired,” or “Stay Informed,” reinforces the podcast title’s core and makes an effect that lasts.
“Keep Exploring the Unknown”
This sign-off is used at the end of podcast news stories that go into mysterious or uncharted content. It encourages listeners to keep going on the journey of discovery.
“Remember, You’re Not Alone on This Journey”
This sign-off highlights community, and being together is a comforting way to end episodes, especially for podcasts about personal growth or shared experiences.
“And That’s a Wrap!”
A casual and funny ending like this can make people feel like they’re part of a fun conversation.
By choosing a signature sign-off that fits with the themes and values of your show, you’re building a unique brand that will stick with people.
“Cheers”
Or, use mine!
I didn’t mean to do this, but over time it became my natural way to finish a conversation. Then my editor asked me, “I’ve noticed you finished every episode with cheers. Do you do that on purpose?” It was then I decided that would be my sign-off.
Include Credits
Behind every great podcast episodes are a hardworking team of producers, editors, sound engineers, and designers who ensure that each moment sounds smooth and every detail is just right. Your producers, editors, sound engineers, and designers work hard to ensure your entire podcast episode is polished and ready for your listeners to hear.
Recognize the people who have contributed significantly to the success of your podcast. Your podcast, like a movie, has its own “credits roll” at the end to recognize and reward those who contributed to its creation.
Sample Templates of a Good Outro
Remember, your podcast outro is a chance to leave a lasting impression, connect with your audience, and pave the way for future episodes. Here are some sample podcast outro examples that incorporate the elements of great outro that I’ve talked about to end a podcast episode:
1. Informative Podcast Outro Script:
“Before we wrap up, let’s go over the most important points from today’s episode. Remember to [summarize the important points]. We hope you found these insights valuable. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll discuss [Tease next episode’s topic]. Don’t forget to subscribe to [Podcast Name] so you don’t miss any new episodes. Continue to learn, to grow, and to explore with us. “Thanks for listening! See you next time!”
2. Interview Podcast Outro Script:
“As we conclude this week’s episode, I want to thank our guest [Guest Name] for sharing their expertise and insights. Your perspective has given our conversation more meaning. We’d also like to thank all the listeners and audiences. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to [Podcast Name] for more thought-provoking interviews. Please keep the conversation going by connecting with us on social media @PodcastHandle. Until our next enlightening conversation, take care!”
3. Storytelling/Narrative Podcast Outro Script:
“And with that, our story comes to an end. But remember, the journey continues. Want to know what’s in store for our main character? Watch out for the next part, where [Tease the upcoming episode]. If you liked this story, please leave us a review on the [podcast site] you use most. Your comments keep us going. Keep your imagination and sense of wonder alive until we meet again. Thanks for listening!”
4. Educational Podcast Outro Script:
“As this episode comes to its very end, don’t forget to reach out to us. We love to hear from people who listen to us. Contact us on [Social Media Platforms] if you have questions or ideas about what we discussed today. And mark your calendars for our next episode, where we’ll talk about [Tease’s next episode’s topic]. Your questions make us want to learn more, so keep them coming. Thanks for listening! Keep learning and asking questions until we meet again!”
5. Entertainment/Comedy Podcast Outro Script:
“Another episode of [Podcast Name] is over. Thanks for joining us on this rollercoaster of laughs and insights. Tell your friends about us if you enjoyed yourself as much as we did. Don’t forget to hit subscribe button. And guess what? The fun continues. Get ready for the next funny ride, where we’ll be [Tease what will happen in the next show]. Keep laughing, keep sharing, and keep being awesome until then!”
Feel free to mix and match parts of these templates to make a compelling podcast ending and outro that fits your podcast’s style and goals. Remember that the end of your podcast is a chance to leave a lasting impact on your loyal listeners and audience, connect with them, and set the stage for future episodes.
Creating Your Unique Podcast Outro
Creating a unique sign off is like adding your signature to the end of a work. It’s a chance to leave a lasting effect on your listeners and show what your podcast is about. Here’s how to make an ending that sticks with your listeners:
Experiment with Elements:
Your podcast outro can incorporate various elements like a recap, CTA, appreciation, a teaser for the next episode, and podcast outro music. Mix and match to find the combination that fits your style. Remember, your outro can evolve over time as you discover what works best.
Embrace Consistency:
A consistent podcast outro builds brand identity. Whether it’s a signature phrase, intros and outros music, or format, repetition creates familiarity. Over time, the podcast outro becomes synonymous with your podcast, making it instantly recognizable.
Reflect Your Personality:
Let your personality shine through. If you’re energetic, infuse that energy into your podcast outro. If you’re more contemplative, end with a thought-provoking quote. Authenticity resonates with your audience.
Connect with Listeners:
Your podcast outro is a bridge to your audience. Use it to engage – ask questions, seek feedback, or share listener stories. This interaction fosters a sense of community and keeps listeners coming back.
Make It Memorable:
Your podcast outro is the last thing your listeners hear – make it stick. A catchy sign off, a compelling teaser, or a memorable CTA can leave a strong impression and encourage listeners to return.
Remember that the end of your podcast is your goodbye to your listeners, a door that leads to more content, and a handshake that stays with them. So, take the time to make an ending that fits your podcast’s theme and speaks to your listeners’ hearts. A great podcast outro is the last part of your podcast that makes it unique.
How to End a Podcast Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed the most essential parts of an exciting podcast outro, it’s up to you to create an outro that captures the tone of your podcast and connects with your audience. Ensure your ending fits your podcast’s theme, viewers, and goals. Try out different things until you find the right mix that makes an impression that lasts.
Remember that the end of your podcast is more than just the last note. It’s also a gift to your viewers, a door to more content, and a thank-you handshake. If you use the tips and ideas we’ve given, you’ll be well on your way to making interesting podcast endings, remembered, and have a significant impact.
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