Podcast audiograms are short audio snippets, usually accompanied by a waveform visualization and transcription or subtitles, converted into a video format. They are an incredibly powerful tool for podcast promotion on social media platforms where audio content cannot be directly uploaded.
But like all things in marketing and social media, they can be effective or ineffective based on how they are created and used. In this guide, we'll explore how to create impactful audiograms that help drive traffic to your podcast episodes.
Why use podcast audiograms?
Before diving into the process of creating audiograms, it's important to understand why they are a valuable addition to your podcast promotion strategy. Here are some reasons why you should use audiograms:
- They grab attention: With the constant scroll of social media feeds, it's essential to have eye-catching content that can quickly grab people's attention. Audiograms are visually engaging and stand out among other posts on social media.
- They give a preview of your episode: A short audio snippet accompanied by captions or subtitles can give listeners a taste of what your podcast episode is about and entice them to listen to the full episode.
- They are shareable: Audiograms can be easily shared on social media platforms, making it easier for your listeners to promote your podcast to their followers and friends.
- They increase discoverability: By using relevant hashtags and tagging guests or collaborators featured in the episode, audiograms can help increase your podcast's
Audiograms are a simple and effective way to repurpose your content for social. Now, let's look at how to create them in a way that consistently piques your viewers' interests in each new episode.
Creating an audiogram + best practices
To create an audiogram, you'll need just two things:
- A short audio clip from your episode (usually around 30 seconds)
- An audiogram generator tool, such as Headliner or Wavve (more options later on)
Once you have these elements, follow these best practices to create an audiogram that is a powerful part of your marketing toolkit:
- Choose a visually appealing audio waveform. Most audiogram generators allow you to select from different styles and colors, so choose one that fits your brand or episode theme.
- Use eye-catching visuals. This can be an image related to your episode topic, a still photo of the guest you interviewed, or even an animated background.
- Add subtitles or transcription. Since most social media users scroll with their sound off, adding captions or a transcript will ensure they can still engage with your content.
- Include your podcast logo and episode title. This will make it clear to viewers that this is related to your podcast and which episode specifically.
- Keep the audio clip short and attention-grabbing. Remember, the goal is to entice listeners to click on your episode, so choose a clip that highlights an interesting or intriguing moment.
- Ensure you use the right "aspect ratio": When posting your audiograms on Instagram, consider using a 1:1 square aspect ratio, as it takes up more screen real estate and offers better visibility in the user's feed. For Twitter and Facebook, a 16:9 landscape format is more suitable, as it fits seamlessly into these platforms' default video player.
Most importantly, when choosing a clip, be sure to include enough of a teaser to get people interested in the content without giving away the gold of your episode. Now let's look at the tools you can use to make easy work of this process, episode after episode!
Our top recommended audiogram services
There are several excellent third-party audiogram tools out there, and some podcast hosts even have built-in audiogram functionality as well. Here are our favorites:
#1. Headliner ($7.99/mo)
Headliner is one of the most popular tools for creating audiograms. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customization options, making it perfect for beginners and experienced users alike.
With Headliner, you can upload your audio file or import it directly from your podcast hosting platform. You can then choose from various design templates and add text, images, and waveforms.
#2. Buzzsprout Visual Soundbites (included in paid plans)
If you are using Buzzsprout as your podcast hosting platform, you can take advantage of their built-in audiogram tool called Visual Soundbites. This tool allows you to create a short video clip with an audio waveform and a customizable background image.
Buzzsprout also offers various templates and customization options, making it easy for anyone to create professional-looking audiograms in minutes.
#3. Wavve ($15.99/mo)
Wavve is another popular audiogram tool that offers a simple and intuitive interface. It allows you to import your audio file or record directly from your computer and then add text, images, and animations to create visually appealing audiograms.
With Wavve, you can also customize the color scheme and font styles to match your brand's aesthetic.
#4. Jupitrr ($6.99/mo)
Jupitrr is a newer audiogram tool that offers a unique feature – the ability to create interactive audiograms. With Jupitrr, you can add polls, quizzes, and other interactive elements to your audiograms, making them more engaging for your listeners.
The tool also offers various customizable templates and design options to help you create eye-catching audiograms in just a few clicks. And with its affordable pricing, it's a great option for podcasters on a budget.
Best practices for sharing and promoting your audiogram
Once you have your audiogram, it's time to share and promote it on social media. Here are some tips to help maximize its reach:
- Share on multiple platforms: Don't limit yourself to just one social media platform. Share your audiogram on all of your active accounts to reach a wider audience.
- Use hashtags: Hashtags can help your audiogram get discovered by new listeners. Research and use relevant hashtags for your episode topic, podcast genre, and any related keywords.
- Engage with your audience: When you share your audiogram, make sure to engage with any comments or reactions from your followers. This will help build relationships with potential listeners and encourage them to check out your episode.
- Run paid ads (optional): If you have the budget, consider running paid ads on social media to target specific demographics or interests. This can help increase visibility and potentially attract new listeners.
Implementing these tips will go a long way toward harnessing the power of your audiogram and leveraging it for all it’s worth.
Summary + additional resources
Adding audiograms to your podcast workflow can be simple and easy. Just remember to follow these tips to make them as effective as possible at achieving your ultimate goal: to get more people listening to your content.
- The Best 10 Marketing Podcasts for Digital Creators and Podcasters
- The Ultimate Podcast Planning Guide (7 principles of sustainable success)
