Bonus material: Get The 3 Step Podcast Promotion Playbook
A staggering 57.8% of podcast listeners in the US prefer listening to their favorite shows on YouTube (Voices).
YouTube, the undisputed powerhouse of online content, has emerged as a game-changer for content creators, and podcasters are no exception.
With millions of active users and an ever-expanding audience base, YouTube presents an unparalleled opportunity to amplify your podcast’s reach and connect with potential new listeners.
Jumping into the world of video might require a bit of extra effort, but the potential rewards are worth it.
The key lies in ensuring your podcast stands out on the world’s second-largest search engine (only second to Google).
This guide will equip you with the essential know-how to set up your YouTube channel correctly and optimize your video content for maximum impact.
Let’s dive in.
Why YouTube?
Let’s clarify one thing before we proceed: uploading your podcast to YouTube alone wouldn’t make it a true podcast; it would essentially become a YouTube channel.
If your primary aim is to establish a presence in the podcasting space, relying solely on YouTube won’t suffice.
It’s crucial to list your episodes on all major podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
Starting an official podcast and then utilizing YouTube to complement your audience-building strategy is the way to go.
Essentially a YouTube podcast is merely a podcast shared on the YouTube platform.
It’s important to note that YouTube does have features catering to podcasters.
In fact, YouTube recently launched a dedicated page exclusively for podcasts.
As a platform, YouTube holds significant advantages for both new podcasters venturing into YouTube and existing YouTube creators looking to incorporate podcasts into their content lineup, such as:
Reach: Expand your reach to a broader global audience through search and discovery systems. Cultivate an engaged and vibrant community around your content.
Analytics: Leverage analytics to gain valuable insights into your audience’s preferences, allowing you to optimize your podcast content for maximum impact.
Monetization: Explore additional revenue streams through features like Channel Memberships and Shopping.
So, how do you get started?
Getting Started on YouTube
Setting up your YouTube channel is the first step towards showcasing your podcast to a broader audience.
If you don’t already have a YouTube channel, don’t worry; it’s a straightforward process.
Simply navigate to YouTube and click on the “Create account” option to get started.
When selecting a name for your channel, ensure it’s not only catchy but also descriptive, effectively conveying the essence of your podcast’s brand and content.
An identifiable name that aligns with your podcast’s theme will leave a lasting impression on your viewers.
Our client Justin Harvey from Anesthesia and Pain Management Success has used his name as his channel name.
This way his audience and clients can find him with ease:
The visuals of your YouTube channel play a crucial role in making a memorable impression on your audience.
To make your channel visually appealing and consistent with your brand, focus on two key elements: the channel banner and logo.
The channel banner should be a captivating image that reflects the core theme of your podcast.
It’s the first thing viewers see when they visit your channel, so make it striking and relevant.
Additionally, craft a unique logo that embodies the essence of your podcast.
By using consistent branding across your channel, you make it easier for viewers to recognize your content and build brand loyalty.
Your channel description is also a valuable opportunity to introduce your podcast to potential viewers.
Highlight the unique aspects that set your podcast apart from others in the same niche.
This is your chance to captivate your audience’s attention and pique their interest in exploring your content further.
When this is all done and your channel is set up correctly, it’s time to start recording content.
Although you do not need to strive for perfection, you will want to ensure your recording is of decent quality.
Here are some simple video recording tips to help with this:
Invest in Quality Equipment
While you don’t need extravagant gear, having a decent microphone and camera can significantly improve the production value of your videos.
We suggest the Blue Yeti Microphone for the best sound quality, the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 if you’re looking for a webcam or the Sony CX405 Handycam® if you want something handheld.
Optimize Audio Quality
Clear audio is crucial for any podcast. Record in a quiet environment and consider using audio editing software, or hire a professional podcast editor, to enhance the sound further.
How To Optimize Your Existing Podcast for YouTube
As a podcaster, you might naturally gravitate toward audio media.
When incorporating YouTube into your content strategy, a simple approach involves converting your audio files into .mp4 format while creating background images to complement your recording.
Designing a background image doesn’t require complex graphics; include essential elements like your podcast’s name, website URL, podcast logo, and the names of the host and guests for each episode.
Recommended dimensions for YouTube images are 2560×1440 pixels or an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Keep in mind that audio-only YouTube podcasts may not garner as much engagement as video podcasts.
If YouTube will be a significant part of your audience-building strategy, consider elevating your content with one of the following methods:
Option 1: Record a Video Podcast Using Your Computer’s Webcam
For interview-style podcasts, you can use your computer’s built-in webcam and either its built-in microphone or an external mic (we suggest an external mic for better audio quality).
Invest in quality recording software, especially for remote interviews, to avoid limitations due to internet speeds.
Tools like Riverside enable local recording for up to eight participants with separate audio and video tracks, ensuring top-notch quality.
Option 2: Record a Video Podcast Using External Cameras
If you conduct in-person interviews or conversations, you may choose to record with external cameras.
Don’t worry about expensive equipment; even your phone can suffice.
Adding a tripod can enhance stability, but it’s not always necessary.
Pay attention to your recording “set,” guaranteeing your background complements the content and enhances the visual appeal.
Bonus Tip: Change an Existing Playlist to a YouTube Podcast
Instead of using a normal playlist to organize podcast episodes, it’s now possible to have a dedicated podcast playlist on your Youtube channel (at the time of writing this article, this features is only available in the US).
This categorization makes it convenient for viewers to find and binge-watch your podcast episodes seamlessly.
By creating a well-organized podcast playlist, you can enhance the overall viewing experience and attract more engagement from your audience. Your podcast will also automatically show up in the YouTube Music app.
How To Grow Your Channel
Expanding your YouTube channel and reaching a larger audience is an exciting prospect for content creators.
To achieve significant growth, consider the following:
Consistency is Key
Much like with your podcast, maintaining a consistent upload schedule is essential for growing your YouTube channel.
Audiences value predictability, and knowing when to expect new content keeps them engaged and coming back for more.
Create a content calendar and stick to it.
Whether it’s a weekly podcast episode or regular short videos, consistent uploads build trust with your audience and establish your channel’s credibility.
Promote Your Channel
While producing quality content is crucial, it’s equally important to actively promote your YouTube podcast.
Share your videos on other social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, reaching a broader audience beyond YouTube.
Utilize your website or blog to showcase your latest content and encourage visitors to subscribe to your channel.
Click the button below to access our full Podcast Promotion Playbook.
Engage with Your Audience
Engagement is the backbone of any thriving YouTube channel.
Take the time to respond to comments left by your viewers, showing genuine interest in their feedback and opinions like our client Kayse Gehret of the Microdosing For Healing Podcast does.
By actively participating in discussions, you cultivate a sense of community, and your audience will feel valued.
Encourage viewers to ask questions, share their thoughts, and suggest future topics.
This two-way interaction builds a loyal fan base and strengthens the connection between you and your audience.
Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication, engagement, and promotion, you can create a vibrant community around your content.
Utilize YouTube Shorts for Micro-Content
To leverage your podcast content effectively, break down recorded episodes into bite-sized video shorts for YouTube.
Upload engaging clips that are easily digestible and optimized with SEO-friendly titles.
These shorter videos are more shareable on social media and will drive views to the full podcast episode video.
By directing viewers back to your website, you can encourage deeper engagement with your podcast.
Embrace Live-Streaming for Audience Engagement
Once you’ve mastered podcasting, consider live-streaming select episodes on YouTube.
Live-streaming provides an interactive experience for your audience, can enhance your channel’s appeal and create a sense of community among your listeners.
By combining these strategies and continually providing valuable content, you can effectively grow your YouTube channel, expand your audience, and further elevate your podcasting success.
How To Make Money On YouTube
Monetizing your YouTube channel opens a world of opportunities to generate revenue.
While YouTube ads revenue can serve as a bonus, we recommend centering your strategy around selling your own services.
Whether you offer consulting, coaching, or online courses, leveraging your expertise and unique offerings can lead to substantial earnings.
By positioning YouTube as a platform to showcase your skills and knowledge, you build trust and credibility with your audience.
Engage viewers with valuable content, and then offer your services as a natural extension of your expertise.
Not only does this approach generate income directly, but it also establishes you as an authority in your niche, attracting even more clients and opportunities.
In Conclusion…
While YouTube offers numerous advantages for podcasters, it might not be suitable for every content creator.
If your primary goal is audio-only consumption, and you’re already successfully reaching your target audience through podcast directories, you might not need to invest time and effort in a YouTube channel.
However, if you aim to expand your audience, reach a younger demographic, and capitalize on video content, creating a podcast YouTube channel is a wise decision.
Assess your goals and resources before deciding whether YouTube aligns with your podcasting strategy.
Founder and Chief Podcast Educator at Cashflow Podcasting. Ben specializes in helping thought leaders and entrepreneurs amplify their impact through podcasting. He’s a world traveller, outdoor sports junkie and future enthusiast!