Podcasts are a huge hit in today’s digital world and many creatives are adding podcasts to their hub of marketing platforms.
And I totally understand why – they’re a great way to create long form content and discuss topics that matter to your audience. You can educate, entertain, and inspire in your podcast episodes.
In addition to publishing solo episodes, podcasts are also a great way to introduce other thought leaders and public figures to your audience and receive their insight on certain topics that align with your industry or niche.
But like anything that you do as a business owner, it’s important that you treat your podcast as just that… a business endeavor.
While yes, you might view it as a creative outlet and it might feel like a fun, no-pressure thing that you’ve decided to do in your business, it still needs to be treated as something that’s legit.
Which means that it needs the proper legal parameters, too… especially when it comes to having guests on your show!
I know that it seems as simple as DMing someone and saying, “Hey! Want to be a podcast guest?” and lining everything up via Instagram, but without any proper legal protection you could find yourself in a nightmare situation when the guest no-shows, if they don’t like the way the episode was edited, or if they claim they never agreed to the episode being promoted on your socials.
These are just a few reasons why you need a Podcast Guest Agreement! Keep reading to learn what exactly this legal agreement should include and why it matters on a deeper level.
What is a Podcast Guest Agreement?
First things first, let’s start with the basics and get clear on what a Podcast Guest Agreement even is. Simply put, this agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions between a podcast host (or producer) and the guest who appears on the show.
It ensures that both parties are on the same page about how the episode will be recorded, edited, published, and shared.
Now, it’s important to realize that this agreement isn’t just a formality – it’s legit legal protection. 👩🏻⚖️
It clarifies expectations and gives you the legal right to use the content you create, even if your guest has second thoughts later!
Why You Need a Podcast Guest Agreement
Now that we’re on the same page about what exactly a Podcast Guest Agreement is, let’s talk about some very realistic scenarios that could happen if you don’t implement this legal agreement with your podcast guests.
🚫 Scenario 1: The Guest Wants an Episode Removed
After the episode goes live, your guest decides they don’t like how they came across. Maybe they regret something they said or didn’t expect the interview to be edited for time.
Because of this, they ask you to take it down and if you don’t have written consent or a signed agreement, you’re on shaky legal ground.
Without clear terms, they could claim that you’re misusing their likeness or intellectual property, which could lead to legal threats or, at the very least, a public dispute you don’t want.
🚫 Scenario 2: They Reuse the Episode Without Permission
On the flip side, imagine your guest repurposing the episode, uploading it to their own site, editing it, or using your branding without permission…
Not exactly the dreamy podcast guest that you thought, huh? 🫣
Without certain boundaries in place, you’ll have a harder time asserting your rights.
Luckily, when implemented correctly, a Podcast Guest Agreement gives you clear authority over the content, while also outlining what your guest can and cannot do with it.
🚫 Scenario 3: Disagreements About Editing or Promotion
In the podcasting world, it’s very common for episodes to be edited in certain ways – whether it’s due to time limitations or simply what content the host wishes to include in the episode.
While many guests would understand this, it could be a potential misunderstanding that they get to approve edits before publishing. Or maybe they’re under the impression that they would get a say in what snippet of the interview you use for promotional purposes on Instagram or other social media platforms.
If there’s no conversation or contract covering these details ahead of time, you could find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable back-and-forth.
The best way to avoid this confusion? Ensure that your podcast guests sign a Podcast Guest Agreement ahead of time so they’re fully aware of your podcasting process!
What Your Podcast Guest Agreement Should Include
So, if you’d rather not find yourself in a scenario like described above, the first thing you want to do is implement a Podcast Guest Agreement and I’m going to say this with love: it shouldn’t just be something that you randomly whip up on Google Docs!
It needs to include easy to understand yet legally sound clauses that ACTUALLY protect you, including:
✅ General Purpose
This section explains what the agreement is and why it exists. It outlines that the guest is voluntarily participating in the podcast and that the purpose of the agreement is to clarify expectations and permissions regarding their appearance.
✅ Scope of Guest Appearance
Here, you'll define the nature of the guest’s participation, whether it's an interview, panel, Q&A, or another format. It can also outline topics that will be discussed or any prep expected of the guest so that everyone is aligned on what the episode will cover.
✅ Recording Logistics
This covers the “how” of the episode, including the date and time of recording, the platform being used (Zoom, Riverside, StreamYard, etc.), and what tech or environment the guest is expected to provide. It may also confirm that the guest consents to audio and/or video recording.
✅ Usage Rights
This is one of the most important sections as it gives you (the host) the right to use, edit, reproduce, distribute, and promote the episode in any format. It should include language that allows you to repurpose the content for marketing, social media, or other business use without needing further approval.
✅ Guest Representations and Warranties
This clause confirms that the guest is authorized to speak on the topic, is not infringing on anyone else’s rights, and that their contributions won’t include anything defamatory or confidential.
Overall, it’s an added layer of protection for you and your show.
The Podcast Guest Agreement Contract Template That Will Save You Time, Stress, and Legal Trouble
You might be thinking… “my podcast is pretty small, I don’t need all this.”
And while it might be true that you’re in the early stages of your podcasting journey, the reality is, the smaller your team and the tighter your bandwidth, the more essential it is to avoid unnecessary headaches.
Ultimately, a Podcast Guest Agreement lets you:
- Focus on content creation instead of legal drama
- Avoid awkward conversations after the fact
- Build professional trust with your guests
- Show brands, sponsors, and collaborators that you take your show seriously
And honestly? Sending over an agreement like this makes you look like the kind of host people want to work with!
So, if you’re the host of a podcast and you’re ready to make sure that your podcast is legally legit, this contract template is for you!
And if you’ve already released episodes without guest agreements in place, don’t panic! But don’t wait any longer, either.
You can start using one as soon as today when you grab TBL’s Podcast Guest Agreement Contract Template designed specifically for hosts and producers. 🎙️
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