How to Get on Podcasts as a Guest in 2026: Best, Fast + Easy Method

Ever think about appearing on your favorite podcaster’s show or meeting listeners you’ve never met before?

All of that’s possible if you know how to get on podcasts. 

Being a podcast guest gives you the unique opportunity to share your message directly with engaged listeners who already trust the host. 

As someone starting out with podcasting or building a name for yourself, guest appearances help you grow your visibility.

But how do you actually get booked as a guest on a podcast? 

There are many moving parts to consider: sending a message, preparing a podcast pitch, preparing for interviews, and even using podcast tools that simplify the process.

This guide helps you with all of that, plus practical tips to make the most of your podcast guestings (it doesn’t just end after recording). 

Let’s go through each process one by one.

Who Should Book Podcast Interviews?

Anyone who wants to get on podcasts, PR agencies and other podcast teams can reach out to book guests on podcast shows.

• Founders, business owners and entrepreneurs who want to establish authority and thought leadership.
• Coaches (life, health, executive) who want to expand their reach and share their expertise.
• Authors who want to promote their books and connect with readers.
• Other podcasters and creators who want to collaborate and cross-promote their shows.
• Brand PR teams looking to promote their products and services with podcast appearances.

Why get on podcasts as a guest

A podcast is a good platform to get noticed. Here are reasons why you should consider becoming a podcast guest yourself:

1. Find new audiences: Reach highly engaged podcast listeners that align with your niche.
2. Establish credibility: Gain trust and show your expertise in a topic by having authentic conversations.
3. Get potential leads: Your podcast appearance can lead to more than just good exposure. You can connect with people who would want to work with you.
4. Share valuable insights: Hopping on podcasts gives you a chance to share in-depth insights and stories beyond what you post on social media.
5. Repurpose content: Take clips and quotes from the podcast episode and turn them into shareable posts.

Why podcast is popular

Podcasting is a thriving platform for many reasons:

1. Easy and convenient way: People can have a podcast playing in the background even when they’re occupied.
2. Diverse genres and topics: There’s a show for everyone, true crime, self-improvement and health enthusiasts.
3. Strong host-listener connection: Listening to podcasts builds trust and community.
4. Long-form conversations: Audiences are drawn in by authentic chats that feel like just listening to friends talk about meaningful topics.
5. Available on apps: Platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts have made discovery and listening seamless.

How to Get on Podcasts as a Guest

Getting booked on podcasts can seem complicated at first. But knowing the process gets you ready.

Prepare to become a podcast guest by knowing:

• How to message podcast hosts
• How to pitch yourself as a podcast guest
• How to use podcast-matching tools to simplify the process

Each podcast appearance is a valuable opportunity to grow your audience and business. Whether it’s your first guest interview or your tenth, preparing well makes all the difference.

How to get on a podcast

The fastest way to get booked on relevant podcasts is to use podcast-matching platforms. No need for cold emails and pitches left unread. 

Here are specific platforms to streamline the podcast booking process and how to use them to connect with the right podcasts:

1. Talks.co: This fast-growing podcast guest matching tool uses AI to connect guests and hosts based on interests, expertise and audience fit. Best for guests who want to use technology to reduce mismatches and save time. 
2. PodMatch: Uses an algorithm to match guests and hosts and opens messaging features for getting booked.
3. MatchMaker.fm: It works like Tinder but for podcasters, allowing guests to connect to hosts based on their shared interests. 

Whichever you choose, using these tools generally involves:

1. Creating your profile: Highlights your expertise and reasons why people should connect with you.
2. Browsing or getting matched: Look for podcasts that align with your audience and the topics you can and want to talk about.
3. Messaging hosts: You need to finalize schedules and plans with built-in communication tools.

How to get invited to a podcast

You don’t have to wait around to get invited. You can pitch yourself to other podcast hosts with these simple steps:

1. Research and make a list: Find podcasts that match your target audience and align with your own values and style.
2. Listen for yourself: Play a few episodes to get their tone, format, and content style.
3. Craft a concise pitch: Introduce yourself briefly, mention why you’re a good fit for their audience, and share what value you can bring to the show.
4. Offer topic ideas: Suggest two to three relevant themes for discussion that will engage their listeners.
5. Include social proof: Give links to your website, LinkedIn, or past appearances to show credibility.
6. Be polite and professional: Keep your message clear but friendly. Avoid long and unnecessary details.
7. Follow up: If you don’t hear back within seven to ten days, send a short follow-up message.

How to get featured on a podcast

Sending the “Send” button doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are practical tips to get featured on podcasts by messaging other podcasters:

1. Personalized greeting: Address the host’s name from the get-go. Let them know how you found out about their show.
2. Compliment the show: Reference an episode or an event that made you appreciate the show.
3. Introduce yourself: Explain why you want to join and how you’re a good fit for their audience.
4. Add attachments (if needed): Offer to send a speaker one-sheet if they want more info about you. If they also have a separate podcast guest application form, make sure to attach that.
5. Next steps: End with a clear call to action, like asking if they’re open to having you as a guest.

Here’s an example message you can send:

Hi [Host’s name],

I really enjoyed your recent episode on [Topic]. 

My expertise in [Niche] aligns well with your audience, and I’d love to bring fresh ideas on [Suggested topics] to the show. 

Would you be open to featuring me as a guest? I can send over a speaker profile if that helps.

Thanks for considering,

[Your name]

How to join a podcast

Once you’re booked as a guest, there are many ways to join a podcast interview:

1. Remote recording: Join via platforms like Zoom or Riverside.fm from your location.
2. In-person interviews: You can go to a studio or office to record the episode.
3. Phone interviews: Some hosts will set up phone interviews for convenience.
4. Pre-recorded answers: You can also send in recordings of your answers to a list of questions

Before your interview, confirm the recording method and tech requirements with the podcast host to avoid any surprises.

How to Get the Most from Your Podcast Appearances

Appearing on podcasts isn’t just about showing up one time and then moving on. Maximize the impact of your podcast guesting with these steps:

1. Prepare your key messages: List down three to five talking points you want to communicate clearly.
2. Practice storytelling: Work on how to captivate listeners with your stories. They connect more with narratives than facts.
3. Share value: Focus on what the audience will gain by listening to you.
4. Promote the episode: Share it on your social media platforms, website, and newsletters. This helps get more eyes on you and the show.
5. Engage with the host: Thank them and build relationships for future guest bookings.
6. Use show notes: Make sure your website and social links are included in the episode’s show notes.
7. Get in front of the right audience: For podcasting, it’s quality over quantity. Numbers don’t matter unless you’re with listeners who appreciate you.

9 Tips on how to be a good podcast guest

To be a good podcast guest, preparations matter. Know how to gear up for interviews with these simple steps:

1. Know your audience: Before you go on another show, research who their audience is. Understand what they look for and what’s the best way to connect with them.
2. Actively listen: Pay close attention during the interview and answer thoughtfully.
3. Be natural: Avoid overly scripted answers, but find the balance so you don’t ramble on.
4. Keep your energy up: Audiences can feel your vibe. Podcasts need engaging voices.
5. Don’t oversell: It’s not about promoting yourself and getting sales. Focus on providing value instead and that will follow.
6. Think of good anecdotes: Prepare some engaging stories or case studies.
7. Be mindful of time: Stay within the agreed time for your interview.
8. Research the show: Get to know the host’s background and the history of the podcast. You can mention what you know to build rapport during recording.
9. Prepare a list of questions: Have questions ready in case the host invites you to ask.

How to Get Podcast Guests

If you are a podcaster looking for guests, Talks offers a great way to find and book potential guests:

1. Define your guest criteria and goals: Start by deciding who your ideal guests are. Make considerations based on their expertise, relevance to the show and their potential to engage with your audience.
2. Create a guest wishlist: Make a prioritized list of potential guests, categorizing them as A-tier (high-profile), B-tier (recognized but approachable), and C-tier (emerging voices).
3. Build outreach materials: Prepare templates for a media kit or speaker one-sheet to explain what guests gain from collaborating.
4. Find guests: Search on social platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit, Facebook groups. You can also use podcast guest matching services like Talks.co and PodMatch to find people actively looking for guest opportunities.
5. Reach out with a personalized pitch: Contact potential guests using direct email or platform messaging. Reference their work and mention why they’d be a good fit for your audience.
6. Prepare guest instructions: Send guests clear pre-interview guidelines covering tech setup, interview format, topics, and timeline. 
7. Record and follow up: Record the interview with good quality audio or video and send a thank-you note after. Promote the episode together to maximize reach.
8. Ask guests to sign the podcast release form: This grants you the permission to record, distribute, and monetize the content of the interview.

How Much Can Podcasts Make?

If you’re just starting out, you won’t make a lot.

Most podcasters make money through advertising. But before brands can even collaborate with you, you’d need at least 5,000 downloads per episode. 

That means building a solid audience first before monetizing. But once you have grown a following, you can consider the following revenue streams:

• Sponsorship deals that pay between $18 to $50 per 1,000 downloads, depending on your niche and audience size.
• Collaborations or partnerships paid monthly or per episode, which can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
• Affiliate marketing and product sales promoted during shows.
• Hosting live events or paid memberships linked to brands.

How much money do you make from podcasts?

The average salary podcast hosts make in the States is $32,989. This comes from revenue earned with sponsorships, brand partnerships, and growing audiences that allow podcasters to monetize their influence.

• 25th percentile annual salary: $28,000
• 75th percentile annual salary: $37,500
• Top earners: $40,500

Do guests pay to be on podcasts?

Generally, guests do not pay to be on podcasts. You invite guests based on shared value and relevance, not based on a fee.

While some publicity services offer guaranteed spots, these bring up questions of measuring ROIs and what it means for your reputation.

It’s best to focus on organic guest bookings gained through well-crafted pitches and matching platforms, making sure you build authentic connections.

How to Make a Podcast Popular

If you’re hosting a podcast or want to launch one, here’s how to create a great podcast:

1. Define your unique value proposition: What makes your show different from everyone else? Have a specialty and stick with it.
2. Speak with substance: Consistently deliver valuable, actionable content that resonates
3. Use an engaging format: Try different podcast show formats like interviews, solo episodes, and panel discussions.
4. Personalize your messaging: Speak directly to your community and about their dreams and struggles, so listeners feel connected.
5. Market your show: Promote podcast episodes across social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Reddit.
6. Work with other creators: Collaborate with other podcasters for cross-promotion opportunities.
7. Invest in production: Slowly build your podcast studio with everything you need, from recording to editing.
8. Build social proof quickly: Encourage listeners to subscribe, rate, and leave reviews on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

How to get on Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is one of the top hosting sites to get your podcast out there. Follow this simple process to launch your podcast on Apple Podcasts:

1. Record your show and upload: Create your podcast content and host it on a reliable podcast hosting platform.
2. Generate your podcast’s RSS feed URL: Your RSS feed acts like a distribution channel that automatically updates and delivers new podcast episodes to various podcast directories.
3. Set up your Apple account: Sign up for an Apple ID if you don’t already have one. Go to Apple Podcasts Connect and log in.
4. Validate your info: Submit your podcast RSS feed URL for validation. Review and approve your podcast info, cover art, and categories.
5. Wait for Apple’s approval: It takes 24-72 hours after submission. Once approved, your podcast will appear on Apple Podcasts and be available to millions of listeners.

Your Voice On Full Blast

Getting booked on podcasts is one of the most effective ways to increase your visibility and build authority in your field. Whether you’re a new podcaster looking to collaborate or a seasoned host wanting to find new audiences, guest appearances are very helpful.

The process of how to get on podcasts is not that complicated, especially with podcast-matching tools like Talks.

Talks streamlines your process of finding podcast shows to match. 

You simply build your creator profile, complete with your credentials, topic suggestions and samples of your podcast guestings so fellow creators can listen to you directly. 

With easy access and a comprehensive profile, the system searches for you. All you have to do is warm up your voice and get ready for an interview.

Podcast-matching made easy. 

Sign Up For a Free Talks Creator Profile Today.