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How to Pitch Your First Podcast: Lessons from Ant & Dec’s 'Hanging Out' Launch

pprofession

2026-02-27

11 min read

Use Ant & Dec’s 'Hanging Out' pivot as your template: step-by-step podcast pitch, press kit, platform partnerships, and a 12-week launch plan.

Hook: You're ready to launch a podcast but don't know how to get press, partners, or traction

Students, creators, and early-career hosts: you can make a memorable first podcast without guessing what works. Ant & Dec’s mainstream pivot with their new show Hanging Out (launched in January 2026 as part of their Belta Box digital channel) offers a compact template: validate an audience, pick platforms, assemble a press-ready kit, and use platform partnerships to amplify reach. This article turns that template into a practical, step-by-step playbook you can implement in the next 12 weeks.

Why Ant & Dec’s pivot matters for creators in 2026

In late 2025 and early 2026, the media landscape shifted from single-platform silos to multi-platform channel strategies. High-profile moves — including talks between the BBC and YouTube about co-produced content — show major players are prioritizing platform partnerships and bespoke distribution. For creators, that means opportunity: platforms and publishers are actively seeking creator content that can be repackaged across video, audio, and short-form social clips.

Ant & Dec used this approach. They leveraged an existing audience, asked that audience what they wanted, and built a lightweight show concept — then attached it to a broader digital channel presence. That sequence is repeatable at student and indie-creator scale.

What you’ll get in this guide

Show development framework that maps to press and platform outreach
Press kit and pitch templates you can use today
12-week launch plan with weekly milestones
Production workflow (including 2026 AI-assisted tools) and audience strategy
Monetization options tied to platform partnerships and direct revenue

Step 1 — Start with simple, audience-led show development

Ant & Dec didn’t invent a complicated format. They asked their audience what they wanted and created a show around that desire — to “hang out.” For your first podcast, start the same way.

Quick audience validation checklist

Ask your base: run a poll on Instagram, TikTok, or campus forums. Ask: would you listen to X format? Why?
Test micro-episodes: release 3 short episodes (8–12 minutes). Measure completion and shares.
Define your promise: what unique value will each episode deliver? (e.g., study-life anecdotes, industry interviews, live Q&A)

Keep your format tight. A repeatable structure (intro, segment A, listener Q, outro) helps when pitching to press and platforms because it's easy to explain and package.

Step 2 — Build a press kit that opens doors

Journalists and platform partners have limited time. A clear, professional press kit makes it easier for editors and curators to say yes.

Press kit: essential elements

One-page show summary: elevator pitch (25–40 words) + 2-paragraph description
Host bios: short credentials, a line on audience connection (e.g., student host on campus reach)
Episode roadmap: 3–6 episode topics with timestamps/segments
Audience data: social follower counts, email list size, early listen stats
Multimedia assets: 16:9 and 1:1 cover art, headshots, a 60-second trailer clip
Contact & partnership options: clear CTA for press and platform deals

Tip: include a 60-second trailer or an edited clip that shows your tone. In 2026, editorial teams and platform reps often preview audio before deciding to amplify a show.

Step 3 — Create a pitch that gets read

Journalists and platform partners scan subject lines and the first sentence. Your pitch should be fast to evaluate and show clear upside.

Pitch formula

Hook (one line): Why the show matters now — a trend or audience demand
Value (one line): What the listener gets and why this host delivers it
Proof (one line): Credibility — audience size, pilot metrics, or notable guests
Offer (one line): Trailer, press kit link, and availability for interview

Email pitch template (use as-is)

Subject: New podcast: [Show Name] — [1-line hook]

Hi [Name],

I’m [Host] — I teach/host/create [short credential]. We’ve built a pilot podcast called [Show Name] that [one-line value]. Early tests (3 pilot eps) reached [metric: plays or engagement], and listeners asked for more. Trailer & press kit attached: [link].

Would you be open to a short briefing or feature? We can offer an exclusive embed or early access episode for your audience.

Best,
[Name] | [Contact]

Customize the offer: if you can give an exclusive to a publication or platform, say so. That increases pick-up rates — the BBC/YouTube trend shows platforms are actively seeking bespoke content and exclusives in 2026.

Step 4 — Platform partnerships: where and why to pitch

In 2026, distribution strategy must be platform-aware. Podcast audio, video podcasts, and repackaged short-form clips each serve different discovery funnels.

Primary platforms and partnership angles

YouTube: pitch video podcast formats and highlight clips. YouTube is striking deals with broadcasters and creators — pitch video-first content or serialized clips.
Spotify/Apple: pitch playlist placement and editorial features via your distributor; offer exclusive episodes or ad-read collaborations.
Social platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, X): partner for short clip campaigns and creator creator-exchange promos.
Publisher partnerships: approach campus newspapers, student networks, and niche media for embeds and features.

Approach each partner with a tailored ask: exclusive trailer, early episode, co-branded short-form campaign, or an in-platform live session. Small creators can leverage barter: offer access to your audience in exchange for promotion.

Step 5 — Production workflow that scales (with 2026 tools)

Good audio doesn't require a broadcast studio. Use a repeatable workflow that allows editing, repurposing, and fast turnaround.

Minimum viable setup

USB microphone (e.g., dynamic USB mic) and pop filter
Quiet room + acoustic panels or foam (or closet method)
Recording host mix: local recording + cloud backup (Riverside, SquadCast) for remote guests
Editor software: DAW (Reaper, Audacity) plus AI-assisted cleaners (2026 tools can remove ums, fix levels, and produce auto-masters)
Video capture: a single camera phone or webcam with ring light for repurposed clips

AI tools in 2026 accelerate post-production: automated chapter markers, noise removal, and highlight detection make short clips fast to export. Still, human editing for narrative glue matters for your first season.

Step 6 — Launch plan: a 12-week, press-and-platform-first roadmap

Below is a practical, week-by-week plan. Treat launch as a campaign, not a single upload.

Weeks 1–4: Build & validate

Week 1: Finalize format, record trailer + 3 pilot episodes
Week 2: Assemble press kit, create artwork, film short-form assets (3–5 clips)
Week 3: Soft-launch pilots to a test audience; collect feedback; edit
Week 4: Finalize distribution plan and contact list for press/platform outreach

Weeks 5–8: Pitch & secure partners

Week 5: Send tailored pitches to 10 publications/platform reps
Week 6: Follow up; offer exclusives and embargoed access
Week 7: Confirm any platform or publisher placements (YouTube premieres, embeds)
Week 8: Prepare newsletter and shareable links; schedule premiere

Weeks 9–12: Launch & amplify

Week 9: Launch day — publish 3 episodes, drop trailer on socials, and execute media outreach
Week 10: Run paid socials for 2–3 top-performing clips; pitch follow-ups to secondary media
Week 11: Host a live Q&A (YouTube Live or Instagram) with the host(s)
Week 12: Review KPIs, prepare season 1 plan based on feedback

Step 7 — Audience strategy: grow with content, not luck

Ant & Dec began by asking their audience what they wanted. Replicate that with data and cadence.

Audience tactics that scale

Repurpose: turn a 30–40 minute episode into 6–10 short clips for social
SEO & show notes: publish full transcripts and optimized show notes — search engines and platforms surface long-form content better when text exists
Newsletter: build a weekly list and offer episode extras — early access or behind-the-scenes clips
Community: host a Discord or campus group to seed word-of-mouth and guest suggestions
Cross-promotion: swap promo reads with complementary creators or campus shows

Measure retention, completion rate, listens per episode, and social shares. These metrics will help in platform negotiations and sponsor pitches.

Step 8 — Monetization: multiple revenue levers in 2026

Monetization no longer relies solely on ad CPMs. Create layered revenue streams tied to platform partnerships and direct audience support.

Monetization roadmap

Sponsorships: short mid-roll or host-read ads. Local or niche sponsors work best for student shows.
Platform deals: exclusives or co-branded campaigns with video platforms (YouTube), publishers, or apps — more common in 2026.
Subscriber revenue: paid bonus episodes, early access, or community tiers on Patreon/Memberful.
Merch & live events: low-cost merch and on-campus live tapings
Licensing & repackaging: sell highlights or compilation rights to publishers or platforms

Pro tip: include monetization options in your press kit. Platform reps and publishers appreciate shows that can deliver revenue and engagement.

Sample metrics to include in press and partner conversations

Average listens per episode (or plays for video)
Completion rate (how many listeners finish an episode)
Social engagement (shares, comments, saves)
Newsletter open rates and click-throughs
Growth rate week-over-week

Outreach tactics that actually work

Cold email can work, but combine it with relationship-building.

Warm introductions: ask mutual contacts for intros to platform curators
Exclusive previews: offer a publication the first episode and an interview
Data-led pitches: attach early test metrics and listener quotes
Leverage events: present at campus fairs or online festivals to create PR moments

"We asked our audience if we did a podcast what would they like it be about, and they said 'we just want you guys to hang out.'"

That simple audience-led insight is your most powerful PR narrative. Use it in pitches and press releases to make the story human and shareable.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Pitfall: Overproducing before testing — Start small; validate format before a heavy investment.
Pitfall: One-platform thinking — Plan for audio + video + clips; platforms want multi-format assets.
Pitfall: No press kit — Without assets, reporters and partners pass on opportunities.
Pitfall: Ignoring metrics — Track and report early wins; they fuel future partnerships.

Live workshop action items (for students and creators)

If you attend a workshop or coaching session, expect these concrete outcomes by the end of a session:

Completed one-page show summary and trailer script
A fully assembled press kit (PDF + asset folder)
Two tailored pitch emails for press and a platform partner
12-week launch calendar populated with your dates
First episode edited and one promotional clip ready

Case study snapshot: Translating Ant & Dec’s playbook to a student project

Imagine a university duo launching a campus culture podcast. They ran an Instagram poll (like Ant & Dec), found students wanted quick career tips + campus stories, and recorded three 12-minute pilots. They put together a press kit, offered an exclusive episode to the university paper, and filmed clips for YouTube and TikTok. Within four weeks of launch they secured a sponsored tie-in from a local study app and a YouTube feature from a campus channel. The reason: fast validation, cross-platform assets, and a clear press pitch.

KPIs to watch in the first 12 weeks

Downloads/plays per episode
Listener retention (10%, 30%, 90% milestones)
Social shares and follower growth
Newsletter signups tied to episodes
Press mentions and platform placements secured

Final checklist before you hit publish

Trailer and at least 3 episodes uploaded to hosting distributor
Press kit live and downloadable (link in pitch)
Short-form video clips created and scheduled
Outreach emails scheduled for launch day
Live Q&A or premiere scheduled to capture first-week momentum

Parting strategy: think like a channel, not a single show

Ant & Dec tied their podcast to a broader digital channel. As a creator, think beyond episode drops. Design a channel strategy that combines audio episodes, short-form video, live sessions, and repackaged clips. That multi-asset approach makes your pitch more attractive to publishers and platforms in 2026 — when partners are explicitly looking for content they can repurpose across formats.

Actionable takeaways

Validate first: run a poll and produce 3 pilots before committing to a season.
Pack assets: a solid press kit + trailer gets you into editorial conversations.
Pitch strategically: offer platform exclusives or embeddable content to increase pickup.
Repurpose: every episode must produce short clips, transcripts, and newsletter content.
Monetize smart: combine sponsorships, platform deals, and direct audience revenue.

Call to action

Ready to pitch your first podcast like a pro? Join our live workshop where we build your trailer, press kit, and a 12-week launch plan with direct feedback from industry coaches. Click to reserve a seat, download the press kit template, or book a 1:1 review of your pitch materials — spots fill fast in 2026.

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