Podcast Outro Examples: How to End an Episode So People Come Back

These podcast outro examples exist because of one ending I have heard far too many times.

"Okay, that's it, bye." Then the recording stops.

That's the whole ending. No reason to come back, no idea what's coming next week, not even a thank you for listening.

I've produced around 300 episodes for clients, and a surprising number of first drafts ended exactly like that.

A podcast outro is the last 30 to 90 seconds of an episode, where you wrap up and tell the listener what to do next. It usually covers a quick recap, one clear request and a sign-off. It is the part of the episode most beginners write last and think about least.

Why the Last 60 Seconds Matter More Than You Think

The people still listening at the end of your episode are your best listeners. They stayed for the whole thing.

That makes them the people most likely to subscribe, leave a review, or come back next week. If you ask them the right way.

A lazy outro wastes that moment. A good one turns a one-time listener into someone who presses play on the next episode.

I co-host two podcasts with over 550 combined episodes between them. That's a lot of endings, and the ones that work all have something in common.

They treat the outro as its own small piece of writing. Not an afterthought, and not something made up on the spot at the end of a long recording.

The outro vs the closing music

Beginners often mix these up, so let me separate them.

The outro is what you say at the end. The words, the request, the goodbye.

The outro music is the short piece of music that plays as the episode finishes. It's optional, and it can sit under your voice or play after it.

This post is mostly about the words, because that's where most beginners struggle. I'll cover the music later on.

How to End a Podcast Episode: The 5-Part Outro

To end a podcast episode well, thank the listener and recap the one big idea. Then make one clear request and tease the next episode. Finish with a sign-off you use every week.

Keep the whole thing between 30 and 90 seconds. Here are the five parts, in order:

1. The wrap-up line: one sentence on the value of the episode
2. The single request: subscribe, review, or visit a link, but only one of them as the main ask
3. Where to find you: the platforms you're on, or your website
4. The next-episode tease: a reason to come back
5. The sign-off: a short, familiar closing line that's always the same

You don't need all five in every episode. But when an outro feels flat, it's usually because one of these is missing.

Part 1: The wrap-up line

Don't summarise the whole episode. Your listener was just there.

Instead, give them one line that reminds them what they got. "If today helped you pick your first microphone, I've done my job."

That line does two jobs at once. It closes the loop, and it reminds them the episode was worth their time.

Part 2: The single request

This is where most outros go wrong. They ask for everything at once.

"Subscribe, rate, review, follow me on Instagram, join my newsletter, check out my website, tell a friend." The listener remembers none of it.

Pick one main request per episode. Rotate it week to week if you have several things to ask for.

Part 3: Where to find you

Name the places your show lives, so the listener knows they can find you anywhere. A short list of the main apps is enough.

If you have a website, give one simple address they can remember.

Part 4: The next-episode tease

This is the part most beginners skip, and it's the one that brings people back. Tell them what's coming next week, and make it sound worth waiting for.

"Next week, I'll show you the one phone setting that makes your recordings sound clearer overnight." That's a reason to come back.

Part 5: The sign-off

Your sign-off is the same line, every episode. It becomes a small habit your listeners recognise.

Mine is "This is goodbye from Dilip." Short, plain and always the same.

Podcast Outro Examples You Can Borrow

Here are podcast outro examples for different kinds of shows. Change the words so they sound like you, since a copied outro read word for word always sounds stiff.

Podcast outro example 1: A solo teaching show

"That's the full setup for recording on your phone. If it saved you from buying gear you didn't need yet, hit subscribe wherever you're listening.

Next week, I'm walking through the three editing mistakes that make beginners sound nervous, and how to fix each one in under a minute.

Until then, keep recording. This is goodbye from Dilip."

Podcast outro example 2: An interview show

"A huge thanks to Priya for joining me and sharing how she found her first 100 listeners. You'll find her website and everything we talked about in the show notes.

If you enjoyed this conversation, the kindest thing you can do is leave a quick review. It helps other people find the show.

Next week, I'm talking to a host who went from zero to a paying sponsor in eight months. See you then."

Podcast outro example 3: A storytelling show

"And that's where Maya's story ends. At least for now.

If this one stayed with you, share it with one person who'd feel the same way. That's how shows like this one grow.

Next week, a story about a restaurant that closed for one night and changed a whole street. I'll see you there."

Podcast outro example 4: A business or brand show

"So that's how to price your first service without underselling yourself. I've put the pricing worksheet I mentioned on my website, at yoursite.com/pricing.

Go grab it while this episode is still fresh.

Next week, we'll talk about the first email you should send to every new client. Thanks for listening, and I'll see you then."

Podcast outro examples from my own show

Here's the actual structure I use at the end of every episode of The Podcasting University. I vary the words each week, but the parts stay the same.

"I hope you found value in this episode. If you did, subscribe to the show on whatever app you're listening on.

We're on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, Prime Music, Gaana, JioSaavn and Goodpods. Pick your favourite and listen there.

And while you're there, rate the show and, if you can, leave a short review. It helps others find the show.

If you have questions, drop them in the comments on this episode's page, or use the contact button on the blog.

Until next time, keep showing up. This is goodbye from Dilip."

Notice that it asks for a few things. That works for me because my listeners hear the same structure every week, so it's familiar. For a brand-new show, I'd still start with one main request.

Podcast Closing Lines That Actually Sound Human

Your closing line is the last thing a listener hears. It doesn't need to be clever. It needs to sound like you.

Here are some podcast closing lines I've heard work well:

• "Keep showing up."
• "Go record something this week."
• "Talk to you next Tuesday."
• "Take care of yourself, and I'll see you next week."
• "That's it from me. Go make something."
• "Thanks for spending part of your day with me."

Pick one and keep it. Changing your sign-off every week means nobody ever gets used to it.

How to Write a Next-Episode Tease People Remember

The tease is the one part of the outro that gives someone a reason to return. A weak tease names a topic. A strong one names a result, a story or a surprise.

Compare these two:

• Weak: "Next week, we'll talk about microphones."
• Strong: "Next week, I'll show you why a $60 (₹5,000) mic can beat a $300 (₹25,000) one in a normal spare room."

The second one makes the listener curious. They want to know how that happened.

Here are a few more strong teases you can adapt:

• "Next week, the one question I ask every guest before we hit record."
• "Next week, a listener's story about quitting at episode 9, and what brought her back."
• "Next week, the free setting in Audacity that cleans up most background hum."

This does mean you need to know next week's topic before you record this week's outro. That is a good habit anyway, because a show with a plan quits less often than a show without one.

If you record in batches, record the outros last. That way every tease points to an episode you've already made.

Podcast Call to Action Examples: One Ask per Episode

A call to action, often shortened to CTA, is the one thing you ask the listener to do next. On a podcast, the best CTA is simple enough to remember without writing it down.

Here are podcast call to action examples, grouped by what you want the listener to do:

To get subscribers:

• "If this was useful, hit subscribe so next week's episode shows up for you automatically."
• "Follow the show, and you won't have to go looking for the next one."

To get reviews:

• "If you've listened to three episodes or more, would you leave a quick review? It takes 30 seconds."
• "Reviews are how new listeners decide whether to try a show. Yours really does help."

To grow your email list:

• "I've put a free checklist for this episode on my website. The link is in the show notes."

To get shares:

• "Think of one friend who's been talking about starting a podcast. Send them this episode."

Notice that each one gives a reason, not just an instruction. "Subscribe" is an instruction. "Subscribe so next week's episode shows up for you" is a reason.

How Long Should a Podcast Outro Be?

A podcast outro should usually run between 30 and 90 seconds. Shorter than 30 and it feels rushed. Longer than 90 and listeners start skipping.

A rough guide by episode length:

• Under 15 minutes: keep the outro to about 30 seconds
• 15 to 45 minutes: 45 to 60 seconds is plenty
• Over 45 minutes: up to 90 seconds, since longer episodes can carry a slightly longer close

If your outro keeps growing, you're probably asking for too many things. Cut back to one main request.

A Podcast Outro Script Template

Here is a fill-in-the-blanks podcast outro script. Write your version once, then adjust the middle each week.

"That's everything on [today's topic]. If it helped you [specific result], I've done my job.

[One request, with a reason.]

You'll find [the show] on [your main platforms], or at [your website].

Next week, [a specific, interesting tease].

[Your sign-off.]"

Say it out loud a few times before you record. If any line feels awkward in your mouth, rewrite it in the words you'd actually use.

My podcast script template shows how the outro fits with the rest of an episode, from the hook to the goodbye.

Where Does Outro Music Fit?

Outro music is optional, but it gives your show a finished, professional feel. Most shows fade the music in under the last few lines and let it play for 5 to 15 seconds after the goodbye.

If you use music, it must be music you're allowed to use. Never grab a song you like from a streaming app, because you'll likely get a copyright claim.

For free music, Free Music Archive has thousands of tracks. Many of them only ask you to credit the artist in your show notes.

A simple trick is to use the same track for your intro and outro. It makes the show feel like one complete package from start to finish.

I covered how to build the opening of an episode in my post on podcast intro examples. Your intro and outro work best when they sound like they belong to the same show.

Recorded Once vs Recorded Every Time: Which Outro Is Better?

Some podcasters record one outro and paste it onto every episode. Others record a fresh one each time.

Here's how the two compare:

My suggestion is a mix of both. Record a fresh outro with the tease and request, then add a short pre-recorded sign-off with music. You get the natural feel and the consistency.

Troubleshooting: "Nobody Does What I Ask at the End"

If your listeners never subscribe, review or visit your link, here's what's usually going wrong.

You're asking for too much. Five requests means none of them stick. Pick one.

There's no reason given. "Leave a review" gets ignored. "Leave a review, because it's how new listeners find small shows" gets action.

The outro is buried after music. If your outro music plays for 30 seconds before you speak, some of your listeners have already hit stop. Say your request before the music takes over.

Your ending is the only place you ask. Plenty of listeners stop before the final minute. For your most important request, mention it once in the middle of the episode too.

The episode ended weakly. If the last few minutes dragged, people leave before the outro. Tighten the episode itself, and the outro gets heard.

Mistakes to Avoid When You End a Podcast Episode

A few habits make outros sound unprofessional, even when the episode was good:

• Apologising: "Sorry this one ran long" or "Sorry for the bad audio"
• Rambling on after you've clearly finished
• Ending abruptly with "Okay, bye" and no sign-off
• Reading a long list of every social media account you have
• Asking for reviews in the first episode, before anyone has a reason to leave one

Leave the listener with energy, not an apology.

A Better Ending Starts Before You Record

A strong outro depends on knowing who you're talking to. When you know your listener, you know what they'd want next week, and what request makes sense to them.

If you're still working that out, my free 10-Day Podcasting eCourse walks you through the fundamentals, one short email a day. It covers your listener, your show's structure and your first episodes, before you spend a single dollar (or rupee).

It pairs well with my guide to building a podcast listener profile.

Listen to the Podcast Episode

In this episode I talk about how to end a podcast episode so your listeners come back for the next one. Those last 30 to 90 seconds belong to your best listeners, and most new shows waste them on a quick "okay, bye."

I break a good ending into five small parts. One line of value, one request with a reason, where to find you, a tease for next week and a sign-off. I also explain the difference between a weak next-episode tease and one that actually makes someone curious.

Then I cover outro music, where to find tracks you're allowed to use, and the habits that make an ending sound unprofessional.

What I cover in this episode:

• Why the people still listening at the end are your best listeners
• The five parts of an ending that brings people back
• Why asking for one thing works better than asking for five
• How to write a next-episode tease people remember
• Where outro music fits, and where to find free tracks
• The endings to stop using, starting with the apology

Three tools I recommend for podcasters:

• Audacity for adding and fading your outro music for free
• Buzzsprout for hosting your show
• Samson Q2U, my recommended microphone for clear, warm voice recordings

You can only tease next week's episode if you already know what it is. Planning your first episodes is Day 4 of my 7-Day Podcast Launch Challenge, which takes you from idea to a live show in seven days.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions beginners ask me most about ending a podcast episode.

What is a podcast outro?

A podcast outro is the last 30 to 90 seconds of an episode. It usually includes a short wrap-up, one clear request for the listener, a tease of the next episode and a sign-off. Some shows add outro music under or after it.

How do you end a podcast episode?

Thank the listener and recap the one main idea in a single sentence. Make one clear request, like subscribing or leaving a review. Tease next week's episode, then finish with the same sign-off line you use every time.

What should I say at the end of my podcast?

Say one line about what the listener got from the episode. Then give one request with a reason and tell them what's coming next week. End with a short, familiar sign-off, such as "Keep showing up" or "See you next Tuesday."

How long should a podcast outro be?

Most podcast outros run between 30 and 90 seconds. Short episodes under 15 minutes work best with about 30 seconds. Longer episodes over 45 minutes can carry up to 90 seconds.

Should I use music in my podcast outro?

Music is optional, but it helps the show feel finished. Fade it in under your last few lines and let it play for 5 to 15 seconds after your goodbye. Only use music you're licensed to use, such as tracks from Free Music Archive.

What is a good call to action for a podcast?

A good podcast call to action is one simple request with a reason attached. For example, "Subscribe so next week's episode shows up for you automatically." Ask for one main thing per episode rather than five.

Should I record the same outro for every episode?

You can, but a fresh outro lets you tease the next episode, which brings people back. A good middle ground is a fresh spoken outro plus a pre-recorded sign-off with music. That gives you both a natural sound and consistency.

Where can I find free podcast outro music?

Free Music Archive at freemusicarchive.org has thousands of tracks for podcasts. Check each track's license, since many ask you to credit the artist in your show notes. Using the same track for your intro and outro keeps the show consistent.

Should I ask for reviews at the end of every episode?

You can, but rotating your requests works better for most shows. Ask for reviews one week, shares the next, and subscribes the week after. This keeps the outro fresh and stops listeners tuning out a repeated ask.

What is the difference between a podcast intro and an outro?

The intro opens the episode and tells the listener what they're about to hear and why it matters. The outro closes it, wraps up the value and tells them what to do next. Both work best when they share the same music and sound like the same show.

Don't End With "Okay, Bye"

"Okay, that's it, bye" takes about two seconds to say, and it gives nobody a reason to come back.

Your outro doesn't need to be long, clever or polished. It needs one line of value, one clear request, one reason to return and a goodbye your listeners recognise.

So what are you going to say at the end of your next episode?

Resources that I recommend

Here are some of the resources that I recommended in this episode and the ones that I recommend in Podcasting.

• Ubersuggest – The Keyword research tool that I recommend

Below are the tools that I recommend for podcasting —

• Buzzsprout – Podcast hosting
• Behringer Audio Interface – You will need an audio interface if you are using an XLR microphone. This is my recommended audio interface.
• Behringer Audio Interface (budget option) – A lower-cost alternative if you're just starting out and want to keep costs down.
• Zencastr – Zencastr is the easiest option to record interviews, both audio-only and audio+video. This is a must for an interview podcast.
• Audacity – This is the best and most feature-rich free audio editing software. It gives you a lot of options while editing your interviews.
• Samson Q2U – My recommended microphone
• Audio Technica ATR-2110x – My recommended alternative microphone
• TidyCal – My recommended calendar and booking solutions

Thank you for joining in

I hope you enjoyed the information that I shared in this episode.

Do subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform in order to stay updated with the latest episodes that I release.

The Podcasting University is available on almost all podcasting platforms. The link to the prominent ones are mentioned below –

• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music
• Spotify
• Castbox
• GoodPods
• Gaana
• JioSaavn
• PlayerFM

Planning to start a podcast?

Then you might want to join my "7-Day Podcast Launch Challenge".

Disclaimer: Some of these links above are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from the links above, I will earn a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you. Also, The Podcasting University is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.