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Podcast Launch Checklist Inspired by Ant & Dec’s 'Hanging Out' for Film Podcasters

tthemovies

2026-01-29

12 min read

A step-by-step, film-focused podcast launch checklist inspired by Ant & Dec’s 2026 debut — plan, promote, and monetize your show.

Hook: Stop guessing — launch your film podcast with a proven, step-by-step plan

Too many film podcasters burn time on scattered ideas, uncertain distribution, and promotion tactics that don’t move the needle. If you want to decide what to record, find listeners fast, and build revenue without guesswork, this checklist — inspired by Ant & Dec’s January 2026 launch of Hanging Out — is written for you. It translates a high-profile, cross-platform debut into practical, film-focused steps you can use today.

Why Ant & Dec’s move matters for film podcasters in 2026

When Ant & Dec announced Hanging Out as part of their new Belta Box entertainment channel in January 2026, they did three smart things that are directly applicable to film and TV podcasters:

Audience-driven content: they asked fans what they wanted, then built the show around that wish — a reminder that listener-led formats win.
Platform-first distribution: they launched across YouTube, social and audio channels, showing the modern podcast is multimedia and discoverable in multiple feeds.
Brand bundling: by tying the podcast to an entertainment channel and existing IP, they increased visibility and provided cross-promo opportunities.

“We asked our audience if we did a podcast what they would like it be about, and they said 'we just want you guys to hang out.'” — Declan Donnelly (Jan 2026)

Quick stat to shape strategy

2025–26 sharpened a clear monetization example: production company Goalhanger reported over 250,000 paying subscribers across shows in early 2026, translating to substantial annual revenue from memberships. That model shows what’s possible when creators combine premium content, community perks, and smart packaging.

Podcast Launch Checklist — condensed

Use this as your baseline launch roadmap. Below you’ll find the detailed how-to, timelines, and templates tailored to film and TV podcasters.

Define show identity and audience
Plan episodes and editorial calendar
Handle rights & legal for clips and music
Set up technical stack (recording, editing, hosting)
Prepare assets (trailer, cover art, press kit, website)
Pre-launch community building & outreach
Launch with momentum (multi-episode release + ads)
Post-launch growth, monetization, and iteration

1. Define your show identity and audience

Every strong film podcast begins with a tight editorial brief. Ant & Dec’s approach — asking fans and leaning into what they wanted — is a template for success.

Checklist: show identity

Core concept: What makes your film podcast unique? (e.g., industry interview series, spoiler-free reviews, retro film deep dives, showrunner roundtables).
Target listener: Be specific — age range, platform habits, favorite genres, professional vs. fan audience.
Tone & length: Casual convo like Ant & Dec? Formal criticism? Target episode length (20–45 min is common for conversational shows; 45–90 for in-depth interviews).
Release cadence: Weekly, biweekly, or seasonal? Consistency beats frequency.
Spoiler policy: Critical for film/TV podcasts — choose explicit tagging, timestamping, and episode titles that warn listeners.

2. Editorial planning: episodes, guests and the release calendar

Film podcasts perform best when they align with the industry calendar: festival seasons, blockbuster releases, awards windows, and streaming drops. Build your calendar around those moments.

Actionable steps

Create a 6–12 episode launch season plan tied to specific release dates (festival premieres, Oscar season, streaming debuts).
Use data sources like IMDb Pro, Variety, Deadline and studio press lists to identify timelined episodes.
Draft episode briefs for each episode — include angle, guest(s), clips to discuss, and potential sponsor categories.
For guest interviews: create a one-page media pitch and offer flexible recording windows. Book 4–6 weeks out for high-profile guests.
Plan mini-series or themed months (e.g., “Directors’ Month”, “Hidden Gems”) to give listeners reason to binge.

3. Rights, fair use, and music — the legal essentials

Film podcasters must be rigorous about rights. A misused clip or unlicensed score can derail a launch. In 2026 studios have tightened distribution and clips are more policed across platforms — treat this as a priority.

Practical legal checklist

Clips & trailers: Ask for permission from studios/publicists for any non-trivial clips. If you plan to use clips for critique, document your fair dealing/fair use rationale and limit clip length.
Music: Use library music with clear licenses, or commission a composer and secure sync/usage rights for podcast and video platforms.
Release forms: Get guest release forms for interview audio and any video snippets used on YouTube/TikTok.
Credits & disclaimers: Include show notes with credits to avoid takedowns and to be transparent with listeners.

4. Technical stack — studio, remote, editing, hosting

2026 tech trends: remote sessions are seamless, AI-assisted editing speeds workflows, and video-first podcasts gain traction. Decide early whether you’ll produce audio-only or dual audio + video, because it affects gear and hosting.

Must-haves

Recording: Condenser or dynamic mics (Shure SM7-series or similar); USB mics for low-budget options; record locally or use reliable remote tools (Cleanfeed, Riverside, SquadCast) that offer multitrack files.
Backup: Always record a local backup and cloud backup when possible.
Editing: Use a DAW (Adobe Audition, Reaper) and consider AI tools for rough cuts and noise reduction — but human edit for tone.
Video: If recording video for YouTube/Clips, plan cameras, framing, multicam sync and separate WAV/MP4 exports for repurposing.
Hosting: Pick a host that supports analytics, programmatic ads, and video if needed (e.g., Libsyn, Acast, Anchor/Spotify for Podcasters, or a video CDN + RSS combo).
Distribution: Submit to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google, and YouTube. Ensure your RSS supports chapters and timestamps.

5. Assets to prepare before launch

Assets improve discoverability and press pickup. Ant & Dec’s Belta Box used cross-platform assets to amplify a single launch. You should do the same.

Essential assets

Trailer episode (30–90 sec): Pin this to your profiles to convert new visitors into subscribers.
3 launch episodes: Consider releasing 2–3 episodes on day one to give binge value and improve chart performance.
Cover art: High-res, square (3000x3000 px), readable at small sizes — consistent branding across platforms.
Show notes & transcripts: Full transcripts improve SEO and accessibility. Include timestamps, guest bios, and links.
Press kit: One-page synopsis, host bios, sample audio, images, and contact for bookings.
Social clips: 30–90 second vertical clips for TikTok/Reels and 1–2 minute horizontal clips for YouTube Shorts and Twitter/X.

6. Pre-launch audience building & outreach

Start community-building before launch. Ant & Dec engaged fans to determine format; you can collect leads and build hype the same way.

Pre-launch tactics (8–12 weeks out)

Run a short survey to your networks and social followers: what topics, guests, or segments they'd want.
Create a landing page with an email sign-up and an embedded teaser. Use an email automation to welcome new subscribers.
Build a press list: film bloggers, trade outlets, local press, podcast networks, and niche newsletters.
Seed content: short clips or behind-the-scenes content to start building traction on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Cross-promo: trade promos with other film or pop culture podcasts for mutual shout-outs close to launch.

7. Launch day and launch week — maximizing visibility

Launch day is the sprint — but strategy matters. Use multiple signals to tell platform algorithms your show is relevant.

Launch checklist

Release your trailer + 2–3 episodes and make sure all platforms have updated RSS/metadata.
Publish full transcripts and show notes on your website (search engines index these).
Deploy a coordinated social plan: teasers, clips, host Live Q&A (Instagram Live/YouTube Live) and pinned posts.
Run paid social ads targeting film fans (interest: directors, festivals, franchises) with short video creatives.
Send launch emails to your list and to press contacts using your press kit.
Encourage immediate reviews and ratings on Apple Podcasts with a clear CTA at the end of episodes.

8. Post-launch: growth, analytics, and iteration

After launch, measure, iterate, and double down on working tactics. Use a 90-day plan to refine format and scaling.

Key metrics to track

Downloads & listens: 7-day and 28-day windows per episode
Retention: Average listening time and drop-off points (improve intros and segment pacing)
Acquisition sources: Which socials, newsletters, or referrals drive subscriptions
Engagement: Comments, DMs, email replies, and community activity (Discord/Slack)
Conversion: Ad click-throughs, membership sign-ups, and merchandise sales

9. Monetization strategies for film podcasters

2026 shows a split landscape: ad revenue remains meaningful, but memberships and premium content are where creators can scale reliably. Goalhanger’s membership income example demonstrates the potential.

Monetization options

Sponsorships & dynamic ads: Work with pod ad networks or sell direct spots for niche film-adjacent brands (gear, streaming services, festivals).
Memberships & subscriptions: Offer ad-free episodes, bonus content, early access, and members-only live shows (the Goalhanger model is an aspirational benchmark).
Affiliates & ticketing: Affiliate links for festival tickets, Blu-rays, or merchandise.
Live events & tours: Host in-person screenings, post-show panels, or partner with local cinemas.
Merch & bundles: Branded merch, curated watchlists, or companion zines.

10. Community building: turn listeners into loyal fans

Ant & Dec leveraged their existing audience; if you don’t have one, you must create community touchpoints early. In 2026, creators use Discord, Patreon, and subscriber chatrooms to retain and upsell.

Community tactics

Run listener Q&A episodes based on community submitted questions.
Host exclusive members-only listening parties and AMAs with guests.
Create a Discord with topic channels (by director, franchise, upcoming releases).
Use member feedback to shape season arcs — audience-led content increases retention.

11. Advanced strategies & 2026 trends to exploit

To stay ahead in 2026, combine technical sophistication with platform-first thinking.

Trends and tactics

Video-first consumption: Podcasts that supply short vertical clips perform better on discovery feeds — repurpose key moments into Shorts and Reels.
AI & automation: Use AI for rough edits, chapter generation, and translation for global reach — always review edits for tone and accuracy.
Subscriber ecosystems: Bundle premium audio with newsletters, early live tickets, and Discord access to increase lifetime value.
Cross-media partnerships: Partner with streaming services, festivals, and studios for exclusive interviews and screeners. Tailor pitches to publicists with clear value exchange.
Data-driven promos: Use listening data to craft targeted ad campaigns — promote episodes that already show high retention.

12. Sample timelines: week-by-week launch plan

Use these timelines depending on whether you have 12, 8 or 4 weeks to launch.

12-week plan (ideal)

Weeks 12–9: Concept, pilots, legal checks, gear, draft editorial calendar.
Weeks 8–6: Record 4–6 episodes, create trailer, build website and landing page, start email list.
Weeks 5–4: Prepare social clips, press kit; start outreach to guests and partners.
Week 3: Beta test episodes with a small group, fix audio issues, finalize launch creatives.
Week 2: Schedule distribution, confirm hosting metadata, begin paid promos.
Week 1: Final checks, send press advance, drop teasers, schedule socials.
Launch: Release trailer + 2–3 episodes; deploy live Q&A; pulse ads and outreach; ask for reviews.

4–8 week crash plan

Prioritize a strong trailer, two launch episodes, and a focused PR pitch.
Use existing networks and cross-promo deals to amplify initial downloads.
Use social ads with high-intent targeting (festival followers, franchise fandom pages).

Actionable templates & micro-tools

Episode brief (one-paragraph template)

Episode Title: [Title] — Angle: One-line hook. Guest: Name & short bio. Segments: Intro / Main discussion (x mins) / Clip breakdown / Rapid-fire. Assets needed: Clip permission, screenshot, guest bio. Sponsor fit: [category].

Guest outreach email (short)

Subject: Quick invite — [Podcast Name] interview about [Project/Film]
Hi [Name],
I host [Podcast Name], a [one-line description]. We’d love to feature you to discuss [angle]. We record remotely and will work around your schedule. We’ll promote the episode across YouTube, socials and our newsletter. Are you available for a 30–40 minute conversation in the next 4 weeks? — [Your Name & links to sample episodes]

Common launch mistakes and how to avoid them

No trailer or preview: Trailers convert curious visitors — make one and pin it everywhere.
Ignoring transcripts: They improve SEO and accessibility; don’t skip them.
No rights clearance: Never rely on assumed fair use for non-trivial clips.
Inconsistent release schedule: Pick a cadence you can sustain and stick to it.
Too many platforms, too soon: Launch where you can maintain quality — expand after early traction.

Real-world example: How to learn from Ant & Dec

Ant & Dec didn’t invent podcasting, but their launch gives a playbook: ask your audience, leverage existing brand assets, distribute across video and audio, and provide casual, authentic content that scales. Apply the same in your niche: use audience feedback to shape recurring segments, repurpose TV clips legally, and plan cross-platform premieres to funnel viewers into listeners.

Final checklist — printable launch day summary

Trailer published and pinned
2–3 episodes live
Transcripts & show notes published
Social clips scheduled and boosted
Press kit emailed to contacts
Email list notified
Review & rating CTA recorded into episodes
Community spaces (Discord/Patreon) set up
Monetization scaffolding in place (ad placements, subscription landing)

Closing — your next 30 days

Pick three things from this checklist to finish in the next 30 days: record three episodes, build your landing page and trailer, and secure at least one cross-promo partner. That focus buys you momentum — and momentum is everything when you want to grow an audience.

Ready to launch? Use Ant & Dec’s audience-first logic: ask your listeners, give them what they asked for, and build a cross-platform ecosystem to keep them coming back.

Call to action

Download our free printable Film Podcast Launch Checklist and sample episode brief. Subscribe to themovies.top newsletter for monthly templates, platform updates, and exclusive promotional swaps with other film podcasters. Let’s get your show off the ground — start the checklist today.

themovies

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