True crime is wildly popular, but it’s also ethically complicated. You’re talking about real crimes. Real victims. Real families who are still dealing with loss and trauma. Your podcast name needs to acknowledge this reality – you can create intrigue without sensationalizing tragedy.
The true crime space is saturated with shows that range from deeply respectful investigative journalism to exploitative entertainment. Your name is your first signal about which side of that line you’re on. Get it wrong and you’ll either attract the wrong audience or drive away the discerning listeners who actually care about responsible storytelling.
Here are 60+ true crime podcast name ideas that capture the genre’s appeal without crossing into exploitation, plus what I’ve learned about threading that difficult needle.
Why a Good True Crime Podcast Name Matters
True crime is a genre where trust and credibility are everything. Your podcast name is often the first indicator of how you’ll approach the subject matter. A well-chosen name signals professionalism, respect, and the kind of storytelling your audience can expect.
Listeners in this genre are sophisticated and discerning. They can spot exploitative content from a mile away and gravitate toward podcasts that treat sensitive topics with the gravity they deserve. Your name should reflect this understanding.
At the same time, true crime is a competitive space. With countless shows covering similar cases and themes, your name needs to be distinctive enough to stand out in podcast directories and on social media. It should create curiosity and compel potential listeners to learn more about your show.
The best true crime podcast names often incorporate elements of mystery, investigation, or justice. They use evocative language that suggests the uncovering of hidden truths or the pursuit of answers. This creates an immediate connection with the genre while hinting at your unique approach.
How to Name a True Crime Show Responsibly
True crime naming requires more thought than most genres because you’re walking a line between creating intrigue and respecting real tragedies.
Create Atmosphere Without Sensationalism
Words like “shadows,” “untold,” “beneath,” and “hidden” work for true crime because they suggest investigation and revelation. “Shadowed Truths” or “Beneath the Surface” promise deeper exploration without turning tragedy into entertainment.
But be honest with yourself: are you using mystery language to promise thoughtful investigation, or are you just trying to make violence sound exciting? There’s a difference between “Shadowed Truths” and “Blood and Mayhem.” One suggests journalism; the other suggests spectacle.
Incorporate Legal and Investigative Terms
Terms from law enforcement and the legal system can lend credibility to your podcast. Words like “verdict,” “evidence,” “case,” “files,” “testimony,” “investigation,” and “cold case” signal that you’re taking a serious, thorough approach to your subject matter.
Names like “The Case Files” or “Final Verdict” immediately communicate what listeners can expect while positioning your podcast as authoritative and well-researched.
Balance Intrigue with Respect
While you want to create curiosity, it’s crucial to avoid names that sensationalize or glorify violence. Instead, focus on the investigative aspect, the pursuit of justice, or the human stories behind the crimes.
Instead of focusing on the act of murder, for example, consider angles like “Justice Unserved” or “Voices for the Voiceless.” These approaches maintain intrigue while showing respect for victims and their families.
Consider a Geographic or Thematic Focus
If your podcast focuses on crimes in a specific location or from a particular era, incorporating that into your name can help you stand out. “Crimes of the City” or “Cold Cases: 1970s Edition” immediately tell listeners what makes your show unique.
Need help brainstorming the perfect name? Try our podcast name generator for true crime-specific suggestions.
Think About Your Narrative Style
Are you an investigative journalist uncovering new information, or a storyteller bringing forgotten cases to light? Your narrative approach should influence your name choice. “The Investigation,” for instance, signals active detective work, while “Forgotten Cases” suggests historical storytelling.
A Quick Checklist for Respectful Naming
- Center victims, survivors, and communities over perpetrators.
- Avoid glamorizing crime or using sensational phrases.
- It’s better to use investigative or justice language over lurid terms.
- If your podcast is location-based, reflect the place respectfully and accurately.
- Test for tone- does the name feel serious, humane, and credible?
60+ True Crime Podcast Name Ideas
Here’s a comprehensive collection of true crime podcast names across different approaches and styles.
Mystery and Investigation:
- Dark Evidence
- Beyond Reasonable
- Untold Verdicts
- Shadowed Truths
- The Investigation
- Beneath the Surface
- Hidden in Plain Sight
- The Missing Pieces
- The Evidence Locker
- Case Reopened
- The Final Clue
Justice-Focused:
- Justice Unserved
- In Pursuit of Truth
- The Guilty Plea
- Seeking Justice
- The Verdict
- Crime and Consequences
- The Justice Files
- Wrongful Conviction
- The Truth Seekers
- Voices for the Voiceless
- The Long Road to Justice
Location-Based:
- The Case Map
- Crimes of the County
- City of Secrets
- Small Town Mysteries
- Urban Crimes
- The Regional Files
- Coast to Coast Crimes
- Heartland Cold Cases
- Downtown Darkness
Storytelling Approach:
- Tales of True Crime
- The Crime Chronicles
- Stories from the Dark Side
- The Criminal Files
- Narrative Justice
- The Crime Vault
- True Crime Stories
- The Dark Archives
- Criminal Chronicles
Victim-Centered:
- Remembered
- The Victim’s Voice
- Stories Untold
- Their Story Matters
- The Forgotten Ones
- Voices from the Past
- Never Forgotten
- The Last Word
Investigation-Focused:
- The Deep Dive
- Under Investigation
- The Crime Lab
- The Detective’s Notebook
- Case by Case
- The Investigation
- Evidence and Truth
- The Crime Scene
- Following the Evidence
Atmospheric and Evocative:
- Midnight Case Files
- The Dark Hour
- Shadows and Secrets
- After Dark
- The Late Hour
- Whispered Evidence
- The Silent Witness
These examples demonstrate various approaches to true crime naming, from the investigative to the atmospheric, from justice-focused to victim-centered.
What to Avoid in a True Crime Podcast Name
While creativity is important, some approaches can undermine your credibility in this genre.
Avoid overly cutesy or punny names that make light of serious crimes. True crime isn’t the place for clever wordplay that diminishes the gravity of the subject matter. Names that sound flippant or disrespectful will turn away serious listeners.
Steer clear of names that glorify criminals or make them seem fascinating in problematic ways. Your focus should be on justice, truth, or the victims, not the perpetrators themselves.
Be cautious with names that are too similar to existing major podcasts. The true crime space has several dominant shows, and you don’t want to appear derivative or confuse potential listeners.
Finally, avoid names that are overly generic, like “The True Crime Podcast” or “Crime Stories.” These don’t give listeners any reason to choose your show over the hundreds of others with similar names.
Build Your True Crime Brand
Once you’ve chosen a compelling name, you’ll need to build a cohesive brand around it. This includes creating artwork that matches your name’s tone, developing a consistent narrative voice, and establishing a strong online presence.
Your podcast website should reflect the professional and serious nature of your content. True crime listeners often want additional resources, case details, and ways to engage with your community. Having a dedicated website helps establish your credibility and provides a central hub for your growing audience.
For additional naming inspiration across different styles, check out our guides on catchy podcast name ideas and history podcast name ideas, where historical crimes often overlap with true crime content.
The Name Matters, But Your Approach Matters More
True crime listeners are sophisticated. They’ve heard hundreds of podcasts. They can tell within minutes whether you actually care about the victims and justice, or whether you’re just using tragedy for entertainment value.
Your name is your first statement of intent. Choose words that suggest investigation, justice, or uncovering truth – not words that glorify violence or treat real crimes as thrilling entertainment. Create intrigue without exploitation. Signal professionalism without being cold.
But here’s the real talk: if your name promises respectful, thorough investigation and then your content is sensationalized garbage, listeners will drag you for it. And they should. True crime comes with responsibility. Your name should reflect that you understand that.
Looking for more naming options? Our podcast name generator has true crime-specific suggestions.
Once your name’s sorted, Beamly provides the platform to build a professional true crime podcast. Auto-import episodes, create a site that matches your show’s quality, add resources and case information, and build an engaged community. The technical stuff is handled so you can focus on responsible, quality true crime storytelling.
