Introduction: Why Social Media is a Goldmine for Podcast Guests
Social media is one of the best places to find podcast guests. It’s a treasure trove filled with people from all walks of life, sharing their expertise, stories, and experiences. If you want to reach out to someone who can bring value to your podcast, chances are, they’re active on social media.
Why? Because platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are designed to connect people. These platforms allow users to showcase what they do, who they are, and what they’re passionate about.
This makes it much easier to identify and connect with potential podcast guests. Whether you’re looking for industry experts, influencers, or everyday people with unique stories, social media makes it easy to find them and invite them to your show.
Key Strategies to Find Podcast Guests on Social Media
1. Networking Over Selling
The key to finding podcast guests on social media isn’t just reaching out to random people. It’s about building relationships. You have to focus on networking, not selling yourself or your podcast.
Think of it this way: Nobody likes to be bombarded with requests from someone they’ve never met. So instead of jumping straight into a pitch, start by engaging with your potential guests. Comment on their posts, share their content, and show genuine interest in their work. This helps you build trust and makes it more likely that they’ll want to be part of your podcast.
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2. Target Ideal Guests
Before you even start searching for guests, you need to know who you’re looking for. Are they experts in a certain field? Do they have a large social media following? Are they a good fit for your podcast’s theme?
Once you’ve identified the type of guest you want, you can narrow your search. This saves time and helps you connect with the right people. For example, if your podcast is about health and wellness, look for nutritionists, fitness coaches, or mental health experts who are active on social media.
By targeting ideal guests, you increase your chances of finding people who will add value to your podcast and connect with your audience.
How to Use Instagram to Find Podcast Guests
1. Use Hashtags to Discover Potential Guests
Instagram is one of the most visual platforms, and it’s a great place to find podcast guests. One of the easiest ways to start is by using hashtags. Hashtags group posts by specific topics, so you can find people talking about what interests you.
For example, if you’re looking for someone in the tech space, search hashtags like #TechExpert, #AI, or #StartupFounder. If you run a lifestyle podcast, look for hashtags like #Wellness, #SelfCare, or #Motivation. Once you search for these hashtags, you’ll see posts from potential guests who are active in that niche.
This makes it easy to filter through content and spot the right people for your podcast.
2. Leverage Instagram Stories & Highlights
Instagram Stories and Highlights can give you even more insight into potential guests. Stories are short videos or images that give a snapshot of someone’s day or business. Many people use them to share behind-the-scenes content, and this can give you a clearer idea of what they’re like.
Highlights are saved stories that users put on their profile. These usually show key aspects of their expertise, like events they’ve spoken at, interviews they’ve done, or products they’ve launched. By watching their stories and highlights, you can see if they’re engaging, knowledgeable, and a good fit for your podcast.
Once you’ve seen what they’re about, you can reach out confidently, knowing they’ll be a great guest.
3. Engage in DMs
Direct messaging (DMs) is where you’ll make your formal request. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. The wrong way? Sending a generic message asking them to be on your podcast without any context. The right way? Personalize your message. Mention something you noticed in their stories or posts. Explain why you think they’d be a good fit for your podcast.
For example, you might say: “Hey [Name], I saw your story on [topic] and loved your insight. I host a podcast on [your podcast’s niche], and I think your experience would really resonate with our audience. Would you be interested in being a guest?” This makes the message more personal and shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about them.
Being friendly, concise, and professional increases your chances of getting a positive response. And once you’ve connected, follow up with more details to confirm their availability and interview date.
How to Find Podcast Guests on LinkedIn
1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Outreach
Before reaching out to potential podcast guests on LinkedIn, you need to optimize your own profile. Make sure it clearly states who you are and what your podcast is about. Your profile should show professionalism but also be approachable.
Start by adding a banner image with your podcast’s logo and a clear headline that highlights your show’s focus. Write a summary that briefly explains why you’re hosting a podcast and what kind of guests you’re looking for. This way, when potential guests check out your profile, they’ll instantly understand what you’re offering. It builds trust and increases your chances of getting a positive response when you send connection requests.
2. Search for Guests Using LinkedIn’s Advanced Filters
LinkedIn has powerful search tools that can help you find podcast guests easily. Use the advanced search filters to narrow down people by industry, job title, or even location. For example, if your podcast focuses on entrepreneurship, search for “startup founders” or “business consultants.”
You can also use keywords relevant to your podcast’s niche. The advanced filters let you sort through thousands of profiles to find the right match. You can even filter by connections (1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree) to see who might be easier to approach.
3. Join Industry-Specific Groups
LinkedIn groups are a goldmine for finding potential guests. There are groups for almost every industry or niche, from marketing experts to fitness professionals. Join the ones that align with your podcast’s theme.
Inside these groups, you’ll find professionals sharing their expertise, posting about their work, or even looking for interview opportunities. Engage in the group discussions, provide value by commenting or asking questions, and once you’ve built some rapport, you can approach potential guests directly.
4. Personalize Connection Requests
When you find someone who would be a good guest, don’t send a cold, generic connection request. Personalize it. Mention something specific that caught your eye about their work, or let them know how their expertise fits your podcast.
For example, you might say: “Hi [Name], I loved your post about [topic] and think your insights would be perfect for my podcast, [podcast name]. I’d love to connect and discuss a potential interview.” This personal touch increases the chances they’ll accept your request and respond positively to an invitation.
How to Use Twitter to Find Podcast Guests
1. Track Conversations with Hashtags & Trends
Twitter is an excellent platform to find podcast guests because conversations happen in real time. Start by tracking hashtags and trends related to your podcast niche. For example, if your show focuses on mental health, follow hashtags like #MentalHealthMatters or #Wellbeing.
You’ll see experts, influencers, and everyday people discussing these topics. By following and engaging in these conversations, you can discover potential guests who are already talking about the subjects your podcast covers. It’s an easy way to identify and connect with people who are passionate and knowledgeable.
2. Use Twitter Lists
Twitter lists help you organize potential guests by topic or industry. For example, you could create a list called “Tech Experts” and add everyone you find who’s actively tweeting about technology. You can make these lists public or private.
Lists make it easier to keep track of people who might be a good fit for your podcast. You can regularly check what they’re tweeting and interact with their posts to build a connection. Once you’ve established some rapport, you can reach out to invite them to be a guest on your show.
3. Craft Attention-Grabbing Tweets
Sometimes, you don’t even need to send direct messages to find guests. A well-crafted tweet can catch their attention. Post about your podcast and mention that you’re looking for guests in a specific niche. Be clear about what you’re looking for and use hashtags to increase visibility.
For example: “Looking for experts in #DigitalMarketing to be guests on my podcast! If you’ve got insights to share, DM me for more details!” This makes it easy for potential guests to find you and reach out if they’re interested.
4. Utilize Twitter Spaces
Twitter Spaces is a live audio feature that allows you to host conversations in real time. It’s a great way to connect with potential guests because you can invite people to join the conversation. Use Spaces to discuss topics related to your podcast and see who engages the most.
You can even hold live Q&A sessions or panel discussions, which lets you see firsthand who’s knowledgeable and comfortable speaking in front of an audience. From there, you can invite the most interesting participants to be guests on your show.
How to Find Podcast Guests on Facebook
1. Use Facebook Groups for Networking
Facebook Groups are one of the best tools for finding podcast guests. Many groups are centered around specific interests, industries, or hobbies. You can join groups related to your podcast’s niche, like business, health, or technology.
Once you’re in a group, start networking by commenting on posts, sharing valuable insights, and contributing to discussions. This builds your presence and helps others see you as a genuine contributor, not just someone looking for guests. Over time, you can approach group members privately to invite them as guests for your show.
2. Engage in Group Discussions
Participating actively in group discussions is key to finding podcast guests. Don’t just post about your podcast—engage with others. Ask questions, provide helpful answers, and share content that adds value. This type of participation shows group members that you’re genuinely interested in the community.
As you build relationships within the group, you’ll come across people who have the right expertise or experience for your podcast. Once you’ve made a connection, sending a private message to invite them becomes much easier.
3. Attend Facebook Events
Facebook Events can help you find guests, too. Many industry experts and influencers create or attend events related to their field. You can join these events and engage with other attendees, whether it’s through the discussion board or by connecting directly with speakers.
This is a great way to network with people who are already active in your podcast’s niche. After the event, follow up with those who stood out to you and ask them if they’d be interested in appearing on your podcast.
4. Leverage Facebook Live and Videos
Facebook Live is another excellent tool for finding guests. Many experts and influencers use Facebook Live to share their expertise or host Q&A sessions. You can tune in, engage with their content, and interact with them during the live session.
By showing interest and participating in their live videos, you make it easier to approach them later. You could even invite them to continue the conversation on your podcast.
Leverage TikTok to Find Engaging Podcast Guests
1. Searching for Content Creators in Your Niche
TikTok may seem like it’s just for entertainment, but it’s actually a great platform to find engaging podcast guests. Many content creators are sharing knowledge, insights, and unique perspectives in short videos. Use TikTok’s search function to find creators in your niche.
Look for hashtags and keywords related to your podcast’s topics. For example, if your podcast is about personal finance, search for creators who post about saving money, investing, or budgeting. This will lead you to people who have already established a presence in your area of interest.
2. Engage via TikTok Comments and Direct Messages
Once you find potential guests, start by interacting with their content. Leave meaningful comments on their videos and engage with what they’re sharing. This builds familiarity and trust.
After some engagement, you can reach out through TikTok’s direct messages (DMs). Keep your message short and polite, explaining why you think they’d be a great guest for your podcast. Since TikTok is a highly visual platform, you can also mention specific videos of theirs that caught your attention.
3. Use TikTok Collaborations
Collaborations are popular on TikTok, and you can use this to your advantage. You could suggest collaborating with a creator by featuring them on your podcast. Many TikTok users are eager to expand their reach, and a podcast appearance offers them a new platform to engage with their audience.
You could also create a short promo video for your podcast that aligns with their content, which can serve as an icebreaker when approaching them for a guest spot.
How to Find Right YouTube Creators as Podcast Guests
1. Tap into Niche YouTubers
YouTube is full of creators who dive deep into specific niches, from fitness to tech reviews. These creators are experts in their fields and often have a loyal following. Look for YouTubers whose content matches your podcast’s focus.
By approaching niche YouTubers, you get guests who are already knowledgeable and comfortable speaking in front of an audience. This makes for great podcast episodes, as they’re used to sharing their thoughts in a clear and engaging way.
2. Interact with YouTubers via Comments & Social Media Links
Start by engaging with YouTubers in the comment sections of their videos. Leave thoughtful comments that relate to their content. Over time, they’ll recognize your name, and you can transition to a private conversation.
Most YouTubers also have links to their other social media accounts like Twitter or Instagram in their profiles. You can reach out to them on those platforms, where the chance of getting a response may be higher than in YouTube’s crowded comment section.
3. Leverage YouTube Community Tab & Livestreams
Many YouTubers use the Community Tab to post updates, polls, or informal thoughts. This is a great place to engage with them and their audience. You can participate in polls or comment on their posts to build a connection.
YouTube livestreams are another valuable tool. Join live chats during a stream and interact with the creator in real time. After the stream, follow up by sending a private message or email explaining how you think they’d be a great fit for your podcast. They’ll appreciate the fact that you’ve taken the time to engage with their content live.
How to Find Podcast Guests on Clubhouse & Other Audio-Based Platforms
1. Join Clubhouse Rooms in Your Niche
Clubhouse is an audio-based social platform that’s ideal for finding podcast guests. By joining rooms related to your podcast niche, you can meet experts, influencers, and people with interesting stories. Listen to the conversations happening in these rooms and join in when you feel comfortable. This is a great way to network and discover potential guests.
Make sure to choose rooms where people are actively discussing topics that align with your podcast. Over time, you can identify individuals who would make great guests, and you can easily reach out to them on Clubhouse or connect with them on other social media platforms.
2. Create Your Own Clubhouse Room
Hosting your own Clubhouse room can be a game-changer when looking for podcast guests. By starting a room around a specific topic, you get to control the conversation and invite others to share their thoughts. This helps you connect directly with people interested in your subject, making it easier to identify potential guests.
As you host more rooms, you build your credibility in that niche, and people will start recognizing your name. Eventually, this makes outreach more natural because people already know who you are and what your podcast is about.
3. Build Relationships Through Clubhouse Networks
Clubhouse is built around networking. Beyond joining or hosting rooms, you should also focus on building genuine relationships within the platform’s communities. Follow interesting speakers, engage with them after discussions, and connect with them outside of Clubhouse.
Networking on Clubhouse often leads to organic opportunities to invite someone onto your podcast. People are more likely to say yes when they feel a connection with you. Keep the conversation going, and you’ll eventually land high-quality guests for your show.
How to Use Reddit to Find Podcast Guests
1. Find Industry Experts in Subreddits
Reddit is a goldmine for finding podcast guests if you know where to look. Each niche has its own “subreddit,” or community, where people gather to discuss specific topics. Start by finding subreddits that match your podcast’s focus. For example, if your podcast is about technology, you can explore subreddits like r/technology or r/startups.
Once you’re in a relevant subreddit, read through the posts and see who stands out. Often, industry experts and professionals share their insights in these spaces. These individuals can be great guests for your podcast. By paying attention to their posts, you can learn about their expertise before reaching out.
2. Engage and Build Authority on Reddit
To successfully find podcast guests on Reddit, you need to build authority. You can’t just ask people to be guests out of the blue. Start by commenting on posts, answering questions, and providing value to the community. Over time, this builds trust with other users, and people will recognize your name.
Once you’ve built some credibility, you can message users privately and invite them onto your podcast. Explain why you think they’d be a good fit based on their contributions to the subreddit. This makes your request more genuine and increases the chances they’ll accept your invitation.
3. DM Guests on Reddit
After identifying potential guests, you can reach out via Reddit’s direct messaging system. Be polite and clear in your message. Mention the specific posts or comments they’ve made that caught your attention, and explain how their expertise fits with your podcast.
Since Reddit is an informal platform, keep your message friendly but professional. This personal touch shows that you’ve done your homework and that you’re not just sending out a generic invite to anyone.
Effective Social Media Outreach Tips for Inviting Podcast Guests
1. First of All Craft Personalized Invitations
When reaching out to potential podcast guests on social media, personalization is key. Avoid generic messages and make sure your invitation is tailored to the individual. Start by introducing yourself and your podcast. Mention something specific about the guest—whether it’s a post they shared or something they said that caught your attention.
Let them know why you think they’d be a great fit for your show. A personalized message stands out and shows that you’re genuinely interested in having them as a guest.
2. Follow-Up the Messaging Strategy
Sometimes, you won’t get a reply on your first attempt. That’s okay! Following up politely can make a big difference. Wait a week or two, then send a friendly reminder. Keep your message short and respectful
A follow-up message can be as simple as, “Hi [Name], I just wanted to check in and see if you’re interested in joining me on the podcast. I’d love to have you!” Persistence, without being pushy, shows that you’re serious about the invitation.
3. Include Essential Elements in Your Pitch
When you send a pitch, make sure to include all the relevant details about your podcast. Share your show’s name, what it’s about, and why you believe the guest is a good fit. Include a few sentences on the value the guest will bring to your audience and how their insights align with the topics you discuss.
It’s also a good idea to provide information on your podcast’s audience size, demographics, and past guests (if relevant). This gives potential guests a sense of what to expect and helps them understand why appearing on your show is beneficial for them too.
Tools to Help You Find Podcast Guests on Social Media
1. Use Social Media Scheduling Tools
Social media scheduling tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, SocialBee, Pallyy or Coschedule help you stay active across platforms without having to manually post content every day. These tools let you plan and schedule your posts in advance, making it easier to consistently share your podcast episodes, promotions, or guest invites. You can even set up posts to tag potential guests, keeping you visible in their feeds. This makes outreach more efficient and keeps your podcast on people’s radar.
Scheduling tools also help you post at the best times when your audience or potential guests are most active, increasing the chances of engagement.
2. Use Social Listening Tools for Finding Guests
Social listening tools, like Brand24, Mention, Keyhole, Sprout Social, BuzzSumo allow you to track conversations on social media related to your niche. These tools monitor keywords, hashtags, and mentions, giving you insights into who is talking about topics that align with your podcast. If someone is consistently sharing valuable insights, they could be a potential guest.
Social listening tools also help you discover influencers and thought leaders in your industry, giving you a steady stream of guest ideas. You can engage with these individuals through comments, shares, or direct messages to start building relationships before reaching out for an invite.
3. Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator & Twitter Analytics
LinkedIn Sales Navigator is a powerful tool that allows you to find guests by targeting specific industries, job titles, or skills. You can filter results to find people who match your ideal guest profile. This makes it easy to discover potential guests with expertise in your podcast’s topic areas.
Twitter Analytics, on the other hand, helps you understand which of your tweets are getting attention. You can use this data to see which topics resonate most with your audience, then find influencers or experts talking about those same topics. It’s a great way to zero in on potential guests who are already aligned with your content.
How to Build Long-Term Relationships with Guests on Social Media
1. Engage with Guests’ Content Before and After Interviews
Building long-term relationships with podcast guests is crucial for maintaining a strong network. One of the best ways to do this is by engaging with their content both before and after the interview. Liking, sharing, and commenting on their posts shows you value their work. It also helps keep the connection warm, so future collaborations are more likely.
When you engage consistently, guests may even recommend you to others in their network or return for another episode. Make sure you genuinely interact with their content—don’t just engage for the sake of it.
2. Tag & Share Guest Episodes on Social Media
Once your guest episode is live, tag the guest in your posts. Sharing their episode on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn helps spread the word and gives your guest extra visibility. It’s also a way of saying “thank you” for their time and expertise. Most guests will share the post with their own followers, giving your podcast more exposure.
The more you promote your guests, the stronger your relationship becomes. Guests appreciate being showcased, and this can lead to long-term partnerships or further recommendations.
Conclusion: Consistency is Key in Finding Podcast Guests on Social Media
Finding podcast guests on social media isn’t a one-time task; it requires consistent effort. You need to be active, engage with potential guests, and use the right tools to streamline the process. Whether it’s through scheduling posts, tracking conversations, or using analytics, staying visible and relevant is crucial.
Building long-term relationships with your guests also comes from consistency. Engage with their content, promote their episodes, and keep the communication going. Over time, your efforts will pay off with a steady flow of high-quality guests who add real value to your podcast.