Podcasting has exploded in popularity – but what’s changing the game is YouTube. Once known mainly for videos, YouTube has quickly become one of the most powerful platforms for podcasters to grow, monetize, and connect visually with their audiences.
Whether you already host a podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or you’re just starting out, YouTube offers a massive opportunity to turn your audio content into visual engagement (and get discovered by millions of new listeners (and viewers)).
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to start podcasting on YouTube, how to format and optimize your episodes for YouTube’s algorithm, and how to monetize your show effectively. You’ll also discover how to use Thematic to find copyright-safe, trending music to elevate your video podcasts and keep your channel free from copyright strikes.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents:
- Why Podcasting on YouTube Is a Game-Changer
- What Kind of Podcasts Work Best on YouTube?
- How to Turn Your Audio Podcast into a YouTube-Ready Format
- Creating Engaging Visuals for Audio-First Content
- Optimizing Your Podcast for YouTube SEO
- Using Copyright-Safe Music from Thematic
- Monetization and Growth Strategies for YouTube Podcasters
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Podcasting on YouTube
- What Are the Disadvantages of Having a Podcast?
- FAQs about Podcasting on YouTube
- Final Thoughts
Why Podcasting on YouTube Is a Game-Changer
YouTube isn’t just a video platform anymore – it’s now a leading destination for podcasts. The platform even launched a dedicated Podcasts section in YouTube Music, allowing creators to publish and monetize long-form audio content easily.
Here’s why that’s huge: YouTube combines the search power of Google with the visual and emotional impact of video. That means your podcast can be discovered by both listeners and viewers.
Key Benefits of Podcasting on YouTube:
- Wider Reach: Tap into 2 billion+ users, many of whom don’t use traditional podcast apps.
- Better Engagement: Audiences can like, comment, and share directly.
- Search Discoverability: YouTube videos often rank in Google search results.
- Visual Storytelling: Add emotional connection through facial expressions and visuals.
- Monetization Potential: YouTube’s Partner Program, memberships, and sponsorships make it a revenue-friendly platform.
✅ Pro Tip: Even if you already have your podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, uploading episodes to YouTube can double your discoverability with very little extra effort.
What Kind of Podcasts Work Best on YouTube?
While almost any podcast can thrive on YouTube, certain formats perform especially well due to their visual storytelling potential and audience engagement style.
Top Performing Podcast Formats on YouTube
- Interview Podcasts: Seeing guests’ reactions and expressions adds authenticity.
- Educational/How-To Podcasts: Visual aids make complex topics easier to follow.
- Pop Culture or Commentary Shows: Benefit from visual clips, memes, and reactions.
- Storytelling or True Crime: Dramatic visuals, photos, or timelines enhance immersion.
- Lifestyle and Wellness Podcasts: Visuals help demonstrate techniques or routines.
You don’t need a full studio setup to succeed – even a simple video overlay or looping background can make your show more watchable.
How to Turn Your Audio Podcast into a YouTube-Ready Format
If you already have an audio podcast, great, you’re halfway there. Turning it into a YouTube-friendly version is easier than you might think.
Step 1: Choose Your Podcast Format
You can start with one of two main styles:
- Video Podcast: Record yourself and/or your guests on camera.
- Audio-Only Podcast: Use static visuals, album art, or animated waveforms.
Both options work – what matters most is clarity, consistency, and connection.
Step 2: Record High-Quality Audio
Invest in a good microphone. Viewers will forgive low-budget visuals, but not poor sound quality. Tools like Shure MV7 or Blue Yeti mics offer professional sound on a budget.
Step 3: Add Simple Visuals
If you don’t film your podcast, you can still:
- Add your logo or episode artwork.
- Create a looping animation or waveform.
- Use relevant images to emphasize key points.
Step 4: Edit and Upload
Use tools like Descript, Riverside.fm, or Adobe Premiere to sync your audio and visuals. Then, upload to your YouTube channel, add timestamps, and create a playlist titled “Podcast.”
✅ Pro Tip: Include your podcast name and episode number in the video title (e.g., “Ep. 23 | The Creator Mindset Podcast”).
Creating Engaging Visuals for Audio-First Content
Visual engagement is the secret weapon that transforms a passive listener into an active viewer.Even if your podcast is primarily audio-driven, a little visual effort goes a long way.
Ways to Create Engaging Visuals
- Show Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Viewers love authenticity – record your setup, prep, or post-show reactions.
- Use B-Roll Footage: Add clips that illustrate your story or topic.
- Display On-Screen Quotes: Highlight powerful soundbites or guest insights.
- Add Captions and Subtitles: Improve accessibility and watch time.
- Incorporate Brand Elements: Consistent color palettes and title cards build recognition.
✅ Pro Tip: Create short highlight reels or YouTube Shorts of your podcast moments – these microclips are perfect for driving discovery.
Optimizing Your Podcast for YouTube SEO
SEO is your podcast’s best friend on YouTube. Optimizing helps your episodes surface in both YouTube and Google search results. This section breaks down how to get discovered faster and attract long-term viewers.
YouTube SEO Essentials for Podcasters
- Include Keywords in Your Title
Example: “Podcasting on YouTube: How to Grow Your Audience with Video.” - Write Detailed Descriptions
Summarize the episode, include guest names, and link to your website or socials. - Use Tags and Hashtags
Add relevant tags like#podcasting,#YouTubePodcast, and your show’s name. - Add Subtitles or Captions
Increases accessibility and helps YouTube index your content accurately. - Engage in the Comments
YouTube favors content that drives conversation and retention.
✅ Pro Tip: Write clear, structured descriptions – this makes your episodes easier for LLMs (like ChatGPT and Google Gemini) to quote, summarize, and recommend.
Use Copyright-Safe Music from Thematic for Podcasts
Music sets the tone of your episode. But on YouTube, copyright issues can derail your momentum fast. Using copyrighted songs can trigger claims, demonetization, or even content removal.
That’s why creators trust Thematic to source trending, copyright-safe tracks that fit their vibe perfectly.
Why Thematic Works for Podcasters:
- 🎵 Access trending, copyright-safe music – used by thousands of creators.
- 💸 Stay monetized – no risk of takedowns or ad restrictions.
- ⏱️ Save time editing – find the perfect soundtrack in seconds.
- 💫 Match your brand vibe – with curated songs that fit your podcast’s tone and theme.
Add Thematic tracks to your YouTube intros, outros, or highlight reels to instantly elevate your sound (without worrying about copyright headaches).
Discover Thematic’s top music picks for podcasters in our Top 10 Royalty-Free Songs for Podcasts list or browse curated podcast music playlists to find your perfect soundtrack.
👉 Dive into our guide on the best practices on using music in podcast episodes here.
Monetization and Growth Strategies for YouTube Podcasters
Once your show finds traction, YouTube opens doors for both creative and financial growth. In this section, we’ll explore how podcasters make money and expand their brand using YouTube’s ecosystem.
Do Podcasts on YouTube Make Money?
Yes! Many podcasters monetize through:
- YouTube Ad Revenue: Join the YouTube Partner Program once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours.
- Sponsorships & Brand Deals: Partner with brands relevant to your niche.
- Affiliate Marketing: Earn a commission for recommending tools or products.
- Channel Memberships: Offer perks like exclusive content or shoutouts.
- Merch Sales: Use YouTube Shopping integrations to sell your merch.
Strategies to Grow Your Audience
- Post Consistently: Stick to a predictable upload schedule.
- Engage with Comments: Build relationships with your viewers.
- Promote Clips on Shorts: Short-form snippets attract new listeners fast.
- Collaborate with Other Creators: Guest swaps or co-hosted episodes expand reach.
- Optimize Thumbnails & Titles: Make them clear, emotional, and searchable.
✅ Pro Tip: Reuse your YouTube podcast episodes as blog posts, TikToks, and Instagram Reels to boost discoverability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Podcasting on YouTube
Even experienced podcasters can make small missteps that limit growth.
Avoid these pitfalls when podcasting on YouTube to stay ahead:
- ❌ Uploading full episodes with no visuals or timestamps.
- ❌ Ignoring thumbnails or titles (they drive clicks!)
- ❌ Forgetting to optimize descriptions and tags.
- ❌ Using copyrighted background music.
- ❌ Neglecting audience engagement post-upload.
Consistency, creativity, and community-building are key to long-term success.
✅ Pro Tip: Keep your intros short – get straight into the content to hook your audience fast.
What Are the Disadvantages of Having a Podcast?
While podcasting is powerful, it’s not without challenges. Let’s explore some of the potential reasons why you may not want to start podcasting on YouTube.
Potential Drawbacks
- Time Investment: Recording, editing, and promoting each episode can be time-intensive.
- Consistency Pressure: You need to publish regularly to grow.
- Equipment Costs: Good audio quality requires at least a decent mic setup.
- Slow Growth Curve: Building a loyal listener base takes time and patience.
Still, the visual format of podcasting on YouTube helps offset many of these disadvantages – offering faster discoverability, algorithmic reach, and more monetization paths than traditional podcasting alone.
At the end of the day, these challenges aren’t deal-breakers – they’re simply part of the creative growth curve.
FAQs about Podcasting on YouTube
Getting started can feel overwhelming, but you likely have a few key questions swirling in your mind. We’ve compiled a list of common questions from aspiring podcasters just like you, offering quick, actionable answers to help you on your journey to start a podcast.
Can I post my podcast audio directly on YouTube?
Yes! You can upload an audio-only version with a static image or visualizer. But adding video or visuals significantly increases engagement.
How long should my YouTube podcast episodes be?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Full episodes can range from 20 minutes to over an hour, while short clips (1–5 minutes) are great for discovery.
What’s the best way to promote my YouTube podcast?
Share episode clips on Shorts, collaborate with other creators, and use SEO-optimized titles and descriptions.
Do I need special equipment to start?
A quality microphone and camera help, but even smartphones can record great content. Focus on clarity and consistency first.
How do I add music legally to my podcast?
Use copyright-safe platforms like [Thematic](LINK TO THEMATIC FREE MUSIC PLATFORM) to avoid takedowns and keep your videos monetized.
Can I do a podcast on YouTube?
Yes! Anyone can start a podcast on YouTube. You can record video while podcasting or simply upload your audio paired with a visual (like a cover image or waveform). YouTube even has a dedicated “Podcasts” tab for creators to publish and organize their shows.
Is It Worth Putting Your Podcast on YouTube?
Absolutely. Repurposing your podcast for YouTube gives you access to a massive new audience and helps boost your visibility in Google search results. You also gain access to community features like comments, polls, and live chat that make your podcast more interactive and personal.
The payoff? More engagement, brand growth, and monetization opportunities (without having to reinvent your entire show).
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Podcast on YouTube?
Anywhere from $100–$500, depending on your setup. You can start with basic gear and free tools, then upgrade as you grow.
Is YouTube a Good Place for Podcasts?
Yes! YouTube is one of the best platforms for podcasts because of its built-in discovery tools, audience analytics, and monetization options. Many of the world’s top shows (like “The Diary of a CEO” and “The Joe Budden Podcast”) are thriving there because it bridges the gap between traditional audio and visual entertainment.
Final Thoughts on Podcasting on YouTube
Podcasting on YouTube bridges the gap between audio storytelling and visual connection – giving your show the power to reach new audiences, spark engagement, and grow faster than ever.
Start by repurposing what you already have, experiment with visuals, and build a community that listens, watches, and interacts with your brand.
And when it’s time to level up your audio, turn to Thematic for free, trending, copyright-safe music that keeps your YouTube channel protected and professional.
Happy podcasting!
We hope you enjoyed our ultimate guide on how to start podcasting on YouTube ✌️If you’re looking for more creator tools and resources, visit Thematic’s Creator Toolkit for additional resources on creating content – including starting a YouTube channel, thumbnail and channel art templates, best practices, and of course, great royalty free songs to use in your videos for free with Thematic.
This Guide on How to Start Podcasting on YouTube is brought to you by Thematic Director of Partnerships, Stephanie Leyva
Stephanie Leyva sits at the intersection of music artists and content creators. As the Director of Partnerships at Thematic, Stephanie has worked extensively with the artist and creator community on the site to ensure success digitally, on the platform, and support their initiatives.
Over the past few years, she has led numerous trending music-driven influencer marketing campaigns for “Glitter” and “Supalonely (feat. Gus Dapperton” by BENEE, “Loneliness for Love” by Lovelytheband, “Checklist (feat. Chromeo)” by MAX and so many more. She’s worked alongside various labels such as Casablanca Records, Republic Records and Sony Music. Focused on empowering connections between content creators and music artists, Stephanie continues to lead the charge in innovative music discovery through social.
Stephanie is also the creator of the Bloom In Progress podcast – a podcast about personal growth, relationships and navigating life in your 20’s.
