How to End a Podcast: Crafting the Perfect Sign-Off

Podcasts are a great way to invest in a passion of yours. Whether that is sport, a lifestyle, or baking, podcasts are going nowhere. 

In fact, studies have shown that 82.4 percent of people spend around seven hours a week listening to podcasts. No wonder you want a slice of the pie.

While it is all good and well that you have recorded your intro and the bulk of your podcast, how do you end it? 

Understanding the importance of the wrap-up sequence can help you to create something that is professional, and will make the listener check out your social media handles.

It will leave an impression on your listeners as you tell them to take action.

This could be in the form of checking out your Twitter, or leaving a comment – just something to get them interacting with the podcast episode. 

Just remember that those who listen to the entire podcast in full are the loyal listeners that you want.

So, with that in mind, it is very important to get the outro right.

In this article, we shall take a look at how to end a podcast. 

What Should You Include In A Podcast Outro?

As any seasoned podcaster would know, podcast outros hold as much importance as the podcast intro (also see, ‘Podcast Intros‘).

Podcast intros are the perfect opportunity to both introduce your show and make sure that listeners feel welcome.

This is why it’s important to craft an intro that stands out, effectively communicates what you want your show to be about, and leaves a lasting impression on those who listen in.

ALSO SEE: How To Start A Podcast Introduction

The podcast outro serves as an equally powerful tool for keeping your audience engaged. As with intros, a good podcast outro should be crafted in a way that leaves a memorable impression on listeners and encourages them to continue tuning in.

A great podcast outro typically includes the podcast title, a brief summary of the episode, information about upcoming episodes, and ways for listeners to contact or support the show.

Additionally, they can also provide links to any relevant social media accounts or websites that you want your audience to visit.

There are a few options when it comes to what to say at the end of podcast episodes.

With that being said, it does not mean that you have to use every single option available to you.

The following suggestions and podcast outro examples will help you on your way to end a podcast confidently. They will also give you an idea of some of the things you could say.

However, they are not in order, and you can use whatever outro components that suit you and your podcast. 

You may find that you change your outro on any upcoming episode over time.

This is a good way to find out what works and what does not. If your listeners give you feedback that they don’t like something, take it on board. 

Always Thank The Listeners

Just like we said before, those who reach the end of your podcast are worth a thank you.

These people are loyal fans who listen to the full podcast because they enjoy it. 

They have taken time out of their day to listen to your podcast. This is something that you do not want to take for granted, so give them a quick thank you. 

However, it does not mean you have to make a big song and dance about it.

Just say something along the lines of ‘thanks for taking the time out to listen to this podcast’ and move on. 

Say A Call To Action (Otherwise Known As A CTA)

When it comes to the end of your podcast, you will find the call to action is one of the most important components.

A podcast is often free, and your listener has just heard the content without paying any money towards it.

So, once the show is finished, podcast hosts will want to say a call to action.

Some common podcast outro CTAs can include:

• Asking new listeners to subscribe to your podcast.
• Visiting the website of your podcast or joining a mialing list.
• Supporting your podcast on Patreon or similar service.
• Asking listeners to follow you on all your social media platforms.
• Mentioning anything else such as purchasing tickets or buying a product, etc.

However, you do not want to mention all of these things in your episode outro. Keep it limited otherwise you may find that listeners will switch it off before the podcast is even finished. 

If you are unsure what to say, choose your social media or website. This way people can follow up the podcast by giving your socials a follow and so on. 

Recap The Current Episode

If you are creating a podcast that delivers information that you want your listeners to learn from, then recap those points at the end. 

When you do this, it means that your audience can take this new information on board and digest it again via bullet points. 

It also shows that you have delivered the information that you set out to. For this reason, your listeners will come back wanting more.

They will value what you have to say, and know that you can deliver your ‘promise’ on the topic.

You don’t need to go through everything in great detail. Just briefly go over what you have talked about. 

Give A Hint At The Next Episode

Another good thing to mention at the end of a podcast is a teaser for the next episode. No doubt you will have your podcasts planned out in advance.

Giving your listeners a hint at the next episode will have them tuning in.

Some examples include telling them about the guest, or episode title, even just the topic.

However, if you do a podcast that does not have the ability to plan out future episodes, then this will not work for you. 

Thank You To Specific People

If you have a podcast that featured people in it, whether that was a guest you interviewed or another host, then you can thank them at the end.

If you have numerous people to thank, then it will be better to add the long list of names within the notes of the show.

If the list is too long, people will switch off the podcast rather than listen until the end. 

When deciding if the list is too long, always put yourself into the shoes of the audience. If the list feels too long, it probably is. 

Final Thoughts

Creating a podcast can be challenging. While you might have the outro and the main section all figured out, you might not know how to end the podcast.

Fortunately, you have a lot of options when it comes to the end.

Whether you want to recap the subject, thank a guest, have a call to action, or even tease the next episode, there are many different ways to wrap up your podcast.

Just try and see what works best for you and your audience.