Podcast cross-promotion

Choose a simple swap and grow both shows

Match with a podcast your future listeners already trust, agree one clear exchange, and start small enough to ship.

The Pod Radar editorial teamUpdated 6 August 20266 min read
Find a cross-promo partner
Two podcasts exchanging listeners through a balanced cross-promotion bridge
The Pod Radar playbook
  1. 1Choose the format
  2. 2Match the audiences
  3. 3Agree the exchange
  4. 4Publish and compare results

Quick answer

Your first cross-promotion

  1. 1Choose a hosted recommendation or trailer swap.
  2. 2Find a show with overlapping listeners and compatible quality.
  3. 3Agree the exact asset, placement, date, and call to action.
  4. 4Compare episode starts and returning listeners afterwards.
Browse creators open to collaboration

Step 1

Choose the smallest swap that can work

If this is a new relationship, avoid starting with the format that requires the most production.

Hosted recommendation

Low

You trust the show enough to recommend it in your own words.

Trailer swap

Low

Both shows already have a strong 30–60 second trailer.

Guest swap

Medium

Both hosts have a useful, distinct episode to offer the other audience.

Feed drop

Medium

One complete episode is an excellent introduction to the partner show.

Joint episode

High

There is a strong idea neither creator should make alone.

Step 2

Match the audience before the download count

A smaller show with the right listeners can outperform a larger show with weak relevance.

  • The same person could genuinely enjoy both shows
  • The shows have compatible tone, standards, and production quality
  • Each creator can name the exact episode a new listener should try
  • Both sides can deliver the promised placement on time
  • The recommendation would feel natural inside either show

Step 3

Send a proposal that can be answered in one reply

Cross-promotion proposal

Hi [name] — I host [show], for [audience]. I liked your episode on [specific point].

Our listeners overlap around [shared interest], but our shows offer different angles: [short explanation].

Would you be open to a [hosted recommendation / trailer / guest] swap during [week]?

I suggest: [exact placement] for [exact placement], each pointing listeners to [entry episode]. My recent average is [same-window number], and I am happy to share the same details you use.

Step 4

Agree these six details in writing

  • The format and exact asset each side supplies
  • The entry episode and listener call to action
  • Where the placement appears and when it runs
  • The measurement window used for any audience numbers
  • Who edits, approves, publishes, and owns new material
  • What happens if either side misses the agreed date

Step 5

Measure whether the new listeners stayed

Take a baseline before the placement, then compare the same window during and after it.

Starts

Plays on the recommended entry episode

Depth

Completion and next-episode plays

Return

Listeners who come back after the swap

FAQ

Podcast cross-promotion questions

What is podcast cross-promotion?

It is an agreement between creators to introduce each other’s shows to relevant listeners through recommendations, trailers, guest appearances, feed drops, or joint content.

Do both podcasts need the same audience size?

No, but the exchange should feel fair. Shows with different reach can balance the arrangement through format, number of placements, production work, or another useful contribution.

What is the easiest cross-promotion to try first?

A short hosted recommendation or trailer swap is easiest to arrange. Start there before committing to a joint episode or larger series.