We’re excited to introduce you to an exciting new feature in the podcasting space that can expand your reach and captivate a broader audience.
With YouTube Studio’s podcasting features, you can effortlessly create, manage, and showcase your podcast content, tapping into a world of possibilities.
Before you begin diving into YouTube Studio’s podcasting feature, it is important that you understand this isn’t a replacement for traditional podcast hosting; rather, it’s an additional channel that magnifies your visibility and broadens your audience reach.
Even with this new feature, stick to your podcasting routine. Continue to share your show on platforms like Spotify and Apple, and keep your website updated with show notes.
Here’s our step-by-step guide for everything you need to know to help you create and optimize your podcast in YouTube Studio:
Understanding the Basics:
A podcast show on YouTube is structured as a playlist, with podcast episodes represented by videos within that playlist.
The episodes should be full-length and organized in the order they are intended to be consumed. If your podcast has multiple seasons, they should be included within the same podcast.
Perks for Podcast Creators:
As a podcast creator, you gain access to several benefits, including:
- Inclusion in YouTube Music
- Podcast badges on Watch and Playlist pages
- A spotlight on youtube.com/podcasts to attract new listeners
- Official Search Cards
- Enhanced discovery features to help listeners find your episodes
- Recommendations to new listeners with similar interests
- Improved search functions to assist your audience in finding your podcast
Eligibility and Content Restrictions:
Not all playlists are eligible for podcast features, particularly those that contain content not owned by the creator.
Additionally, Shorts created to support your podcast will not appear in YouTube Music.
Keep in mind that youtube.com/podcasts is only accessible within the US.
Creating a Podcast:
To create a new podcast on YouTube Studio:
- Log into YouTube Studio.
- Click on “Create” > “New podcast.”
- Verify your account if prompted.
- Choose “Create a new podcast” from the pop-up.
- Provide podcast details, including title, description, visibility (Public or Private), and a square podcast thumbnail.
- Click “Create” to save.
Adding Episodes:
To add episodes to your podcast:
- Go to “Content” > “Podcasts” in YouTube Studio.
- Select your podcast.
- Click “Add videos” > “Upload videos” to upload new content, or “Add your existing videos” to select videos from your library.
- Enter video details.
- Click “Create” to save changes.
Optimization and Restrictions:
Each podcast episode is represented by a video on YouTube.
MP3s cannot be turned into podcasts; you need to upload or add videos to your podcast’s playlist.
Pro Tip: Be cautious of copyright policies; violating content may not be eligible for podcast features.
Set Up and Designation:
To set an existing playlist as a podcast:
- Go to “Content” > “Playlists” in YouTube Studio.
- Hover over the playlist to be designated as a podcast.
- Click “Menu” > “Set as podcast.”
- Review details and add a square podcast thumbnail.
- Click “Done” to confirm changes.
Ordering Episodes:
To edit the order of episode consumption:
- Go to “Content” > “Podcasts” in YouTube Studio.
- Click “Edit” on the podcast to update.
- Navigate to “Default Video Order” and choose your preferred sorting method.
- Click “Save” to confirm changes.
Analyzing Performance:
To understand your podcast’s performance:
- Open YouTube Studio.
- Navigate to the “Analytics” tab > “Overview.”
- Select the relevant podcast from the “Your Podcast(s)” card.
- View views, watch time, audience demographics, and more.
- For a deeper analysis, select “See Podcast Analytics.”
Something To Consider:
While YouTube holds several benefits for podcasters, it might not align with every content creator.
If your focus is on audio-only engagement and you’re effectively reaching your audience through podcast directories, investing your time in a YouTube channel might not be necessary.
On the other hand, if your aim is audience expansion, capturing a younger demographic, and leveraging video content, establishing a podcast YouTube channel becomes a strategic move.
Evaluate your objectives and available resources to determine if YouTube suits your podcasting strategy.
By following these steps, you can create a professional podcast on YouTube Studio and optimize it for maximum exposure and engagement.
Until next month,
The Cashflow Podcasting Team
P.S. Have you connected with us on social?
Friend us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Tweet with us on Twitter
Pin with us on Pinterest
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!