How to Make a Podcast Intro and Outro
Updated October 2026
An intro and outro frame every episode. Keep them short, consistent and at the same loudness as the episode, and they feel like part of the show.
The short version
- Keep the intro under about thirty seconds, so listeners reach the content.
- Put music under the voice, ducked, rather than competing with it.
- Match the loudness of the intro and outro to the episode.
- Record the intro and outro once and reuse them.
Keep it short
The intro tells listeners what the show is and who is speaking. Keep it short, and move to the episode quickly. The outro thanks listeners and says where to find the show.
Music and voice
If there is music, duck it under the voice so the words stay clear. The ducking guide has the steps.
Match the loudness
An intro that is much louder or quieter than the episode jolts listeners. Set the intro and outro to the same loudness target as the episode. The loudness guide explains the targets.
Reuse them
Record the intro and outro once, clean them with the same settings as the episodes, and reuse them. Consistency is what makes a show recognisable.
Frame every episode the same way
Tunedzy levels the intro and outro to the same loudness target as the episode, so the show sounds consistent.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
How long should a podcast intro be?
Short. Under about thirty seconds is a common target.
Do I need music?
Not always. A clear voice with a simple sting is enough for many shows.
Should the intro be louder than the episode?
No. Match it to the episode, so listeners do not reach for the volume control.
Keep going
How to Make a Podcast Sound Professional on a Budget
How to Duck Music Under a VoiceoverVoice Cleanup for PodcastersAll guides and comparisons · Tunedzy Go on your phone · Pricing