Podcasts are one of the most popular ways to learn and consume content.
Although the concept of podcasts predates the internet, they started growing in popularity around 2018 with the proliferation of smartphones and apps such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. These apps empower podcasters to host their shows and users to listen to episodes anywhere.
Starting a podcast is simple, but choosing domain names for podcasts is what most budding podcasters find difficult. It requires a mix of strategy and intuition to come up with a name that’s easy to recall.
This is why you need to buy a domain name once you find the perfect podcast name.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to choose podcast domain names
- The parts of a domain name
- The best podcast domain name extensions
- How to buy a domain name
Picking a Domain Name for Your Podcast
Choosing the right podcast domain name is an art because of the potential impact it could have on your show.
To start, here are some questions to ask yourself before you buy a domain name:
- What is my podcast about?
- What topics does my podcast cover?
- Where do I see my podcast in the future?
Answering the first and second questions can help you think of names that don’t pigeonhole you in a specific category.
Using your name and personal brand as your podcast domain name is the most straightforward route, but this is where your answer to the third question comes in.
Your future goals will determine whether or not to name the podcast after yourself. If your show becomes successful, you won’t be able to sell it because it was named after you.
The perfect podcast domain name has the right amount of specificity and generality.
What Is a Domain Name and Domain Extension?
Whether you host your podcast on external platforms or your own website, you’ll benefit from a podcast domain name.
A domain name is an online address that people type into their web browsers to access a website.
Website addresses are composed of a string of numbers called Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, which are difficult to remember. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) introduced domain names as the word-based form of IP addresses.
Having a domain name adds credibility and visibility to your brand, increases search engine rankings, and provides mobility to your online assets, should you choose to switch platforms.
There are three parts to a domain name:
- Subdomains. These are the third level of a domain’s hierarchy and come before the main domain name. You can add unlimited subdomains to your main domain name — the most common is “www” (e.g., https://www.podcastdomain.com).
If you already have a personal website with a domain, you can use the subdomain “https://podcast.yourwebsite.com” to host your podcast content.
For example, Spotify’s Podcaster section can be accessed through the address https://podcasters.spotify.com/.
- Domain name. The second level in a domain hierarchy is the domain name, also called the website identifier (e.g., https://www.example.com).
- Top-level domain (TLD). A TLD is the suffix that appears at the end of the podcast domain name. Some of the most popular examples are .com, .net, or .org.
Businesses often go for a domain name ending in .com since it sounds more professional and is 33% more memorable.
If you’re able to find an available .com domain, buy the other associated TLDs, such as .net or .org, so that they won’t be available for other users.
Which Domain Extensions Are Best for Podcasts?
Although podcast domains ending in .com are recommended, expect it to be taken if your podcast name is common.
If you want to keep your brand name, why not explore uncommon TLDs?
If you’re worried about how uncommon TLDs may impact search engine optimization (SEO), Google’s Search Central blog said, “Keywords in a TLD do not give any advantage or disadvantage in search.”
Google’s Matt Cutts also shared that search engines care more about website content than the TLD. Using uncommon domain extensions has no adverse effect on SEO.
Here are some examples of domain extensions you can use when you buy a domain name for your podcast:
- .audio – This TLD is often used by musicians but can also be used for podcasts.
- .fm – This is technically a country-code TLD for the Federated States of Micronesia, but many podcasts have adopted it.
- .live – This is often used by YouTubers with live shows that they distribute as podcasts.
When you buy a domain name, you can choose extensions that are apt for the industry you’re in, such as:
- .money for a financial podcast
- .health for a wellness podcast
- .news or .report for a news and current events podcast
- .tech for a technology-focused podcast
Keep Your Domain Name Simple and Easy To Understand
Another consideration when choosing domain names for podcasts is if they pass the radio test.
The radio test checks whether your listeners can spell out your domain name when they hear it. Some tips to guarantee that is to:
- Keep your podcast domain name at 15 characters or less
- Avoid special characters like numbers and hyphens
- Choose a domain name that doesn’t get misconstrued or confused for a well-known brand.
Additional tips for selecting podcast domain names:
- Choose podcast names that include business keywords
- Add the word “podcast” at the end of a phrase that’s already taken
- Use podcast name generators for more ideas
- Ask for help from your social network
Buy Your Own Domain
When you’ve thought of a name for your podcast and are ready to buy a domain name, look for trusted domain registrars.
Keep in mind you don’t need a finished website to buy a domain name — even a domain pointing to a basic WordPress website will look good from a user experience standpoint.
Not all domain registrars are similar. Some don’t offer a comprehensive list of TLDs, while others come at a low price but offer questionable security.
Here are some criteria to look out for when selecting the best domain registrars:
- ICANN-accredited. ICANN recognizes accredited domain registrars.
- Variety of TLDs. The top domain registrars offer hundreds of TLD options, including branded and restricted TLDs.
- Free WHOIS protection. ICANN requires all domain name contact information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers, to be available on the WHOIS database. Some domain registrars offer WHOIS protection for free, while others charge a fee to keep your information private.
After choosing a domain registrar, use its domain name search feature to check for availability before buying a domain name.
Once you’ve checked that your desired domain name is available, finalize your order by verifying ownership of your new domain.
Consider Buying Hosting and Your Domain Together
You can buy a domain name from a domain registrar or get it for free when you subscribe to a web hosting plan. Most of the top web hosting companies also offer domain registration services.
Getting a web hosting plan with a free domain name is more beneficial and cost-effective in the long run because it enables you to put up your podcast website.
Having a podcast website empowers you to:
- Control the distribution of the podcast to podcasting platforms
- Keep copies of your episodes
- Connect to your audience
Final Thoughts: Picking a Domain Name for Your Podcast
Selecting domain names for podcasts requires consideration, so when you find an available name, secure it and immediately buy a domain name from the right domain name registrar.
As you buy a domain name, consider getting web hosting for your podcast website as well. Top domain registrars often happen to be web hosting providers whose hosting plans come with free domain registration.
Sign up for a Bluehost hosting plan and get free domain registration.
