The Comprehensive Guide to Podcasts on Instagram: Turn Social Media Engagement into Listenership

In the ever-evolving world of social media, it’s crucial for content creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to keep up with the latest trends. One such trend that has gained momentum is the intersection of podcasts and Instagram.

What is an Instagram Podcast?

While a traditional podcast is an audio series often available on platforms like Spotify or Apple, an Instagram podcast is a new form of content that brings snippets or full episodes of podcasts to Instagram’s platform. It takes advantage of Instagram features such as Reels, IGTV, and Instagram Stories to share podcast content, giving you the chance to engage with your target audience on a popular social media platform.

How to Start a Podcast on Instagram

Starting a podcast on Instagram is a bit different than starting a traditional podcast. You’re not just posting your latest episode; you’re creating engaging social media content that is designed to attract new listeners and interact with your existing audience.

1. Create a Dedicated Instagram Account for Your Podcast: An Instagram account dedicated to your podcast makes it easier for followers to find, listen, and engage with your content. Your Instagram bio is a critical space for important links, like your podcast link on Spotify or Apple.
2. Leverage Instagram Features: Post soundbites of your podcast episodes as Instagram Reels or Instagram Stories. You can even share full video episodes on IGTV if they’re less than an hour long.
3. Use Relevant Hashtags: Using hashtags in your Instagram post helps reach a wider audience. Remember to use relevant ones to your podcast topic, as this will help connect you with potential podcast listeners who are interested in that subject.
4. Engage with Your Audience: Responding to comments on your posts, using Instagram’s “Question” stickers, or inviting co-hosts to an Instagram Live can drive engagement.
5. Create a Call to Action: Whether it’s encouraging followers to listen to the new episode or asking for feedback, your posts should always have a clear call to action.

How to Promote Your Instagram Podcast

Building followers for your Instagram podcast involves consistent social media marketing efforts.

1. Collaborate with Other Content Creators: Collaborating with other podcasters or influencers who share a similar target audience can help expand your reach.
2. Cross-Promote on Other Social Media Platforms: Share your Instagram podcast episodes on other social media platforms like LinkedIn or your YouTube channel.
3. SEO and Algorithm Optimization: Use keywords strategically in your posts and hashtags to improve visibility. Understanding Instagram’s algorithm can help boost your posts’ visibility.
4. Consistency is Key: Regularly posting new content is crucial to keep your audience engaged and attract new listeners.

Top 8 Software or Apps for Creating Instagram Podcasts

1. Anchor: A free podcast creation app from Spotify that lets you create, distribute, and monetize your podcast.
2. Adobe Spark: Offers professional-grade templates for Instagram posts and stories.
3. Headliner: This app allows you to create audiograms – moving audio waveforms that can be shared as video content.
4. Canva: A graphic design tool offering numerous templates, fonts, and images for creating Instagram posts, Reels, or IGTV covers.
5. Wave.video: An online tool that lets you transform audio into video podcasts.
6. Later: A social media scheduling tool that allows you to plan and schedule your Instagram posts in advance.
7. InShot: A video editing app that’s useful for creating engaging Instagram Reels or video clips from your podcast episodes.
8. Repost: Allows you to easily repost content from other Instagram accounts, perfect for sharing snippets or quotes related to your podcast topics.

Remember, the goal is to use Instagram to take your podcast promotion to the next level and grow your podcast listeners.

What’s in a Name?

Choosing a good name for your Instagram podcast requires creativity and strategy. It should be catchy, memorable, and reflect your podcast’s theme. Using SEO-friendly keywords can help improve your discoverability.

In summary, Instagram is a powerful platform for podcasters, giving them a chance to engage with their audience beyond the audio realm. By understanding its unique features and leveraging effective social media marketing strategies, you can attract more followers and expand your listenership.