A podcast guest swap is when two hosts each go on the other's show as a guest, so both get introduced to a new set of listeners. It works best between shows of similar size with overlapping topics, and when you agree on topics, release dates and promotion before anyone hits record.
It costs nothing but time, and it gives you a recorded episode plus an appearance elsewhere. Below is how a guest swap compares with other kinds of podcast cross promotion, how to find a good partner, a short template to propose one, and the terms worth agreeing on.
What is a podcast guest swap?
In a guest swap, Host A interviews Host B on Show A, and Host B interviews Host A on Show B. Each show gets a full new episode, and each host gets to talk to an audience that already likes podcasts in that area.
It is one of several swap formats. People use the words loosely, so it helps to agree on which one you mean.
Guest swap vs feed drop vs promo swap
| Format | What happens | Effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guest swap | Each host is interviewed on the other show | High, two new recordings | Interview shows with hosts who have something to teach |
| Feed drop (feed swap) | A full existing episode of one show is published in the other's feed | Medium, one intro each | Narrative or themed shows, breaks between seasons |
| Promo swap | Each show plays a short ad or shoutout for the other | Low, a 30 to 60 second read | Testing a partner before something bigger |
| Social or newsletter swap | Each side shares the other in posts or a newsletter | Lowest | Shows that cannot share a feed |
Spotify's creator guide on podcast cross-promotion describes promo swaps, ad swaps, feed drops and guest spots as separate options, and ranks the feed drop at the top. A Podnews article on cross-promos advises using feed swaps sparingly, which makes sense. Listeners subscribed to your show, so a feed full of other people's episodes wears thin.
A guest swap is a nice middle ground. Your feed stays yours, and your listeners still hear something new.
How do you find podcast swap partners?
The best partner has listeners who would like your show but who are not getting the same thing from it. Look for three things.
Topic overlap without being a copy
A show about engineering management and a show about developer tools share listeners without competing for the same episodes. Two shows that interview the same guests every month are probably too close. Castos' guide to podcast swaps puts it the same way: overlapping themes, not direct competitors.
Similar audience size
You do not need exact numbers, and many hosts will not share them. Look at signals you can see, such as how often they publish, how long they have been running, and how active their comments or community are. A show far bigger than yours has little reason to say yes, and a much smaller one may not move your numbers. Aim for shows roughly in your tier.
A host who is good on mic as a guest
You are inviting this person onto your show. Listen to one episode where they talk at length. If they are a great host but have nothing they want to teach, a promo swap may fit better than a guest swap.
To build a shortlist, browse podcasts by topic and pick the hub closest to your show, for example tech podcasts or startup podcasts. Also look at who your own past guests have appeared with. Those shows already share your listener.
How do you propose a podcast guest swap?
Keep it short and specific. Show you have listened, name a topic for each side, and make it easy to say yes. Spotify's guide also suggests being a fan first, so listen, follow and comment for a few weeks before you ask.
A template you can adapt:
Hi Sam, I host [Show], a weekly interview show for [audience]. I liked your episode on [specific episode], especially the part about [detail]. I think our listeners overlap without us covering the same ground. Would you be up for a guest swap? I would interview you about [topic for them], and you could interview me about [topic for you]. We could each record in the next few weeks and release in the same week. Happy to do a short promo swap first if you would rather start small.
If they say yes, move to terms right away while it is fresh. For more on writing invites that get a reply, see our guide to how to find podcast guests.
What terms should you agree on for a fair swap?
Most swaps that go wrong do so because of something nobody said out loud. Agree on these in writing, even if it is a short email:
- Topics for each episode. One clear angle each, chosen so it fits the other show's listener.
- Recording dates and who records. Each host usually records on their own show with their own setup.
- Release window. Same week works well, so both audiences hear about each other at the same time.
- Episode length and editing. Rough length, and whether each host gets to see the edit before release.
- Promotion. How each side will share the episode: a post, a newsletter mention, clips. Match the effort on both sides.
- Calls to action. One clear ask at the end of each episode, such as "follow the show," with a link in the show notes.
- For feed drops only. How long the episode stays in the other feed, and who records the intro.
Fair does not mean identical. A smaller show might offer more promotion, like a newsletter feature, to balance a bigger show's reach. Just make the trade clear.
How do you disclose a swap to listeners?
Tell people what is going on. A one-line intro does it: "This week is a swap with [Show], and I am on their show too. Link in the notes." It is honest, and it gives listeners a reason to check out the other show.
For a feed drop, Castos suggests a short host intro that explains the episode is a special feature from another show and labeling it clearly in your feed, so nobody feels misled.
If money, free products or paid ad spots are part of the deal, it is a sponsorship and should be disclosed as one. We cover how in do podcasts pay guests.
How do you know if a podcast swap worked?
Pick one or two numbers before you start and check them the week after release. New followers, a spike in downloads on the episode, newsletter signups from the show notes link, or simply listeners who mention it.
If it worked, offer the same partner a different format next time, such as a feed drop or a joint episode. If it did not, ask yourself whether the topic fit the other audience. Usually that is the reason.
Where to start
Write down five shows whose listeners would like your show, check that each is roughly your size, and send the template above to the best two this week.