Do Episode Numbers in Podcast Titles Help or Hurt Podcast SEO?

In many podcasting circles, there’s a hot debate going on about podcast episode numbering. You’ve probably noticed some podcasts proudly lead with “Episode #: Insert Catchy SEO-Friendly Title Here,” while others nix the number altogether. 

Example: Episode 14: Building Your Brand with Intentionality.

So what’s the right move for your podcast SEO? Should you include episode numbers in your podcast episode titles? Is numbering your podcast episodes helping or hurting your podcast SEO (AKA, your visibility and discoverability)?

In this blog post, I’m sharing my expert take on including episode numbers in podcast titles and sharing how it impacts podcast SEO, listener behavior, and discoverability. 

Alright podcasters… let’s break it down!

 

Why Some Podcasters Use Episode Numbers In Podcast Episode Titles

There are a few different (valid) reasons why some podcasters use episode numbers in their podcast titles. 

Organization & Easy Referencing

For one, it helps with organization, both for you and your listeners. 

Whether you’re referencing a past episode on social media or in an email, linking it in a blog post, or simply organizing your podcast archives, numbering can make things easier. 

And from a listener perspective? Episode numbers can be helpful for those indulging in your podcast from the top. 

 

Sequencing & Storytelling

It’s also helpful for story-based podcasts or series-style content where sequencing matters. 

A listener may appreciate knowing they should start at episode 1 rather than jumping into episode 12. (It’s the same idea as wanting to read a book series in order, starting with book #1). 

 

Bragging Rights

Let’s be honest, it can also feel like a badge of honor to see your episode number in the title. Seeing “Episode 100” is a big deal that deserves some serious bragging rights. Showcasing that number in the podcast title can show your audience that you’re consistent and committed to growth. It lets them know you’re not an on-the-fly kind of podcaster. You take it seriously and care about your listeners. 

There’s some solid reasoning behind why some podcasters choose to include episode numbers in podcast titles. But what if those numbers are actually doing more harm than good?

 

What Really Matters for Podcast SEO

Before we dive into this, let’s clarify what podcast SEO really means. Put simply, podcast SEO is how well your show and episodes rank in search results, whether on platforms like Apple and Spotify or through Google search. 

Want to go down the podcast SEO rabbit hole? You know I’m here for it! Check out my blog, The Complete Guide to B2B Podcast SEO.

The main factors influencing podcast visibility and discoverability are:

• Keywords in your episode title and description.
• Relevance of your title to what your audience is searching.
• Show notes, metadata, and transcripts.
• Listener behavior, such as plays, listens, follows, and retention.
• Platform-specific algorithms (Apple, Spotify, etc.).

What’s not a major factor? Episode numbers.

In fact, leading with “Episode 47” can push your most important search terms further down the line, wasting valuable real estate in a title that only gets about 70 characters on most platforms. It can also look cluttered and too repetitive on a podcast feed. 

 

Do Episode Numbers Help or Hurt Podcast SEO?

As the Podcasting Problem Solver™️ I am, I can confidently say that episode numbers don’t directly improve podcast SEO. But… that doesn’t mean they’re useless.

Most platforms (like Apple and Spotify) already display episode numbers in the interface if you include them in your episode settings. That means you don’t need to put them in the actual title.

Some experts argue that seeing large numbers (like “Episode 189”) can actually be a turn-off for new listeners. It can be daunting to know there are so many episodes to catch up on, which can feel overwhelming. It’s the same idea of being hesitant to start a 10+ season show on Netflix. You don’t want to feel behind or the pressure to quickly “catch-up” to the most recent episodes.  

But the number alone isn’t the problem; it’s how you use it.

 

A Smarter Way to Use Episode Numbers in Podcast Titles

As a podcast producer and coach, I’m team yes to episode numbers, but with boundaries. 

I urge my clients to ask themselves, “How should I use episode numbers in titles?” rather than “Should I use numbers at all?”

My advice is to use them strategically and keep them clean and compact. A simple “22” can help with episode organization and listener references, especially when you’re building a content library or mentioning episodes in your email list or other content. 

However, you should avoid letting the number dominate the title if it overshadows the actual value message. You’ve got about 70 characters, so use them wisely. 

Example: Instead of leading with “Episode 142,” try: 142: How to Grow a Podcast Without a Huge Audience or Ep 47: Creating a Sales Funnel That Converts.

This approach gives you the best of both worlds:

• Easy reference for internal linking or binge listeners.
• More space for powerful, keyword-driven titles.
• A less intimidating visual experience for new audience members.

My podcast is an excellent example of how I like to approach podcast titles and numbering. 

This approach allows you to communicate what the episode is about and make it easily searchable, without tanking the SEO potential. 

It’s a balance of logic and listener experience, not just playing the algorithm.

 

Best Practices for Podcast Episode Titles

If you want to boost your podcast’s discoverability and impact, focus on these tips based on current trends and research:

• Lead with value: What’s in it for the listener?
• Frontload keywords: Titles are searchable, so make the first few words count.
  Be specific and benefit-driven: Avoid vague titles like “My Thoughts on Marketing.”
• Use numbers sparingly and consistently: Stick with short forms like “Ep 9” or just “9.”
• Avoid redundancy: Don’t waste space with “Episode” if platforms already show it.

Your podcast episode titles are your first impression, so make them count for both your audience and your podcast SEO.

 

Pro Tip: Prioritize clear, searchable titles over formatting conventions. Use tools like Riverside to track content easily and my Podcast Coaching to refine your title strategy for better visibility and a better listener experience.

 

Let’s Make Episode Numbers Work For You

So, do episode numbers in podcast titles help or hurt your podcast SEO?

The short answer: they don’t hurt SEO directly, but they can lower your click-through rate if not used strategically (like if they bury the value of your episode or take up too much prime title space).

Episode numbers should enhance your listener experience, not stand in the way of visibility.

If you’re unsure how to format your titles or want help optimizing your podcast strategy, I’m here to help! (Insert Podcast Ninja swooping in emoji). 🎙️🥷

Whether you’re just starting or ready to refine and grow, let’s make sure your content is working for you, not against you.

When I work with podcast coaching clients within my coaching containers, we focus on clarity and strategy, from crafting titles that work for both SEO and your audience to planning for long-term growth. 

Fun Fact: One of my clients saw an increase in click-throughs simply by reformatting her episode titles to start with a value hook.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest shift that makes the biggest difference.

 

Ready to get strategic? 

Book a Podcast Growth Discovery Call and let’s create episode titles that attract, engage, and convert… numbers and all!