BBC Up and Coming - Here's how to make your demo stand out

Every BBC Up and Coming demo sent via the Uploader will be listened to by a BBC panel. If they like what they hear, someone will be in touch.

If you're thinking about submitting a 5-minute demo but aren't sure what to include, see below for a selection of quick tips, including ones from Radio 1 presenters Sian Eleri and Dean McCullough, who both first joined the BBC via the Up and Coming talent scheme.

This is the most important part: Your demo needs to show off your personality. What makes you the amazing person you are? And why should you spark our interest ahead of the next person?

"They need to hear you completely spilling out of those speakers"

Dean McCullough

"When [the panel] press play, they need to hear you completely spilling out of those speakers," says Dean McCullough, one of 2020's successful applicants, who now hosts Early Breakfast every weekday on Radio 1. "I wanted to focus on making sure I was authentically me."

Sian Eleri, who now presents Radio 1's Future Artists and The Chillest Show after becoming a Christmas Presenter in 2019, says you need to "demonstrate what you're about, whether you’re interested in doing a music-related show, like Chillest, or covering Future Artists or The Rock Show."

2. Show off your experience

Depending on the campaign, you may or may not need previous broadcasting or radio experience. If you have presented in student radio, community radio or elsewhere, don't hold back on showing off all the tricks you've learnt along the way. Try and make the recording quality strong, even if you don't have direct access to a professional studio.

3. Keep your demo under ten minutes

When making your demo, keep it tight. For example: if you're making a demo for a music-focused show, don't spend time throwing in unnecessary details like release info or tour dates.

If you're making a demo for a daytime show, use your technical ability to ensure there's no filler or gaps, and that every link shows off exactly who you are.

This will shine through when the panel listens to your demo.

Dean McCullough says: "Don’t give us the radio version of you, give us you. The way you talk to your mates, parents, friends at school, that should be you. Whoever’s listening to your demo wants to hear you. And enjoy yourself whilst you’re doing it."

Don't be afraid to experiment with silly features if you're making a daytime demo – and if you're making a music-focused demo, really dive in and show off your passion for the genres you love.

Unfortunately due to the number of demos received, the BBC can't provide individual feedback - but if your demo doesn't result in progress, please don't be discouraged.

Sian Eleri says she'd sent off "hundreds of applications to work in radio" before getting a Christmas show on Radio 1 in 2019. "So if you’re not successful first time round, try not to get disheartened. I’ve been there."