#13 Why your podcast has to be on YouTube
YouTube is great for podcasters. Here is how you can get started.
If you're a podcaster, you already know the importance of reaching as many listeners as possible. And while platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify are great for distributing your episodes, there's another platform that you may be overlooking: YouTube.
YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, behind only Google. This means that there are billions of people using YouTube every day to find new content. And while YouTube is primarily known as a video platform, it's also an excellent place to distribute your podcast.
Before you read on, here’s the PodCentral YouTube channel. We do content on podcast marketing, making money podcasting, and even some reactions to top podcasts in the industry.
Why YouTube Matters
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider uploading your podcast episodes to YouTube:
Reach a wider audience: As we mentioned earlier, YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. This means that there's a huge audience on the platform that you may be missing out on. By uploading your episodes to YouTube, you can tap into this audience and reach new listeners.
Increase discoverability: When you upload your episodes to YouTube, they become searchable on the platform. This means that people can find your episodes when they search for keywords related to your topic. This can be a great way to increase the visibility of your podcast and reach new listeners.
Create a video version of your podcast: YouTube also allows you to create a video version of your podcast by adding images, and animations, or even filming yourself as you record the podcast. This can be a great way to add a visual component to your podcast and make it more engaging for your listeners.
Monetize your content: YouTube also allows creators to monetize their content through ads and sponsorships. By uploading your podcast episodes to YouTube, you can potentially earn money from your content.
Engage with your listeners: YouTube also has a built-in commenting system, which allows you to engage with your listeners in real time. This can be a great way to build a community around your podcast and foster engagement.
YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are short videos that allow creators to share quick, creative content with their audience on YouTube. They are similar to TikTok videos, with a 15 seconds maximum duration, and can be created using a variety of tools such as music, speed controls, text, and filters. Shorts can help channels grow in a few ways:
Firstly, Shorts are designed to be consumed on mobile devices, which is where the majority of YouTube's audience is. This means that by creating Shorts, creators can reach their audience where they are most likely to be consuming content. Additionally, Shorts are easily shareable and can be quickly consumed, which makes them ideal for social media platforms. This can help creators expand their reach beyond YouTube and grow their audience.
Secondly, Shorts are also a great way to increase engagement and build a community around a channel. Shorts allow creators to be more creative and experimental, which can help them stand out from other content on YouTube. They also provide an opportunity for creators to connect with their audience in a more personal way, through behind-the-scenes content, Q&A sessions, or other interactive features.
Lastly, YouTube Shorts allows creators to optimize for the algorithm, YouTube's algorithm rewards content that keeps viewers on the platform for longer. Shorts are designed to be easily consumed, which means that viewers are more likely to watch multiple Shorts in a row. This can help boost a channel's watch time, which is a key metric that YouTube uses to determine which videos are recommended to viewers.
Check out Think Media’s video on YouTube shorts growth.
In short, YouTube is a powerful tool for podcasters. By uploading your episodes to the platform, you can reach a wider audience, increase discoverability, create a video version of your podcast, monetize your content and engage with your listeners.
If you haven't already, consider uploading your episodes to YouTube and see how they can benefit your podcast.
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