How to promote your podcast on Instagram
- catecreatesit
- Sep 30
- 5 min read
So, you’ve launched your podcast (yay!)… but now comes the big question: how do you actually get people to listen? Hitting “publish” is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you start promoting your episodes in the right places—and Instagram is hands down one of the best platforms to grow your audience.
With over two billion users (and most of them hanging out in that sweet 18–34 range), Instagram is basically the digital coffee shop where your future listeners are already scrolling. The best part? You don’t need to be a marketing pro or spend hours glued to your phone to make an impact. With the right strategy (and some smart content ideas), you can turn casual scrollers into loyal subscribers who can’t wait for your next episode.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to promote your podcast on Instagram, step by step, with practical tips you can use today. We’ll cover everything from setting up your profile to creating content that actually gets seen, plus a few insider tricks to save you time (like using done-for-you Canva templates 👀).
Ready to get more ears on your episodes? Let’s dive in.
Before we dive into the best Instagram tips, don’t miss the Podcast Starter Kit, it’s designed to help you launch and grow faster, promote your episodes with ease, and save yourself hours of stress along the way.
Step 1: Optimize Your Instagram Profile to promote your podcast
Your profile is your podcast’s storefront. When someone lands on your page, they should instantly understand who you are, what your podcast is about, and where they can listen.
Write a Compelling Bio
In 150 characters or less, tell visitors:
What your podcast covers (your niche or theme)
Who it’s for (your target audience)
When new episodes drop
Example:"Honest convos on entrepreneurship | Weekly tips for small biz owners | New episodes every Monday | Listen below"
Include keywords (like “marketing podcast” or “true crime podcast”) so your profile is more searchable. Always end with a clear call to action such as “Listen now” with your link.
Use a Branded Profile Photo
A clean podcast logo or a professional headshot works best. This image should match what listeners see on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube for consistency.
Add Highlights for Quick Info
Use Story Highlights to pin important details at the top of your profile. Some ideas:
About the Show
New Episodes
Listener Reviews
Guest Interviews
Custom highlight covers in your podcast’s color palette keep everything cohesive.
Make the Most of Your Link in Bio
Since Instagram only gives you one link, use it wisely. You can:
Link directly to your latest episode
Use a landing page tool (like Linktree, Beacons, or your own website) with links to Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more
Step 2: Post Across Every Instagram Format
Instagram rewards creators who use all of its content types. Here’s how each format can work for your podcast:
Reels
Reels are Instagram’s short-form videos (15–90 seconds), and they’re the fastest way to reach new audiences. Use them to:
Share teaser clips from episodes
Show behind-the-scenes snippets
Record yourself delivering a quick tip
Pro tip: Hook viewers in the first three seconds with a bold statement or surprising fact.
Carousels
Swipeable posts are perfect for breaking down key takeaways from an episode. Example ideas:
"5 Lessons from My Interview with [Guest Name]"
"Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When [Topic]"
Each slide should deliver value, and your last slide should include a clear call-to-action such as “Listen to the full episode.”
Single Image Posts
These work well for:
Announcing new episodes
Posting guest headshots
Sharing a bold pull quote
Use eye-catching designs so your posts stand out in the feed.
Stories
Stories disappear after 24 hours but are powerful for engagement. Use them to:
Post polls and questions ("Which topic do you want next?")
Share a quick audio snippet with a link
Show real-time behind-the-scenes moments
Since Stories appear at the top of feeds, they are perfect for announcing new episodes.
Live Sessions
Host a Q&A or “after show” chat with your followers. Lives send notifications to your audience and create a sense of community.
Step 3: Create Shareable Content Ideas for Podcasters
Not sure what to post? Here’s a list of tried-and-true content ideas that work for podcast growth:
Episode Announcements: Branded graphics with episode title and guest name
Audiograms: Short audio clips with animated waveforms (tools like Headliner make this easy)
Quote Graphics: Pull out inspiring or interesting quotes from your episodes
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Recording setup, bloopers, editing snapshots
Teaser Reels: A 15–20 second highlight or preview from your show
Carousels with Tips: Educational, bite-sized lessons pulled from your content
Polls, Q&A, and Countdowns: Interactive stickers in Stories to spark engagement
Listener Shoutouts: Share reviews or messages from happy listeners
Step 4: Write Captions That Convert
Your captions are the bridge between your visuals and your podcast link.
Start Strong
The first line should hook the reader:
Ask a question: "Ever wondered why your podcast isn’t growing?"
Make a bold statement: "Most podcasters make this mistake…"
Use curiosity: "Here’s the one thing I wish I knew before episode 1…"
Keep It Conversational
Write like you’re talking to a friend. Break up text with line spacing for easy reading.
End with a Clear Call to Action
Examples:
"Listen now, link in bio"
"Tag a friend who needs this advice"
"Save this post for later"
Step 5: Use Hashtags and SEO Wisely
Think of Instagram as a mini search engine. To be discoverable:
Use 5–8 relevant hashtags (mix of broad and niche).
Incorporate keywords naturally into captions.
Add alt text to images (Instagram allows this for accessibility and SEO).
Example: Instead of just #podcast, use #WellnessPodcastTips or #TrueCrimePodcasters.
Step 6: Engage and Build Community
Instagram is not just about posting, it is about connecting.
Reply to every comment and DM.
Reshare user-generated content (like listeners tagging you).
Shout out guests and collaborators to tap into their audiences.
The algorithm rewards engagement, and so will your listeners.
Step 7: Stay Consistent with a Content Calendar
Posting once in a while will not cut it. Consistency builds trust.
A simple weekly schedule might look like:
Monday: New episode announcement
Wednesday: Carousel with 3–5 takeaways
Friday: Behind-the-scenes Reel or listener shoutout
Tools like Buffer, Later, or Hootsuite can help you schedule posts in advance. Templates make this even easier because you can swap in new titles, quotes, and colors without starting from scratch.
Step 8: Repurpose Beyond Instagram
While Instagram is your main focus, you can amplify content elsewhere:
Pinterest: Create pins for each episode (great for evergreen discovery).
TikTok: Cross-post Reels as TikToks for more reach.
Twitter/X: Share audiograms or quotes for conversation.
Why Templates Are a Game-Changer for Podcasters
Creating a professional Instagram feed takes time. And when you are already recording, editing, and marketing your show, design can feel overwhelming.
That is why I created the Podcast Instagram Template Bundle, a set of ready-to-use Canva templates made specifically for podcasters. Inside you will find:
Reel covers and episode promo graphics
Audiogram layouts
Quote and carousel templates
Story slides and highlight covers
All you do is plug in your episode details, colors, and fonts, and you are done. No hours wasted designing from scratch, just polished content that converts followers into listeners.
Final Thoughts
Instagram is one of the best platforms for podcasters to grow their audience if you use it strategically. By optimizing your profile, posting across all formats, engaging with your community, and showing up consistently, you will start turning followers into dedicated listeners.
With the right tools, like customizable templates, you can do it all without burning out. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your podcast grow, one post at a time.
