A podcast’s first 100 listeners almost never show up on their own: you win them one by one, by talking to real people, showing up where your audience already hangs out, and giving every guest a reason to share the episode. It’s the slowest stage and the most important one, because those first listeners are the ones who recommend you, comment, and give you the confidence to keep going. Here’s a concrete plan.
Before you promote: check the basics
No strategy works if your podcast has barriers to entry. Make sure that:
- Your title and cover art say what the show is about. See how to design your podcast logo and cover art.
- The first minute hooks people. If someone arrives via a recommendation and gets bored during the hello, they leave.
- You have at least three episodes published, so newcomers can keep listening.
- You’re on the major platforms. See how to publish on Spotify and YouTube.
1. Start with your circle, but ask the right way
Your friends, family, and coworkers are your first listeners. Don’t send a generic mass message: write to each person individually, tell them what the episode is about and why you think it could help them. Ask for just one thing: that they listen and, if they like it, share it with someone.
2. Go where your audience already is
Think about where the person you make the podcast for spends their time:
- Topic-specific groups and forums in your niche.
- Online communities, chat servers, WhatsApp or Telegram groups.
- In-person events in your field.
The golden rule: contribute before you promote. Answer questions, share ideas, and when an episode answers a specific question, share it as a reply, not as an ad.
3. Turn every guest into an ally
If your format includes guests, each episode can reach that person’s audience. To get them to share it:
- Tell them the publish date ahead of time.
- Send them ready-made materials: the link, a suggested caption, and one or two short clips.
- Tag them in your posts.
Also invite people with an audience similar to yours, even if it’s small. Ten guests with 300 engaged followers are worth more than one celebrity who never shares. Prepare them well with this guide for guests.
4. Cut clips for social media
An hour-long episode can become five or ten vertical clips of 30 to 60 seconds. It’s the most effective way for someone who doesn’t know you to discover your voice. We explain how in vertical clips from your podcast.
Pick moments with a complete idea: a strong opinion, an anecdote, a useful tip, or a funny reaction.
5. Collaborate with other podcasts
- Swap guest spots: you go on their show and they come on yours.
- Cross-recommendations: a quick shout-out at the end of each episode.
- Joint episodes: a panel discussion with hosts from several podcasts on the same topic.
Look for podcasts your size. Collaborations work best when both sides gain the same.
6. Make the most of search
People search for answers, not podcasts. Use titles that answer real questions and write good show notes. We go into detail in SEO for podcasts.
7. Talk with every listener
When someone writes to you, reply. Ask what they liked, what topics interest them, how they found you. Those early listeners give you ideas and testimonials, and they often become your best promoters.
A four-week plan
| Week | Main action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Launch with three episodes; personal messages to 30 people you know |
| 2 | Take part in two niche communities; first clips |
| 3 | Publish an episode with a guest and hand them materials to share |
| 4 | Propose a swap with another podcast; reply to every listener |
Measure what works
Every time you try a strategy, note where your new listeners are coming from: ask them, and check your hosting stats and those of each social network. After a month, you’ll know which channel brings you the most people and can spend more time on it. We explain how in how to measure your podcast stats.
What doesn’t work
- Buying followers or plays. They don’t listen, they don’t share, and they skew your stats.
- Posting your link everywhere without context. It comes across as spam.
- Disappearing after launch. Consistency counts more than the premiere; see how often to publish.
If you want your clips to grab attention, a set with its own identity helps. In remocast, you record the conversation in a 3D studio with your guests as avatars: create your studio for free.
One last tip: celebrate every small milestone. Your first ten, fifty, and hundred listeners are real milestones; thank people for them in your episodes and on your socials. People are happier to join a project that feels alive and grateful, and you stay motivated during the stage when growth still feels slow.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take a podcast to get its first 100 listeners?
It depends on your niche, your network, and your consistency. For many podcasts, it’s a matter of weeks or a few months if they actively promote every episode.
Is it worth paying for ads at the start?
Usually it’s better to wait. First make sure your content keeps the people who arrive through recommendations; after that, ads pay off better.
Which social network is best for promoting a podcast?
The one your audience uses. Vertical clips work on several networks at once, so you can experiment and stick with the one that responds best.