0:02 – The Biggest Mistake Podcasters Make with YouTube
1:33 – Why Your Backlog of Podcast Videos Might Not Be as Useful as You Think
6:46 – Should You Upload Your Podcast Videos or Create Original YouTube Content?
11:07 – The Key Differences Between Podcast and YouTube Content
15:37 – How YouTube Insights Can Elevate Your Podcast Strategy

Thinking about adding YouTube to your podcasting strategy? Hold up — before you dive in, let’s make sure you’re doing it right so you don’t waste your time.

In this episode, I’m back with YouTube strategist Erika Vieira 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. If you’re tired of minimal engagement or ready to get serious about video and turn YouTube into a growth tool for your podcast, read on.

Avoiding the Biggest Mistake Podcasters Make with YouTube

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll just record everything with video, and one day I’ll put it on YouTube,” you’re not alone. But dumping a massive backlog of videos onto YouTube isn’t the right strategy if you want to succeed at YouTube podcasting.

Erika explains, “When you first recorded those episodes, you weren’t approaching with a YouTube mindset. Going back to all those old videos and trying to make them work on YouTube is typically a waste of your time and energy.” 

Why Your Backlog of Podcast Videos Might Not Be as Useful as You Think

Instead, Erika recommends starting fresh with a strategy built for YouTube podcasting from the ground up — planning your podcast episodes with YouTube’s unique audience and algorithm in mind (which will bring you far more meaningful engagement than if you just upload audio-turned-video files).

“Let go of the guilt over unused content and focus that energy on creating fresh, targeted videos that align with what YouTube’s audience is looking for,” Erika explains. “Unless there are a few golden episodes with big names or unforgettable moments, leave the backlog behind. That way, you’re not spending time and energy dumping content onto YouTube no one will watch.”

The Key Differences Between Podcast and YouTube Content

Now, here’s the fun part: podcasting and YouTube aren’t just different platforms — they’re totally different user experiences. Unlike podcasting where we can roll into our home office in our PJ’s with coffee breath and hit record, YouTube podcasting demands more intention if you want to attract attention on the platform. “It’s showtime on YouTube,” Erika says. Audiences expect a far more polished and engaging experience. “With podcasting, you can afford to be laid-back because with audio, you can get away with a lot thanks to editing. But there’s only so much editing that can be done with video. On YouTube, you need to ante up the energy and focus if you want people to engage.”

Because YouTube’s algorithm relies on user behavior data and tracks everything from thumbnail clicks to viewer retention rates, structuring your videos with high energy and staying focused on a single topic is key. But here’s the upside: while YouTube podcasting takes more work, content that performs well there can inform your podcast strategy — and vice versa. You can see what resonates best with viewers based on the data, and apply these insights across both platforms.

How YouTube Insights Can Elevate Your Podcast Strategy

If there’s one thing YouTube offers that podcasting doesn’t, it’s real-time analytics. “With YouTube podcasting, you get real-time feedback on what’s working,” Erika says. “You can see exactly when people drop off, what thumbnails get the most clicks, and what topics drive engagement. It’s like a free masterclass on your audience’s preferences.”

By monitoring YouTube analytics — views, retention rates, and audience interaction — you can discover what resonates most with viewers. And while podcast listeners may respond a bit differently than YouTube viewers, you can still use the data to shape your podcast episodes. Even if you don’t implement every change, YouTube’s data can bring valuable awareness to your overall performance as a creator.

Ready to Make Your Debut on YouTube?

Erika’s advice for those serious about YouTube podcasting? Fully commit. Success on YouTube doesn’t come from a “just throw it up there” approach. It takes strategy, planning, and consistency — and like any other organic strategy, it takes time. In other words, you can’t “try YouTube podcasting” and hope to see results. You have to commit to YouTube. Learn the platform’s unique demands. “If you’re willing to do that,” Erika insists, “Your future self will thank you.”

If you’re ready to give YouTube podcasting a shot, start with a “YouTube-first” mindset. Focus your topics, bring the energy, and monitor the data to create videos that engage the algorithm and your audience alike. And remember, letting go of your old backlog might be your best move to set yourself up for a fresh start on the platform.

And if you’re an established coach, consultant, or creator and you’re ready for a proven strategy to launch and scale a podcast that grows your business with a full team of podcast experts by your side to help you implement it, 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 ready for more free advice on starting a podcast, growing a podcast, and turning 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:

Still not convinced YouTube podcasting is the best move for your show? I’m right there with you. In the next episode, I’m sitting down with Tom Rossi (the co-founder of Buzzsprout) who’s pulling back the curtain on why audio-only podcasting still has unique strengths that video can’t match. From deeper listener connections to just saying no to the high pressure of video production, Tom shares why focusing on what works best for *you* is ultimately your smartest move.

So if you’ve been wondering whether you're missing out by not going all-in on video or if you want to keep podcasting without adding more to your plate, the next episode is for you. Don’t miss it!