Podcast Intro Script Templates Timed to Your Music

A good podcast intro template tells you what to say and when to say it against the music. For a 15-second intro, aim for about 30 to 40 words, start speaking after a short music lead-in, and finish before the track's last phrase. The templates below are timed so you can fill in the blanks and record.

How Many Words Fit in a Podcast Intro?

Most people speak at around two to three words a second when they're reading clearly. That gives you a simple guide:

• 10 seconds: about 15 to 20 words, after a short lead-in.
• 15 seconds: about 30 to 40 words.
• 30 seconds: about 60 to 70 words.

Leave room for music on its own at the start and end. If you fill every second with words, the intro will feel rushed. Not sure which length to pick? Read how long podcast intro music should be.

How to Time a Script to Music

Listen to your track a few times before you write. Most intro tracks have the same basic shape.

• The opening. The first two to four seconds set the mood. Let them play alone.
• The main section. The music settles. This is where you speak.
• A lift or hit. Many tracks have a moment of extra energy. It's a great spot for your show name.
• The ending. The last phrase. Finish talking just before it, so the music can close the intro.

Mark the times of each section on paper. Then write your words to fit the gaps. In the templates below, the times in brackets show where each line sits.

Template 1: The 10-Second Quick Open

Best for short episodes and shows that get straight to the point.

• [0:00 to 0:03] Music alone.
• [0:03 to 0:08] "This is [Show Name], the show about [topic in a few words]."
• [0:08 to 0:10] Music ends or fades under your first line.

Template 2: The 15-Second Host Intro

A friendly, personal open for solo shows.

• [0:00 to 0:03] Music alone.
• [0:03 to 0:12] "Welcome to [Show Name]. I'm [your name], and every week I [what you do for listeners]. Let's get into it."
• [0:12 to 0:15] Music rises and ends.

Template 3: The 30-Second Classic

For shows that want a fuller open with a clear promise.

• [0:00 to 0:04] Music alone.
• [0:04 to 0:12] "Ever wondered [question your listener asks]? You're in the right place."
• [0:12 to 0:16] Show name on the musical lift: "This is [Show Name]."
• [0:16 to 0:26] "Each week, [host] talks to [who] about [what], so you can [benefit]."
• [0:26 to 0:30] Music alone to finish.

Template 4: The Interview Show

Introduces the show and the guest in one go.

• [0:00 to 0:03] Music alone.
• [0:03 to 0:07] "You're listening to [Show Name]."
• [0:07 to 0:16] "Today I'm joined by [guest], who [one line on why they matter]. We talk about [topic]."
• [0:16 to 0:20] Music rises, then fades as the conversation starts.

Template 5: Cold Open, Then Theme

Start with a short clip from the episode, then play your theme. It hooks listeners before the intro begins.

• [Clip] 10 to 20 seconds of the best moment in the episode. No music.
• [0:00 to 0:03] Theme music hits.
• [0:03 to 0:10] "This is [Show Name]. I'm [host]. Here's how we got there."
• [0:10 to 0:13] Music fades.

Template 6: The Brand or Company Podcast

Clear and professional, with a light touch on the brand.

• [0:00 to 0:03] Music alone.
• [0:03 to 0:13] "Welcome to [Show Name], from [company]. We talk to people who [what guests do] about [topic]."
• [0:13 to 0:18] "I'm [host]. Let's begin."
• [0:18 to 0:20] Music ends.

Template 7: The Story or True Crime Show

Slow, low and full of tension. Let the music do more of the work.

• [0:00 to 0:05] Music alone. Give it space.
• [0:05 to 0:12] "[A single line that sets the scene, such as a date and a place.]"
• [0:12 to 0:18] "This is [Show Name]." Say it slowly.
• [0:18 to 0:25] Music alone, then fade into the episode.

For more on setting this mood, see our guide to true crime podcast intro music.

Tips for Recording Your Intro Script

• Read it aloud with a timer first. Your phone's stopwatch is enough.
• Record with the music in your headphones. It helps you hit the timings.
• Do several takes. Your third take is often better than your first.
• Cut words, not pace. If you run over, shorten the script. Don't talk faster.
• Keep it for a while. Your intro gets better as listeners learn it, so don't change it every week.

Once it's recorded, our guide on how to make a podcast intro shows how to mix it in four popular editors. For ideas from real shows, see these podcast intro examples.

Choosing Music That Fits Your Script

Pick a track with a clear opening, a steady middle and a clean ending. Busy music with lots of melody makes it hard to speak over. A track with a strong hit or lift gives you a perfect spot for your show name.

Every track in the Introbleep store can be trimmed to fit your script, and the licence covers intros, outros and transitions. The same template, flipped around, works for your sign-off too. See podcast outro music for how.

FAQs

What should a podcast intro script include?

The show name, the host and what the show is about. Many intros add a short promise of what listeners will get. Keep it short enough to say without rushing.

How many words is a 30-second podcast intro?

About 60 to 70 words, if you leave a few seconds of music at the start and end. Read it aloud with a timer to check.

Should I say my name in the podcast intro?

Yes, for most shows. It helps listeners connect with you. Brand podcasts sometimes lead with the show and company name instead.

Should my intro script change every episode?

Keep the core the same so listeners learn it. You can add a line about the guest or topic each week. Templates 4 and 5 are built for that.

Where should my show name go in the intro?

On a strong moment in the music, such as a hit or lift. It makes the name stick. Let the track play alone for a second or two before you say it.