Is YouTube Podcasting Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know

The buzz—and FOMO—around YouTube podcasting is real. With a massive user base and the power of Google’s search engine, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out by not putting your podcast on the platform. But is YouTube podcasting worth the extra effort?

That’s the question we tackled with Erika Vieira, a seasoned YouTube coach who’s helped countless podcasters navigate this transition. Erika brought her honest insights to help you decide if adding video is right for you and your audience.

Why YouTube Podcasting Has Gained Increasing Popularity for Podcast Hosts

The numbers speak for themselves: YouTube has around 2.7 billion active users, compared to Apple Podcasts’ nearly 500 million. “The visibility YouTube offers is unmatched,” Erika points out. “It accelerates that ‘know, like, and trust’ factor we aim for in audio, but with the added power of video and searchability.”

YouTube is not just another social media platform. Owned by Google, it’s the second-largest search engine, and this means your content can show up in both YouTube and Google searches. “If you’re already putting time and energy into a great podcast, why not take that extra step and get on YouTube? You’re opening yourself up to a much wider audience,” says Erika.

So, if the potential is so great, why aren’t all podcasters flocking to YouTube podcasting? 

How YouTube Can Increase Discoverability for Your Podcast

For many podcasters, the appeal of YouTube podcasting lies in its ability to attract new listeners organically. Unlike podcast directories, which rely heavily on users knowing what they’re looking for, YouTube’s algorithm can bring your content to people actively searching for related topics. “With YouTube, you have that organic reach built-in. You’re leveraging an algorithm that’s constantly working to connect users with content they’ll enjoy,” Erika shares. But transitioning from audio only to audio and video comes with its own set of challenges.

The Challenges of Transitioning From Audio to Video

For starters, the idea of being on camera when you’re used to working from home in your PJ’s with an unshaven face or a top-knot a la dry-shampoo is the last thing most podcasters want. (After all, that’s why we started our podcasts in the first place, right? Just me? Okay.)

“One of the biggest obstacles is the extra work video requires,” Erika explains. “Audio is far easier. With video, there’s a whole other level of prep and production involved, and if you want to succeed on YouTube, you need to be prepared for that level of commitment and quality.” 

So for those of us who started podcasts to avoid the camera (let’s be real — who wants to be camera-ready every day?), this can feel like a significant hurdle. Erika understands that hesitation. “When I had my first daughter, I stepped back from video for a while. It felt too overwhelming at the time,” she shares. “Eventually, though, I realized that if I wanted to grow, I’d have to go back to video.”

The Downsides of YouTube Podcasting No One Talks About

Adding video adds a layer of complexity. “The truth is, YouTube podcasting is harder,” Erika says plainly. “If anyone tells you otherwise, they’re either lying or trying to sell you something.” Video requires not only technical know-how but also the mental shift to understand that YouTube operates differently from podcast directories. Not to mention that unless you have a video production team or a background in video editing, the competition is stiff.

While podcasting is full of niche audiences, YouTube is a crowded space. “You’re up against everything from DIY tutorials to beauty bloggers to full-fledged production channels,” Erika explains. “But here’s the silver lining: if you already have an engaged audience and know how to connect with them, you’re in a much stronger position than most newcomers.”

The Single Most Important Factor You Need to See Results From YouTube Podcasting

For anyone considering YouTube podcasting, Erika has just one piece of advice: if you’re going to do it, you have to go all-in. Success on YouTube doesn’t come from half-heartedly posting videos. It requires intention, commitment, consistency, planning, and strategy (and a production budget for a video editor doesn’t hurt either). 

Erika’s tip for aspiring YouTube podcasters? Take the time to learn YouTube. “Understand the platform’s unique demands. Simply dumping your podcast episodes onto YouTube won’t cut it. But if you’re willing to go all-in, your future self will thank you,” she insists.

So, Is YouTube Podcasting Right for Your Podcast?

The good news? You’re the host — which means you call the shots. YouTube podcasting can be a powerful tool to expand your reach and bring new listeners to your podcast, but only if you’re ready to put in the extra work. If you decide to dive in, do it intentionally and commit fully..

That said, the important thing to realize is that getting onto YouTube is a choice. If you’re still on the fence, that’s okay too. Audio-only podcasting isn’t going anywhere, and doubling down on what’s already working can be just as powerful.

But if you’re curious about what it takes to make YouTube work for your podcast, don’t miss the next episode. I’m back with YouTube strategist Erika Vieira to dig into why simply uploading your podcast videos won’t cut it, how to grab your audience’s attention right from the start, and what type of content YouTube viewers really want to see.

And in the meantime, if you’re an established coach, consultant, or creator who’s ready to launch or scale your podcast and want our proven strategy to build a podcast that grows your business, book a free strategy call with our team to find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch® — we’re here to help.

Or if you’re just here for the content and you want more free advice on starting a top podcast, growing a top podcast, or turning more of your listeners into clients, make sure you hit “Follow” for Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new episode.

Up Next:

Before you dive into YouTube podcasting, let’s make sure you’re doing it right so you don’t waste your time. In the next episode, YouTube strategist Erika Vieira joins us back to unpack why simply uploading your podcast videos won’t cut it, how to grab your audience’s attention from the start, and what kind of podcast content YouTube viewers *actually* want to see. 

So if your podcast is already on YouTube but struggling with low engagement, or if you’re ready to turn YouTube into a real growth tool for your show, don’t miss the next episode.