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).

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

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

If you use an ad blocker on your browser and have tried to watch a YouTube video recently, you may have seen a prompt like this pop up:

“Ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service."

“It looks like you may be using an ad blocker. Video playback is blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled."

“Ads allow YouTube to be used by billions worldwide at no charge."

“You can go ad-free with YouTube Premium, and creators still get paid from your subscriptions."

YouTube's stance against ad blockers has been a topic of heated discussion among creators and viewers alike. While ad blockers may seem like a convenient way to skip through commercials, their impact on the YouTube ecosystem is far-reaching.

Let's delve into some critical questions to understand why YouTube is cracking down on ad blockers and what it means for everyone involved.

Why Is YouTube Taking a Stand Against AdBlock?

, ads have contributed the lion’s share of revenue for most creators. And, YouTube has consistently earned lots of ad revenue in comparison to other platforms. So, it’s necessary to keep the advertisers happy and returning to the platform year after year, and adblockers stand in total opposition to this.

YouTube reported a significant fall of 2.6% year over year

 as advertisers pulled back from the platform due to economic uncertainty. YouTube raked in $6.69 billion in advertising revenue in early 2023 compared to $6.87 billion during the same period last year. So, it makes sense for YouTube to become proactive now!

How Does This Affect Your YouTube Channel?

Even if you aren't monetized, YouTube's new approach to ad blockers could affect your channel. The first two sentences of the error message (above), emphasize that YouTube is responding to ad blockers by 

A monetized creator will feel the sting of this, but not as sharply as someone who isn't monetized yet. New creators need every video view and every ounce of watch time to 

 for the YouTube Partner Program and get monetized. It's hard to do that when your videos aren't being shown to some viewers!

YouTube shares ad revenue with creators, offering them healthy pay for their efforts. Ad blockers cut into this shared income, affecting the platform's financial health. 

So, the revenue generated from ads helps YouTube invest in new features and improve user experience.

Plus, these benefits are also at stake if ad revenue disappears:

 To continue producing high-quality content, creators need financial support. Ads provide that cushion.

By watching ads, viewers help to compensate creators for their effort and time.

YouTube has been working on making ads more relevant and less intrusive, which could improve the overall viewing experience.

Ad revenue creates long-term sustainability for the platform.

With reduced revenue, YouTube might find it challenging to support creators, which could lead to a decline in content quality.

Just Got Monetized on YouTube? 4 Tips to Boost Your AdSense Revenue

How to Increase Views, Revenue, and Watch Time Despite Ad Blocking

Now that you know how ad blockers affect your channel, is there anything you can do to keep your metrics high? Absolutely!

 how ad blockers hinder you from creating the content they love. In the same way that you ask for likes and comments, ask your viewers to disable their ad blockers. Emphasize that you love your community and you want to be there for them always. If they can't watch your videos due to ad blockers, it's almost impossible to build that relationship.

, a service that allows for ad-free viewing. 

 YouTube made it clear that using ad blockers is a no-go according to their Terms of Service. However, YouTube will warn viewers of that fact and ask them to disable any ad blockers. If the requests are ignored, that's when playback may be disabled.

The crackdown on ad blockers is not just a move to protect the platform's revenue but also an effort to sustain the community of creators who rely on that revenue. 

So, the next time you think about using an ad blocker, consider the bigger picture and how it impacts other creators.

And if you're not monetized yet, don't make these three mistakes with your channel!

YouTube revenue isn't the only thing in jeopardy when viewers use ad blockers; they also affect channel views and watch time. Here's why!

Can Ad Blockers Tank Your YouTube Views and Watch Time?

As a content creator, it's wise to approach long-form videos and YouTube Shorts differently — especially if the goal is to get more views. After all, viewers don't engage with these content types in the same manner. According to 

, Shorts are discovered, watched, and enjoyed at a different pace.

The biggest difference of all? Things like titles, thumbnails, and hashtags are crucial for longs but not as dire for Shorts. The Shorts player serves up videos in a never-ending carousel and doesn't ask you to choose anything based on "decorative" elements.

 write good titles for your Shorts? Quite the opposite! There are plenty of reasons to optimize them, even when viewers are scrolling at lightning speed.

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, look at the layout of the YouTube Shorts player. You'll notice a few things in the following order:

Admittedly, the title of the Short appears near the bottom. You might think, 

, but YouTube is drawing attention to this area with 

With related links, a viewer can now watch your Short, spot a link at the bottom, click on it, and view additional content on your channel. That could be a live stream, long-form video, or even another Short! And, by the way, those links are 

 YouTube pulls them from the title of the related video.

An even better title for the related video

For that reason alone, it makes sense to craft the best video titles for your Shorts!

Remember how we said Shorts are showing up in YouTube searches? This means shorter videos can also be viewed as regular YouTube content, complete with advertisements and a comment section. 

That's right! Your title serves a dual purpose on YouTube. It gives context to related links in the Shorts player 

 helps your content rank higher on search pages — especially when using relevant keywords.

Crafting the Best Title for YouTube Shorts

So, how do you write a title that does justice to your Short? Here are some actionable tips:

Your title should give viewers a snapshot of what to expect. Misleading titles might get you clicks, but they won't win you fans.

Make your audience wonder what's in the video. Pose a question, or use intriguing adjectives. The goal is to make them stop scrolling and start watching.

Analyzing Popular YouTube Shorts: What Makes Them Go Viral?

Yes, we're talking about SEO (search engine optimization) for Shorts. Incorporate keywords that are both relevant to your content and what your audience is likely searching for. But remember, while keywords are important, they're not the end-all-be-all.

You have 40 characters to work with before YouTube truncates the rest of your title (when viewing Shorts in the app). So, be mindful of character limits. You want to make an impact, and that starts with a completely visible title.

While you might be tempted to stuff your title with hashtags and trending keywords, know this — 

Its primary focus is on how well your Short engages and satisfies the viewer. So, while a compelling title can boost your visibility, it's the content that ultimately reigns supreme. No amount of clever metadata, be it hashtags or titles, can make a Short more enjoyable or impactful.

Crafting the best title for YouTube Shorts isn't just about slapping a few catchy words together; it's a deliberate skill, and when done right, can boost your video's success. 

So, aspiring YouTubers, take this knowledge and run with it. 

Your next viral Short could be one, well-crafted title away!

phone showing a corner of the youtube shorts player

There was a time when YouTube Shorts titles didn't matter, but that's slowly changing. Here's why you need them, plus a few tips for writing the best Shorts titles!

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts

The landscape of YouTube is shifting, and while 

 (like animation, voiceovers, or screen-recorded tutorials) can surely find its niche, there's something unmistakably compelling about vlogging. It's raw, and it's personal. If you do a good job of it, the audience feels seen and heard and finds value in spending time with you!

While we’re the last people to deny the benefits of AI

 and similar tools that can help streamline the content creation process for faceless channels, it’s still early. And, for some of you, perhaps even harder than you think. Here are 5 reasons why.

While automation and AI are rapidly advancing, there's an irreplaceable value in human connection. Our brains are wired to recognize and respond to faces. When viewers see your expressions, your gestures, and your real-life reactions, they establish a stronger connection with you than they could with a collection of 

Man doing the peace sign with fingers while vlogging

This isn’t just sentiment — it’s science! Ever heard of 

? They’re the little wonders in our brains that make us yawn when someone else yawns. By showing your face, you're giving your audience's mirror neurons a reason to fire, allowing them to literally feel more connected to you.

So, from a psychological perspective, viewers feel more involved in your content. This helps you 

If you’re using music, images, and stock videos from third-party platforms on the internet, then copyright strikes are a very real concern that you need to keep in mind. You may take a thousand precautions, but it can still be hard to save your channel from Content ID claims.

By definition, this problem is significantly more likely to happen to faceless channels. And if you’re not careful enough, it may result in the termination of your channel.

On the other hand, if you’re a blog channel, you can shoot your own b-rolls, and have more control over what you want to show and how you want to show it.

Copyright Claims vs. Copyright Strikes: Here's the Difference

3. You Can Easily Reinvent or Explore New Content

Faceless content can, at times, trap you in a specific genre or style. Vlogging, however, is as varied as the human experience.

One day you might be documenting a solo hike, and the next, you're diving into a DIY project or sharing a candid chat about mental health. Vlogging doesn’t box you in — it invites variety. It's like being given a blank canvas every time, allowing your content to be as multifaceted as you are.

Wait a second! Isn’t vlogging supposed to be complex with all the camera setups, and aren't faceless channels supposed to be automated?

Well, yes and no. When you vlog, you remove several layers of abstraction. You get to be the primary focus, and the world around you is your backdrop. With the rise of smartphones with impeccable camera quality, vlogging can be as simple as 'point, shoot, and share'. Plus, let’s be honest: Setting up a tripod and chatting feels way more organic and less staged.

On the other hand, automated content may look easy on paper, but it isn’t always correct. Since a lot of AI tools are still new, they cannot do the job alone. So, almost every instance of AI usage on your videos requires you to add finishing touches. This might result in you having to expand your skillset significantly or having to spend more on professional services.

Brands love faces. With vlogs, you become a recognizable personality, not just a channel. This opens doors to brand endorsements, collaborations, and other monetization opportunities that rely on personal influence.

Also, viewers are more likely to trust a product or service recommended by someone they ‘know’. By transitioning to vlogging, you’re essentially humanizing your brand, making endorsements and promotions feel more like friendly recommendations (instead of advertising).

The shift to vlogging is more than just a change in content format; it's a commitment to authenticity, growth, and building profound connections. 

And it seems like YouTube wants creators to prioritize that mindset.

So, why not give it a shot? Your future self, with a treasure trove of memories, stronger brand partnerships, and an engaged community of viewers, will thank you. Remember, on YouTube and in life, sometimes the best way to move forward is to step out from behind the curtain and let the world see you shine.

So, here's how to build the right mindset for YouTube success!

Explore why vlogging on YouTube trumps faceless content in human connection, personal growth, and branding potential and why you should make the switch!

5 Reasons to Start Vlogging on YouTube (and Quit Faceless Content)

We know that viewers have always flocked to gaming content on YouTube, be it for the community, the entertainment, or to simply get better themselves. In fact, there are over 

1,000 gaming channels on YouTube with over a million subscribers

, and that's only going to increase. Why? Because it's exciting when new games are released, and most live streams on YouTube are actually gaming content!

This might lead you to believe that gaming is an oversaturated niche with no opportunity to stand out. But, in our experience, that is not true at all. So, here are 15 gaming creators from the vidIQ community who’ve nailed it in the last 30 days. Let's celebrate them!

The 37 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

is an FPS gamer (first-person shooter) who mainly plays 

 uploads videos about different mobile games.

 also plays FPS games, the primary choice being 

 makes funny gaming edits through YouTube Shorts.

 makes well-edited videos playing different games across genres.

 makes YouTube Shorts playing mobile games.

 is a MOBA player (multiplayer online battle arena) posting gameplay videos.

 video creator who plays other games too.

Saluting gaming's newest YouTube stars! This list showcases 10 creators from the vidIQ community who defied the 'saturated niche' myth to grow their channels!

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [August]

If you’re a small creator on YouTube and have been at it for a while now, you probably know that content creation is harder than it looks! So, before the frustration takes over, we want to share some quick fixes to make 

 YouTube channel better — no matter the niche or audience!

Here are 10 often-overlooked improvements for the budding creator:

One of the most underrated ways to take your content to next level is by improving them aesthetically. Getting solid knowledge of frame rates and using the proper frames for your videos can help you over the longterm!

Most creators start with the default 30fps (frames per second), but switching to 24fps can give your videos a cinematic feel. Conversely, if you're creating sports or gaming content, bumping it up to 60fps can create a smoother, crisper visual experience. The key is knowing which rate suits your content best.

Ever tried watching a video with terrible audio? It's a challenge. Invest in a good microphone, and don’t forget about post-production. Tools like Audacity or Adobe Audition can help you clean up and balance audio, ensuring viewers aren’t constantly adjusting their volume.

Community is a major facet for many channels, irrespective of their size. For years, the YouTube Community tab has helped creators stay in touch with their audience, especially if they do not publish videos regularly.

Stay in touch with viewers by hosting challenges or projects where your subscribers can participate. Whether it's a photo challenge, a short story contest, or DIY craft submissions, you'll give viewers a sense of belonging by  building a real community.

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

Yeah, yeah — you’ve heard it a million times before, but if there’s anything on YouTube that you can 

 stop improving, it's titles and thumbnails.

Think of thumbnails as the book covers of YouTube. A custom thumbnail that is vibrant and attractive usually tells a story of its own, or at least poses a question. Use tools like Canva or Photoshop to add some flair without making them too cluttered.

Your video’s title informs the viewer why they should watch it, so it needs to be compelling too. By using words that stir up the right emotions, you can increase the chance of your video getting clicked on, watched, and liked.

Watch this video to learn more!

Use cards and end screens effectively. Instead of just pushing viewers to any other video, guide them to content that complements what they've just watched. This increases the likelihood they'll stay on your channel longer.

The more specific you are with your choice of video, the more likely it is for a viewer to go on a binge session of your content, thereby increasing the likeliness that they'd subscribe!

Before hitting record, have a clear outline or storyboard. This ensures your content is cohesive and reduces editing time. It might seem tedious, but the clarity it brings to your production process is invaluable.

Storyboarding isn't something we're all familiar with, so here's a crash course on 

Every few months, try something completely out of your usual content style. It could be a silent vlog, a documentary-style piece, or even a fictional narrative. Experimenting with different ideas not only keeps your audience intrigued, but also challenges you as a creator.

The trick is to make something that your audience cares about. No matter what format you choose, you can make content that your audience would like if you understand why they watch your videos.

While it's common to ask viewers to like and subscribe, personalize your CTAs. Share a fun fact, ask a question related to the video content, or engage them in a unique way before 

While most creators check views and subscriber counts, deep diving into watch time, audience retention, and playback location can offer insights into what's working on your channel (and what's not). This isn't just number crunching; it's about understanding viewer behavior.

Some data can tell you what your audience explicitly isn’t saying with words, and it’s important to have an understanding of that. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the link below!

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

In this age of content creation, having the right skills to do the job isn't enough—no, not for the longterm. As a creator, it helps when you're willing to learn more about YouTube and update your knowledge as needed to make better content.

The digital space is ever-evolving. Dedicate time each month to learn something new, whether it's a video editing technique, a storytelling method, or the latest in camera tech.

YouTube Is Challenging, But You Can Do it!

, and the competition is fierce. That's why standing out requires more than just creativity. It's about fine-tuning the technical aspects, understanding your audience, and constantly evolving. These tips are not exhaustive, but they're often overlooked in favor of more generic advice.

It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but don't stop learning and improving! Stay curious, keep experimenting, and remember why you started creating in the first place. And remember to 

It's time to improve your YouTube channel with actionable insights. Dive into the 10 the best strategies to enhance your video quality, viewer engagement, and YouTube views.

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

The best YouTube creators will often tell you that before they were producing videos, they were fiendishly consuming them. After all, there's no better way to learn the landscape and see which videos perform well.

However, you don't have to limit yourself to 

 being a viewer. Creating a YouTube channel is a wonderful way to share your thoughts, talents, and creativity with the world. Switching from the viewer mindset to that of a creator can feel overwhelming, and you'll have to make little tweaks in your perception. But, rest assured: You can do this!

We're here to help you navigate the transition, so let's dive in.

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

How many times have you watched a video, hit the like button, and thought, 

Well, you absolutely can, and like most transitions, it begins with shifting the way you look at things.

Many viewers box themselves into the role of a consumer, strictly. They enjoy the content but feel disconnected from the creation process. They think,

 I'm just a viewer. How could I ever create something people would want to watch?

It’s important to remember that these boxes — creator and viewer — are self-invented. The box doesn't define you, and the truth is that 

. You already have what it takes to make the switch! You just need to ask yourself the right questions.

What excites you? What do you enjoy watching? Is it important enough that you cannot help but make a video about it? Then it’s time to overcome the fear and let your ideas defend themselves.

Numbers are important on YouTube. It’s only after you reach 

of watch time that you are able to earn money from YouTube ads. This is basically YouTube telling us that reaching these numbers is a proof of our content quality!

As a new creator, seeing low numbers on your videos can be disheartening. And, if you’ve been an avid viewer yourself, you know exactly how important numbers are when it comes to choosing a video you want to watch. You’re  likely to watch videos with a high view count, thousands of likes, and also, ones that come from bigger channels.

While it’s easy to get lost in the numbers, know that most creators, no matter how big or small, started with the same number of subs — 

. And that might feel impossible to process, but it’s certainly true.

Instead of praying to reach magical numbers, use these strategies become a better creator:

Don’t expect viral success overnight. Focus on gradual growth and constant improvement

Even a small audience can offer valuable feedback. 

Reply to comments, ask for opinions, and create a community.

YouTube provides data on watch time, engagement, and more. Use these insights to refine your approach.

Stay true to what excites you. Authenticity shines through, and viewers will be drawn to your genuine enthusiasm.

YouTube Channel Analytics: The 6 Most Important Video Metrics

, you’ve seen creators make videos about virtually every topic under the sun. And, somewhere along the way, you’ve realized it’s possible for you to do the same thing.

Are you stuck in the role of a YouTube viewer, wondering how to become a creator? Here's how to ditch perfectionism and simply hit record!

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

How to Monetize a YouTube Podcast: Brand Deals and Sponsorships

Can Ad Blockers Tank Your YouTube Views and Watch Time?

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts

5 Reasons to Start Vlogging on YouTube (and Quit Faceless Content)

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [August]

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

5 AI Tools to Edit YouTube Videos Quickly

Creator Jordan Haber Goes Viral After 'Sneaking' into NBA Draft