CHECKLIST
We've outlined a set of guidelines to help you assess whether your podcast is suitable for international adaptation.
Please note that every podcast submission will be reviewed individually to determine whether adaptation through RETELL is possible.
For your future podcast projects, you can keep these indicators in mind to increase the potential for offering your stories to audiences in other countries
International relevance
The podcast covers stories with international relevance (e.g., a story about Barack Obama). An internationally relevant story doesn’t need to feature a famous person or take place in a well-known location. Even an inspiring story set in a small village can resonate globally - if it’s well told and emotionally compelling. Some of the most powerful podcasts spotlight voices and experiences that audiences have never heard before. International adaptation offers these hidden stories the chance to reach a much wider audience.
Host must be replaceable
Naturally, every host is connected to their podcast in some way—through personal interest, expertise, or tone—but the story itself should not depend on the host's unique personal background. If only this specific host can tell the story (for example, because it’s about their own family), the podcast is not suitable
Sound design
Incorporates elements like raindrops or a crackling fireplace for atmosphere, and uses music to underscore emotional moments, such as fading in during key narrative beats. These elements are fully adaptable and well-suited for international versions of the podcast
Script
All podcast episodes are fully scripted. Each episode must have a complete script, and the licensing terms for these scripts need to be clearly defined
Minimal use of interview snippets
Interviews and original sound are allowed if they are essential to the story, such as short clips from protagonists speaking in their original language. However, episodes that rely heavily on external interviews (e.g., with experts providing context or analysis) are more difficult to adapt for international markets. This is because each country has its own relevant experts, and such voices typically offer limited value to a licensee outside the original production context.
Always-on & Podcast series
Both serialized and always-on podcast formats are relevant. Popular genres include inspiring human stories, history, true crime, and science.
