Podcasts are personal, powerful, and fast-growing. Whether you’re hosting conversations with industry leaders, artists, or everyday changemakers, your content has value, and potential legal exposure.
If you’re inviting guests onto your podcast, you need a guest release agreement. It protects your rights as a creator, ensures you can distribute your episodes without restrictions, and avoids future disputes over ownership, editing, or compensation.
In this article, we’ll walk through what a podcast guest release agreement is, what it should include, and how Counsel Club helps you create one quickly and confidently, no legal background required.
Why You Need a Podcast Guest Release Agreement
A podcast guest release is a written agreement where your guest gives you permission to record, publish, and promote their voice and likeness as part of your podcast.
Without one, you risk:
- A guest revoking consent after the episode goes live
- Disputes over how you edited or promoted the interview
- Legal threats for using their name, image, or voice
- Guests asking for payment or a share of ad revenue
- Platform removals or takedowns due to complaints
Even if your podcast is small now, a good agreement ensures that as your audience and opportunities grow, you’re covered.
What to Include in a Podcast Guest Release Agreement
Here’s what you should look for — or include — in your guest release.
1. Permission to Record and Publish
The foundation of the release is the guest’s consent to be recorded and for you to use that recording however you choose.
Example: “Guest grants Host the right to record, distribute, and broadcast the Guest’s voice and likeness in connection with the podcast.”
This should cover both audio and video if you’re filming your sessions.
2. Editing and Creative Discretion
You should be free to edit the episode for clarity, length, or quality. Make it clear that you control the final version.
Example: “Host retains full editorial control over the final version of the podcast episode, including edits, cuts, and any additions.”
This prevents later complaints about how a quote was used or how the interview was framed.
3. Promotion Rights
You want to be able to promote the episode widely — on social, in clips, in paid ads, or as part of a media kit.
Example: “Guest authorizes Host to use Guest’s name, image, likeness, and biographical information for promotional purposes related to the podcast.”
Make sure this covers multiple formats and platforms — including things like audiograms or video reels.
4. Ownership of the Content
Even though the guest participated in the recording, the content should belong to you as the creator.
Example: “All rights, title, and interest in and to the podcast episode shall belong exclusively to Host.”
This ensures you can republish, monetize, or license the episode as needed.
5. Waiver of Compensation and Liability
Unless you're paying your guest (which most podcasts don’t), the agreement should confirm that the appearance is unpaid — and that the guest is participating voluntarily.
Example: “Guest acknowledges that their participation is voluntary and that no compensation is expected or required.”
Also include a basic waiver of liability in case the guest later claims emotional distress, reputational damage, or other issues.
Example: “Guest releases Host from any claims arising out of the recording, publication, or distribution of the podcast episode.”
Common Issues Without a Release
Many podcasters skip this step early on. But here’s what can go wrong:
- A guest demands you take down an episode after it’s published
- They request payment because their quote went viral
- They sue you for using their face in a social media ad
- They object to how their story was edited or summarized
- A streaming platform removes your show after a complaint
Even if you have a friendly relationship, memories and expectations differ. A release sets the record straight — and protects you from risk.
How Counsel Club Helps Podcast Hosts
You shouldn’t have to hire a lawyer or dig through outdated internet templates to protect your show.
Counsel Club makes it easy to generate a customized podcast guest release with just a few clicks.
🧠 Smart Questionnaire
Answer a few plain-English questions:
- Are you recording audio, video, or both?
- Will you promote the episode on social media?
- Are you paying your guest?
- Do you want full editing control?
The system generates a tailored release agreement in seconds — no legalese, no confusion.
💬 Ask Amicus
Need help understanding what a clause means or what rights you need to retain? Ask Amicus, our built-in legal assistant:
- “Can I use guest clips in a promo video?”
- “What if I want to publish this episode on YouTube later?”
- “What should I do if a guest asks to review the episode before it airs?”
- “Do I need different language if the guest is a public figure?”
Amicus gives clear, context-aware answers — perfect for busy hosts who just want to get it right.
👩⚖️ Concierge Support
Working with a high-profile guest who wants to redline the agreement? We’ve got you.
Counsel Club’s Concierge lawyers can review or revise the agreement, explain edits, and make sure your rights are protected — without charging $500 an hour.
Questions Podcast Hosts Might Ask Amicus
- “Can I edit out part of a guest’s answer without telling them?”
- “What happens if a guest revokes permission after the episode airs?”
- “Do I need a release if the episode is casual or unscripted?”
- “Is it okay to repost older episodes on new platforms?”
Whether you're just starting or running a top-100 show, Amicus helps you navigate the legal side with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip This Step
You pour time and energy into your podcast. Don’t let legal loose ends put that work at risk.
A guest release is one of the simplest but most powerful tools in your creator toolkit. It lets you:
- Retain control over your content
- Avoid post-publication conflicts
- Promote your show freely
- Build a professional, scalable operation
With Counsel Club, you can create a legally sound podcast guest release that protects your voice — and your platform.
