When you think of making big money on YouTube, podcasts probably don't come to mind — especially now that many creators are starting their own shows. 

 The format allows any and every niche to have its own space, and that's rare!

The hard part, however, is building up consistent views if you’re just starting out. After all, that’s the best way to 

 to monetize your podcast, and not just rely on advertising revenue?

Everything You Need to Know About Starting a YouTube Podcast

For example, have you noticed that some podcast hosts are reading advertisements aloud instead of sticking to YouTube's automated ones? Sometimes these ads come from small local businesses that aren't using Google ads to get noticed. They get more business by 

 to talk about their products and services, and these agreements are called brand deals (or sponsorships).

Before we get into roping in the sponsors and promotions, let's talk about how most podcasts increase their revenue and visibility right now. Vertical videos and clips are the best way to maximize your podcast's potential across all platforms. The downside, however, is that it can be tedious and complicated, especially for new creators.

 chooses the best moments from your podcasts with the help of viewer data and turns them into viral clips. No video editing required. And it's optimized for TikTok, Reels and Shorts. Try it out now!


So, how can you hop on the sponsorship wave? Keep reading to learn all about it, and earn a living from your YouTube podcast!

Understand the Basics: The Sponsor's Wishlist

, 62% of U.S. consumers listen to podcasts, and that number has risen over the last 8 years. But sponsors aren't looking to advertise to just anyone. They want to support podcasts that reach their customers and have thousands of engaged listeners. So, certain markers of success will give you the edge when it comes to landing sponsorships for your podcast. Here's what brands are looking for.

The specifics of who is listening to a podcast — age brackets, geographical locations, and overall interests — can help sponsors determine if your audience mirrors their target market.

How can I meet these requirements if I'm just starting out?

 And, we hear ya! But it's important to create a podcast you're passionate about and let the sponsors decide if 

 the right fit. After all, you can't change the basis of your show every week to try and land a deal from every brand. Stick to one niche and partner with companies in that industry.

Sponsors are on the lookout for channels with a healthy subscriber base and plenty of listeners/viewers. After all, they're investing in your reach and betting on your ability to amplify their message. So, more than anything, you'll want to choose a topic that:

Is popular (true crime, comedy, news, etc.)

It's easy to get swept up in listens and views, but engagement is more important than either of those metrics. Just think about it: If a brand is looking for sales (and not just exposure), it has to target communities that are 

 So, a podcast channel with a lively comment section, a flurry of likes, and thousands of shares will catch their attention!

 refers to how long viewers (or listeners) consume a video on average. And it's a big deal to podcast sponsors. If an episode is 60 minutes long, but an advertisement appears at the 20-minute mark, that means listeners have to consume 33% of the show to even realize a brand was mentioned. This means the show itself has to be engaging, especially if you want to land more brand deals.

Building a Media Kit: Your Track Record of Triumphs

On YouTube, your past successes are the best predictor of future triumphs. So, build a media kit that proves you can create value for sponsors!

How to Make a Stunning Influencer Media Kit for Brand Deals

A media kit is simply a document that details everything we mentioned above: the audience demographics of your podcast and important details about your listenership.

Begin with smaller, local businesses or brands that resonate with your content's theme. These initial partnerships are stepping stones, providing you with the experience and credibility to attract larger, more lucrative sponsorships. Document each collaboration's success, highlighting how you've met or exceeded the sponsor's expectations. This portfolio becomes your testament to future sponsors, showcasing your ability to deliver results and drive engagement.

Your media kit should be a polished, comprehensive document that captures the essence of your channel. It's not just about flaunting your subscriber count or channel views; it's about telling the story of who you are as a creator, the journey of your channel, and the community you've built. It should detail your audience demographics, engagement rates, and any past sponsorships or collaborations.

Sponsors will scrutinize any partnership they're getting into, so be upfront with your pricing. Sponsors appreciate transparency and the ability to choose from different packages that suit their needs.

When you outline your sponsorship packages, clarity is key. You're not just selling ad space; you're offering a partnership that can include a range of options, from on-air shoutouts and product placements to dedicated sponsored episodes. Each package should be designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for customization based on the sponsor's needs and budget.

The search for sponsors is a proactive mission, and networking is crucial. Industry events, webinars, and even casual social gatherings can open doors to potential sponsorships. Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, are invaluable tools for connecting with brand managers and marketing executives.

Podcast directories also offer a treasure trove of potential sponsors, especially those actively seeking to invest in niche content that aligns with their brand.

11 Companies Matching YouTubers with Amazing Brand Deals

Pitching to Sponsors: The Art of the Deal

Personalize each pitch to reflect how your channel aligns with the sponsor's brand and goals. Articulate your value proposition with clarity, focusing on how sponsoring your podcast will benefit them. And remember, the follow-up is just as important as the initial pitch. It demonstrates your commitment and can often be the nudge a potential sponsor needs to make the decision.

Getting a Brand Deal on YouTube: 10 Terrible Mistakes to Avoid

If you decide to partner with a brand, the contract should outline all terms, deliverables, and payment details, ensuring both you and the sponsor are on the same page. It's not just about protection; it's about establishing a professional relationship built on mutual understanding and respect.

Never underestimate the power of a well-drafted legal document. It's the blueprint for a successful partnership!

By 2027, the podcast advertising market is projected to have $5.03 billion in revenue, with an estimated 616.5 million users.

 So, if you want to be a part of it, now is the time to hop on the bandwagon!

Remember, your podcast has the potential to be more than just a passion project; it can be a profitable enterprise that captivates sponsors. So, gear up, get out there, and start forging partnerships that will elevate your channel to new heights. 

And here are 8 podcasts that will take your channel there!

a podcast mic with the youtube logo sitting on a pile of money

Podcast microphone with YouTube logo surrounded by hundred-dollar bills on wooden table

Do you have a YouTube podcast? Are you ready to get monetized? This guide will teach you how to secure brand deals and sponsorships for your audio show!

How to Monetize a YouTube Podcast: Brand Deals and Sponsorships

Creators grow with two things: people who actually watch, and a system that surfaces honest metrics so new audiences can find you. Viewbotting (and the viewbots that drive it) break both. 

When fake views distort algorithms and ads, legitimate small creators lose visibility, partners stop trusting metrics, and platforms start tightening rules that can punish honest channels, too. So, let's talk about what viewbotting is, how viewbots typically behave, how to check for viewbot activity in your analytics, and most importantly, what you can do about it as a small creator.

How to Get More Views on YouTube: 12 Powerful Tips

Viewbotting is the practice of using automated systems (bots, scripts, headless browsers, or click farms) to artificially inflate view counts, concurrent viewers, likes, subscribers, or other engagement metrics. Platforms explicitly forbid this kind of fake engagement. For example, YouTube's fake engagement policy bans artificially inflating views, likes, comments, or other metrics, and can remove or terminate content and channels that violate it.

graphic representation of viewbots attacking your channel

The problem has escalated dramatically in 2025. Recent platform crackdowns reveal just how widespread the issue has become, with some 

streaming platforms confirming that one in six channels with moderate viewership are using viewbots.

YouTube has largely remained clean compared to other platforms, with the invalid traffic rate being roughly ten times lower. But that does not mean we are immune to viewbots.

You don’t need a technical deep dive to understand the typical mechanics of viewbots. Most viewbots or viewbot services:

Generate automated HTTP requests or run headless browser sessions to “play” videos or join live streams.

Use networks of throwaway accounts, proxies, or bot farms to mask the origin and try to appear like different users.

Target metrics platforms use, such as initial views, concurrent viewers, likes, or superficial comments, to fool algorithms that reward early momentum.

Platforms keep improving detection (fingerprinting, rate-pattern analysis, account behavior signals). YouTube's AI-driven systems now analyze unnatural patterns automatically, while machine learning algorithms evaluate IP addresses, account creation patterns, and behavioral similarities to identify bot networks.

 activity, don't rely on one metric. Look for patterns across analytics and community signals. Below are practical red flags; the more of these you see, the more likely something dishonest is happening.

 — Huge one-off jumps in concurrent viewers or views without a raid, host, social post, or viral clip. A genuine spike usually has an external source you can point to. If your video jumps from almost no views to thousands overnight with no clear catalyst, that's a major warning sign.

 — Lots of views but very little watch time, few likes, and almost no meaningful comments. Real audiences leave traces; bot audiences vanish without engagement.

 — High viewer counts with low, or zero chat activity are suspicious for live streams. Authentic viewers interact, ask questions, and respond to prompts.

Generic or repeated usernames in chat/comments

 — Similar handles, repeated phrases, or bot-like messages. Watch for patterns like sequential numbers or nonsensical character combinations.

 — Views that start and end in a few seconds; real viewers usually stay longer. Check your audience retention graphs for unnatural drop-off patterns.

 — A sudden flood of views from strange countries inconsistent with your usual audience. Check YouTube Analytics or your platform's analytics dashboard for unusual traffic sources.

 — Lots of "direct" or "unknown" traffic, or views attributed to odd referral sources that don't align with your content distribution strategy.

Subscriber jumps without correlated watch time

 — Subscriber count climbs, but watch time doesn't; that's a clue bot subscribing without actually consuming content.

Multiple accounts with overlapping patterns

 — Accounts that follow the same playlist sequence or join streams at identical intervals, suggesting coordinated automated behavior.

 — If bot-detection or analytics tools show abnormal bot scores, take it seriously. There are commercial bot-detection products and public trackers that can help identify suspicious patterns.

If you see any of these issues on your end, make sure that you take the necessary actions. Set up additional measures, ban, and block suspicious activities. Use third-party tools to detect them if need be and educate your community in the event.

Platforms are aware and actively improving detection. YouTube's public policy against fake engagement is firm—channels and videos can be removed for attempts to artificially boost metrics.

Although modern bot protection uses adaptive machine learning that updates detection systems regularly, the botters will always stay up to pace and find new and more nefarious ways. If you suspect you're being targeted: collect evidence, report it, and lean on official channels. 

Your metrics tell your story. Make sure they're telling the truth. Do not be tempted to use these bots and indulge in other 

Visual representation of viewbots on YouTube

Viewbots are destroying fair discovery for creators. Learn how to detect viewbot activity, report fraud, and defend your metrics.

Are Viewbots Ruining Fair Discovery on YouTube?

Suggested videos drive the majority of views. vidIQ helps you appear alongside related content.

 has one primary goal: to get their videos recommended to more people. They want YouTube to (finally) notice their content, identify the subject matter, and suggest it to thousands of like-minded viewers.

Your best plan of action, especially as a small creator, is to understand how YouTube recommends videos. You'll want to figure out why the algorithm promotes some content and, well...basically ignores others.

In truth, it's not that the algorithm doesn't favor you or is biased against your channel. 

YouTube doesn't hate small creators. It just doesn't know whom to recommend you to yet. 

In this blog, we'll learn how to fix that.

YouTube Recommendations Are Based on Viewer Behavior

Here's the first mindshift you need to make:

Every single video you upload is treated as a new test. 

YouTube doesn't care if you have 5 subscribers or 5 million. What it cares about is whether people are clicking on your video, sticking around to watch it, and coming back for more.

So even if your last 10 videos flopped, the next one still gets a shot. That's actually good news for small creators. But to pass the test, you've got to send YouTube the right signals about your content and your audience.

Graph showing typical video performance on YouTube

When someone watches your video and has a positive experience, YouTube starts looking for other people with similar viewing patterns and interests. The more positive signals you generate, the wider your reach becomes. This is why you'll sometimes see a small channel with 100 subscribers get a video that hits 50,000 views seemingly overnight.

YouTube’s 3-Tiered Recommendation System

Think of YouTube’s recommendation process like leveling up in a game. Every video is tested in a sequence of audiences:

Your subscribers and repeat viewers. This is your home base. If they enjoy the video, it moves to the next stage.

People in your niche who watch similar videos—maybe they follow your competitors or recently searched for the topic.

Complete strangers. If your video performs well in the first two groups, it “graduates” here and has a shot at virality.

The beauty of this system is that it rewards creators who truly serve their audience, not just those who game the algorithm. When you consistently deliver value to your core viewers, YouTube becomes more confident in recommending you to similar people.

Small creators often treat their channel like a digital diary. One day it's gaming, the next it's cooking, then it's a vlog with your dog. Creative freedom is great, but to the algorithm, it's pretty confusing.

Spoiler: If you make content for everyone, YouTube won't know who to recommend you to.

Think about it from YouTube's perspective. The platform serves billions of hours of content every day. Its job is to keep people watching by showing them exactly what they want to see. When your channel jumps between wildly different topics, YouTube can't build a 

clear picture of who your ideal viewer is.

This doesn't mean you can never evolve or try new things, but especially in your first 50-100 videos, consistency is your best friend.

Keep your thumbnails and titles visually consistent

Develop a recognizable content format or style

You're not just building videos. You're building a brand that YouTube can confidently recommend to the right people.

The biggest point of affirmation for the algorithm to determine whether your videos can be recommended or not is watch time. And the best way to do that is to improve the 

If someone watches your video and then watches another video (yours or someone else's), YouTube rewards you. If your video ends their session (they close the app or tab), that's a negative signal to YouTube recommendations. That's called 

5 Ways to Increase YouTube Watch Time on Any Video

Session time is arguably more important than individual video performance because it shows YouTube that your content fits into the broader viewing experience people want. 

When viewers stay on the platform after watching your video, you're contributing to YouTube's core business model. Here's how you can improve your session time:

Reference your other videos inside your current one

Use verbal handoffs: "Next, watch this…"

Create content series that naturally lead into each other

Use the "Hook – Hold – Handoff" Framework

This framework is used by some of the fastest-growing creators on YouTube. It's how you keep people watching—and signal to YouTube that your content is binge-worthy.

Grab attention in the first 5–10 seconds.

 "I cooked gourmet food for the most dangerous animals on Earth..."

The hook isn't just about being loud or shocking. It's about immediately communicating the value and intrigue of your video. Your hook should make viewers think: "I need to see how this plays out."

Progressive revelations, bigger stakes, deeper insights—whatever your video promises, you need to deliver it in a way that builds momentum rather than plateaus.

This is where pacing becomes crucial. Plan your content like a story with rising action. Each segment should feel more valuable or interesting than the last.

 "If you liked this one, just wait till you see what I did next…"

The result? Binge behavior. And binge behavior is the algorithm's rocket fuel.

A lot of small creators kill their videos with bad titles that are vague, boring, and generic. 

Your title is competing with hundreds of other videos for attention. Generic titles get ignored because they don't create any emotional investment. Specific titles with clear benefits cut through the noise.

Consider the psychology of your viewer when they're scrolling. They're asking themselves: "Is this worth my time?" Your title needs to answer that question with a clear "yes" and a compelling reason why.

In case of thumbnails, make sure to focus on clarity. If your thumbnails look like a chaotic Canva explosion... It's time to clean up. 

Expression that matches the video's emotion

You get 2 seconds on the homepage. Make them count. Your thumbnail needs to generate curiosity and be readable at the size of a postage stamp. If you can't tell what your thumbnail is about when it's tiny, neither can your potential viewers.

How To Create Scroll-Stopping YouTube Thumbnails Faster with AI

Here's a fatal mistake a lot of creators make: You have an awesome title and a killer thumbnail… but your video intro is a snooze fest.

"Hey guys, welcome back to the channel! So glad you're here…"

…you've already lost half your audience. Instead, do this:

Reinforce the promise of the video immediately

If the title is "How YouTube Deleted My Channel," say it right away in the video: "Three days ago, YouTube deleted my channel, and here's exactly what happened…"

The first 15 seconds of your video are crucial for YouTube recommendations. This is where the algorithm decides whether your content is engaging enough to show to more people. A slow start signals that viewers might click away, which hurts your recommendation potential.

This one's sneaky. YouTube transcribes your entire video. Every word.

So, if your video is about YouTube recommendations but you never actually say "YouTube recommendations," the algorithm may not be confident in what your video is about.

Say your main keyword early and naturally

 ("YouTube algorithm," "getting recommended," etc.)

YouTube's automatic captions and transcription feed directly into their understanding of your content. This semantic understanding helps the algorithm match your video with relevant searches and recommend it alongside similar content.

Don't stuff keywords awkwardly, but make sure you're naturally using the language your audience uses when searching for your type of content.

YouTube favors videos that are relevant right now. This is called 

. Your chances of getting recommended skyrocket if you time your video with:

A phone showing the youtube logo next to the youtube homepage on a desktop computer

How does the YouTube algorithm work — specifically, the recommendation engine that promotes videos to billions of viewers? Keep reading to find out and grow your channel!

YouTube's 'Suggested Videos' Algorithm: How to Crack It

vidIQ's SEO and competitor analysis help YouTube suggest your content to new viewers.

YouTube offers the deepest monetization. vidIQ helps you grow the audience and optimize the content to earn more from every video.

In the video content sphere, the two unquestionable behemoths are YouTube and Instagram. Both offer real potential in terms of discoverability and growth, but today, we are going to talk about money.

In the video above, Dan breaks it all down for you to watch. From his breakdown, we can see that it's ultimately about the goal of the creator and what they want to achieve. 

This entire idea hinges on two simple ideas:

 – How deeply your audience connects with your content.

 – How quickly your content spreads and generates reactions.

YouTube gives you more paths to earn and more control over those paths. The key is retention and consistency.

YouTube logo on phone with currency in background

 This is the foundation. You earn based on watch time, not just views. Longer content equals more ad space, which equals more money. A 15-minute video can run multiple ad breaks, generating significantly more revenue than a 30-second clip.

 Fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive content, emojis, and perks. This creates predictable recurring revenue that grows with your subscriber base.

These are usually integrated naturally within the story of your video, not just slapped on. Audiences trust authentic recommendations, making these partnerships more valuable for brands.

 You can build external revenue streams off the attention you earn on YouTube. Many successful creators make more from their own products than from ad revenue.

 Live streaming features that let viewers pay to highlight their messages or show appreciation directly.

YouTube rewards creators who build a library of content. Your older videos still earn money. Viewers stick around, trust grows. And as your audience deepens, your monetization stacks.

A video you published two years ago can still generate revenue today. This evergreen potential means your earning capacity compounds over time. Compare this to Instagram, where posts quickly disappear from feeds and rarely generate long-term income.

 prioritizes watch time and session duration. This means the platform actively promotes content that keeps people engaged longer. When you create valuable, engaging content, YouTube becomes your distribution partner, not your obstacle.

The search functionality also works in your favor. People discover your content through search queries, making it easier to build an audience organically without relying solely on trends or hashtags.

Instagram: Monetization Powered by Velocity

Instagram is a speed game. The best monetization happens when you're riding a wave: viral Reels, trending audio, or a visual aesthetic that brands want to align with.

Instagram logo on phone with currency in background

 These are the bread and butter for many creators. Brands pay for product features in your photos or videos. Payment varies wildly based on follower count, engagement rate, and niche.

 Short-form videos with direct links can drive impulse purchases and fast conversions. The key is catching viewers in the moment of inspiration.

 Time-sensitive offers or brand shoutouts happen here, ideal for flash sales and promotions. Stories disappear after 24 hours, creating urgency.

 Direct integration with e-commerce platforms lets followers purchase products without leaving the app.

 Many early brand partnerships start with free products or co-created campaigns. While not direct payment, these relationships often lead to paid partnerships.

It's the dopamine hit. Quick validation. Fast numbers. Immediate sales. But that comes at a cost: low retention. Yesterday's viral Reel is tomorrow's scroll past.

Instagram excels at impulse purchases and visual inspiration. If you're selling lifestyle products, fashion, or anything visually appealing, Instagram's format naturally showcases your offerings.

The platform's algorithm changes frequently, and organic reach continues to decline. Many creators report needing to post multiple times daily just to maintain visibility. This creates a content treadmill that can be exhausting and unsustainable.

Additionally, Instagram's monetization heavily depends on brand partnerships. If brands cut their influencer budgets, creators have fewer alternatives compared to YouTube's diverse revenue streams.

Creator Strategy Breakdown: Three Approaches

Understanding which approach fits your goals can help focus your strategy. Below are three types of creators with different goals in content creation. Let's find out which platform suits whom.

This creator publishes 10 to 20-minute videos regularly, builds relationships rather than just reach, and stacks revenue from multiple streams. The focus is on watch time and loyalty.

Woman shooting content on high end camera

 Slow start, steady growth, high long-term potential.

 Educators, entertainers, reviewers, and anyone with expertise to share.

 Expect 6-12 months before significant income, but earnings can grow substantially over the years.

This creator focuses on trendy, visually appealing content, tracks analytics like reach, saves, and story taps, then pitches those numbers to brands.

 Faster initial returns, more volatile long-term income.

 Fashion, beauty, fitness, lifestyle, and visually-driven niches.

 Can monetize within weeks if content gains traction, but income fluctuates with trends.

This approach cross-promotes between platforms, uses Instagram for reach and YouTube for depth, and funnels short-form viewers into long-form subscribers.

Woman filming content with both phone and camera

 Combines the speed of Instagram with the stability of YouTube.

 Creators with time and resources to maintain multiple platforms.

 Requires significant time investment but offers the highest earning potential.

This hybrid model is powerful but demanding. It requires a clear strategy, strong branding, and substantial content output.

YouTube vs Instagram: Monetization Breakdown

, you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. However, you can start earning through affiliate links and sponsorships immediately.

 No official threshold for monetization, but most brands look for at least 1,000 followers for micro-influencer partnerships. Larger deals typically require 10,000+ followers.

 AdSense pays $1-5 per 1,000 views, depending on your niche and audience location. Add sponsorships ($1,000-10,000+ per 100,000 views), and successful creators can earn $2-15 per 1,000 views.

 Sponsored posts typically pay $10-100 per 1,000 followers for micro-influencers. Macro-influencers (100,000+ followers) can earn $500-5,000+ per post.

 More predictable due to diverse revenue streams and evergreen content.

 Less predictable, heavily dependent on trends, algorithm changes, and brand budgets.

Who pays creators more: YouTube or Instagram? Learn how each platform monetizes, what creators earn, and which one fits your long-term goals.

YouTube vs Instagram: Who Pays Creators More?

vidIQ helps you optimize your content for the revenue streams that pay the most: ads, memberships, and audience growth.

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

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