How to write podcast episode show notes
Help the listener understand why to include the issue, and after listening - to return to the right thought.
Podcast description vs. episode notes
The name “podcast description” has two meanings. The text about the whole show explains what topics you discuss and for whom you record issues. The description of the episode answers a more specific question: why it is worth listening to this conversation.
Notes for the release of the podcast are accompanying notes for release. In addition to the short announcement, they may contain topics with time marks, explanations and mentioned materials. Their task is to help choose the issue and navigate within it.
Description of the show
The promise of the whole series: the theme, the audience, the approach of the leading.
Description of the episode
A specific question, the interlocutor and the reason to include the record.
Notes to the release of the podcast
Navigation and useful additions to one conversation.
In this article, we collect description and notes for one episode. It is better to arrange a complete transcription with a separate material: a long transcript in the announcement field makes it difficult to choose quickly.
How to find the main thread in a long conversation
Identify the main question
After viewing or reading the transcription, finish the phrase: “This issue helps to understand...” If you have several unrelated topics, select the one that really occupies a central place.
Gather the support fragments
Note a clear explanation, specific example, controversial point, and practical conclusion. Save the time next to it. For the announcement, you need strong details, not a complete recount in order.
Imagine a guest on the case
Enter a name and role that help to understand its relationship with the topic. Check the spelling according to the agreed data. The long list of regalia easily displaces the content of the conversation.
Share the announcement and navigation
In the beginning, give a reason to listen. Below, list the topics that a person can find in time. Do not turn each guest’s response into a separate item.
Check with the final issue
After installation, some of the fragments could disappear, and times could change. Check that the stated example remained in the record and each mark leads to the beginning of the desired conversation.
In the new interesting issue we speak on an important topic with a wonderful guest.
Why is the harmonization delayed even by a small team? We understand how to collect comments in one place and not lose the final version.
Completed example of podcast show notes
The training and its content are fictional. Timecodes show the principle of design; they do not lead to real audio recording.
Why does the agreement go in circles
The comments come in three chats, the edits contradict each other, and the final file is again not final. We discuss with the editor how to choose one place for feedback, distinguish between comments and new requirements and check the version before sending.
In the issue: we understand the fictional history of the page agreement, collect a general list of comments and show what questions to ask before the next circle of edits.
Themes by time
00:00 – why the team loses the final version
04:50 – how to gather comments in one place
12:10 – what to check before sending the file
19:30 – where to start in your team
Materials: working list of version verification — in the text of notes to the issue.
In the announcement there is a recognizable situation and content of conversation. He does not promise to “forever get rid of the edits”: even a good order does not cancel the changes in requirements. If there is no history or verification list in the real episode, these promises need to be removed.
In the “Materials” line, list only what is already available to the listener. Do not add a non-existent checklist for an attractive announcement. Check the resource itself, and the ability to open it without an unexpected request for access.
Episode show notes template
Title: [question or specific topic] [The student's situation.] [What we'll see and what it will help.] [Who is the guest and why is he connected to the topic.] Subjects of release: [time] — [comprehensible section name] [time] — [example or analysis] [time] — [next important issue] Materials mentioned: [name + verified address if material needed] Next step: [one appropriate action for the listener]
First, write the draft freely, then delete the phrases that fit any issue: “a lot of useful”, “interesting conversation”, “all in detail”. Leave one specific question or example instead.
Use the terms of the guest’s theme and name naturally. You do not need to repeat one search query in each line. The title and description should complement each other: if the name already asks a question, the first paragraph can show the situation in which it arises.
What to check before publishing
- Announcement refers to a specific episode.
- The name and role of the guest are written correctly.
- Every promise is confirmed by the record.
- The timecodes are checked after installation.
- Links and additional materials are available.
- The first paragraph is clear without knowledge of previous issues.
Read the text to someone who was not involved in the recording. Ask what the issue is about and why to include it. If he recounts only your general theme, and the specific benefit did not understand, add the situation or parsing that is inside.
After publication, check the display on the selected site: line transfers, links, and time mark support may differ. Do not conclude about the effectiveness of the description for one episode. Compare comparable issues and look at the available site data without attributing all the growth to one paragraph.
A closer look
What length should the description be?
First, give a short announcement that is easy to read when choosing a release. Place themes and materials below. The exact volume depends on the site and content; there is no universal number of symbols for all podcasts.
Do I need timecodes for a short release?
If inside several independent topics and the listener may want to return to them, the marks are useful. For one short thought, a separate navigation can be superfluous.
Is it possible to take a sammari and immediately insert into the description?
Sammari helps to quickly remember the content. But to describe you need to choose the main question, remove unnecessary details and check the promises of the release. Automatic retelling is not always suitable as an announcement.