Did you hear the news? YouTube is introducing podcast playlists, a new way for creators to upload and organize episodes on their channels. This update comes with exciting benefits, such as:
So if you've been waiting to start a podcast, now's the time to get going! This guide will show you how to start a podcast on YouTube, plus six ways to monetize your show.
The first step to building a podcast is knowing what you want to talk about. After all, it would be confusing if you posted about exotic cars one week and personal finance the next. By choosing one topic, you make it easy for listeners to enjoy their favorite subject through your show.
And there are plenty of ideas to explore! Some of the most popular podcasts on YouTube cover:
Once you have a topic, think about the format your show will take. Will you do interviews with experts or have discussions with co-hosts? Will you build a roundtable of guests or fly solo and share stories from the heart? Or maybe a mix-and-match?
Now that you have a plan for your podcast, you can start putting your ideas into action. A large part of that process is choosing the right podcasting equipment.
Here are some essential pieces to consider:
A quality microphone produces clear, crisp audio. Some popular options include the Shure SM7B, the Audio-Technica AT2020, and the Rode Podcaster.
Buy a good pair of headphones so you can hear your recording accurately and can make adjustments as needed. The headphones should be comfortable, have great sound quality, and fit within your budget.
An audio interface connects your microphone and headphones to your computer. This allows you to convert the analog signals from your microphone into digital signals that can be recorded/edited.
There’s no shortage of recording software, with both free and paid options on the market. Some of those include Audacity, GarageBand, and Adobe Audition. Look for user-friendly software that has the features you need to edit your recordings.
A pop filter is a small screen that goes in front of your microphone. It reduces the popping noise that comes from pronouncing words with harsh-sounding letters, like “K,” “C,” and “P.” This makes your recordings sound more professional!
If you’re recording a lengthy podcast, the last thing you want to do is hold a microphone the entire time. An arm will prop up your mic and stabilize volume levels (because the mic isn’t moving).
You'll need a quality camera if you want to start a video podcast on YouTube. There are plenty of options, but the best cameras record video in FHD (full high definition) or 4K.
Now that you have your equipment, you're probably wondering how to set up a podcast on YouTube. The good news is that it doesn't take long!
Here’s a step-by-step guide for uploading a podcast to YouTube:
1. Go to the YouTube Studio and click Create, then New Podcast.
2. Choose Create a New Podcast or Set an Existing Playlist as a Podcast.
3. Give your podcast a title, description, privacy setting (private or public), and square-shaped thumbnail. Click Create.
1. Go to the YouTube Studio and click Content.
2. Select Podcasts.
3. Select Videos.
4. Choose Upload Videos, then follow the on-screen prompts.
Now we’re getting to the fun part. If you want your podcast audience to grow over time, you need a bit more than entertaining episodes. Everything about your show should work together to keep viewers engaged, from the episode artwork to the keywords you use.
Here are some ways to grow your YouTube podcast:
Use relevant keywords in the title and description of each episode. That will help your podcast rank higher in YouTube search results.
Turn longer episodes into short clips, teasers, and highlight reels to attract new viewers. Use them to steer viewers to your full episodes and get more views!
Invite popular guests onto your podcast, then ask them to promote the episodes they appear in. This extra bit of promotion invites new listeners to check out your show.
We talk about YouTube communities all the time, but what about podcast communities? They do exist, and you should nurture them just like any other following. Respond to comments about your podcast and ask viewers for feedback!
The cover art for your show should be attractive, but don't forget to make static images for each podcast episode. They should be bold and have a consistent style for your channel's branding.
YouTube isn't the only place to promote your podcast. Share the episodes on Instagram Reels, Facebook Watch, and platforms that make sense for your audience.
One could argue that consistent podcasting is more crucial that dropping consistent YouTube videos. After all, many people listen to podcasts during their commute and at work. They're depending on that content.
Post new episodes on time so viewers and listeners know what to expect each week!
As you implement these strategies, don’t forget to check your podcast analytics in the YouTube Studio. You can do that by going to Analytics > Overview > Select an episode from the Podcasts card on the lower right.
This section shows the overall performance of your podcast episode, including views, watch time, revenue, and more.
Are the listens rolling in yet? If so, it's time to monetize your podcast so you can re-invest in your content. This allows you to buy better equipment, such as a green screen for showing different background images.
There are plenty of ways to monetize a podcast on YouTube, but here are some of the best:
Once your YouTube channel meets the requirements for the YouTube Partner Program, you can monetize your podcast with ads.
Partner with brands that align with your podcast's niche and target audience — and get paid for it!
Sell merchandise related to your podcast, such as T-shirts, mugs, or stickers.
Charge a monthly subscription fee for exclusive or behind-the-scenes content from your podcast. Sites like Patreon are great for this strategy.
Earn a sales commission by promoting products or services to your audience. You can do this by adding affiliate links in your video descriptions.
Sell tickets to your podcast’s live show!
Need some inspiration? Spark your creative genius by checking out some of the best podcasts on YouTube.
Hosted by comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, this podcast features interviews with actors, comedians, scientists, and political figures.
The H3 Podcast features interviews with guests from various fields, as well as comedic sketches, commentary on current events, and more. It’s hosted by Ethan and Hila Klein.
This is a podcast featuring candid discussions on various topics, from current events to pop culture. Comedian Andrew Schulz and radio personality Charlamagne Tha God are co-hosts.
Hosted by Rhett and Link, Ear Biscuits is about the co-hosts personal lives, careers, and various topics.
Drink Champs is an interview-style show with prominent figures from the hip-hop industry. Hosted by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, the podcast is known for its laid-back and unfiltered approach to interviews.
This radio show by Robert Kiyosaki, author of the bestselling book "Rich Dad Poor Dad,” has been adapted for YouTube. It explains how to build wealth by sharing expert advice around finance, investing, and entrepreneurship.
Do you have more questions about starting a YouTube podcast? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
Yes! This is an excellent way to expand your audience outside of Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the platform you’re using. That’s because YouTube has a discovery algorithm. Unlike many platforms, it will push your episodes to like-minded viewers.
Plus, it's easier to monetize a YouTube podcast due to all of the money-making tools.
Unfortunately, you can’t use audio files to create a podcast. Here’s what YouTube says about the topic on its support page:
“On YouTube, each podcast episode is represented by a video. MP3s can’t be turned into podcasts on YouTube. To create a podcast, upload or add videos to your podcast’s playlist.”
Bottom line, your podcast should be a video file. It will look like the traditional YouTube video with both audio and visual components.
On YouTube, you can turn a podcast video into an audio episode. The same support article states that:
“Podcast videos are available for audio-only playback. To turn off audio-only playback for a video, you must remove it from all podcasts within your video settings.”
We hope this guide helps you start the most amazing, enthralling, can’t-miss-an-episode podcast! You have all the information you need to get started, from equipment to growth tips to money-making opportunities.
Lydia Sweatt is a writer, bookworm, and bass guitar enthusiast. When she goes outside, a bicycle goes with her.
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