If you are new: A trailer is optional but useful: it lets Apple/Spotify review your show before episode 1 drops, and gives friends something to share.
Do this first
- Write 8–12 lines: who you help, what happens each episode, why you care.
- Record 60–90 seconds on the same mic you will use for real episodes.
- End with one action: “Subscribe in your podcast app” or “Follow the feed.”
A trailer is a movie trailer for audio: hook, credibility, format promise, tone sample, one CTA—ideally under two minutes.
Open with tension or curiosity
First ten seconds decide whether someone stays. Start with a bold claim, a question, or a moment of tape—not housekeeping.
Prove you can deliver
Drop a polished clip from a real episode: laugh, insight, or story beat. Trailers that are only voiceover music beds feel hollow.
Explain the deal
“Every Wednesday, 15 minutes, one growth experiment for indie hackers.” Specific beats vague. If you have seasons, say how they work.
Single CTA
Pick one: follow in app, join newsletter, or pre-save. Too many links dilute action.
Submit early
Upload the trailer to your host, submit to directories, then follow with episode 1 on launch day. Apple review queues exist—do not wait until the night before.
Related reading
Next step
Start hosting with Cubecast.