Elevate your podcasting game with Riverside.fm's studio-quality recordings, lightning-fast editing, and enhanced streaming capabilities—try it today! Get 15% off with discount code Podtastic
YouTube Shorts are getting millions of views… but does that actually help your podcast grow?
In this episode, I break down the surprising truth behind going viral on YouTube—and why it didn’t move the needle for my podcast downloads. With over 3 million views and two Shorts hitting 1 million+ each, you’d expect some kind of boost in podcast listeners, right?
Yeah… not so much.
We’ll unpack:
- The growing confusion between YouTube videos and actual podcasts
- Why visibility doesn't equal engagement
- How platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple are changing what "podcast" means
- The pros and cons of leaning into video-first content as a podcaster
- Why audio-first storytelling still matters (a lot!)
- Tips to make sure your content format fits your audience, not just the trend
Whether you're experimenting with Shorts, full-length interviews, or staying true to RSS audio, this episode gives a reality check on what really helps grow a loyal audience.
Spoiler: It’s not just about flashy numbers—it’s about meaningful connection.
🎯 Ideal for:
- Indie podcasters wondering if they need to do video
- Creators confused by mixed results on YouTube
- Anyone trying to grow a podcast audience the smart, intentional way
🔗 Check out the YouTube channel for video content: youtube.com/@PodtasticAudio
🌐 For more podcasting resources: PodtasticAudio.com
The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast
Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!
Timestamps
00:00 - Why my YouTube Shorts hit 1M+ views but didn’t grow my podcast
01:27 - Is YouTube a podcast platform or just pretending?
02:14 - Tools like Riverside.fm that simplify video + audio production
02:50 - The YouTube-only podcast confusion
03:24 - What people consider a podcast in 2025
04:10 - The podcasting world’s obsession with video
04:48 - Why YouTube ≠ podcasting (but it can still help)
05:49 - How I’ve used YouTube as a creative playground
07:28 - Shorts vs. long-form podcast videos: What works?
08:56 - The crazy stats: 3M+ views, 1M+ per short
10:11 - Tons of comments, zero impact on podcast downloads
11:02 - Video visibility ≠ podcast engagement
12:18 - When video compliments your content (like movie reviews)
12:57 - True audience engagement starts with meaningful audio
13:41 - Speak to one listener, not a crowd
14:38 - Why audio is easier (and often better) than video
15:54 - Sad truth about YouTube video metrics
17:02 - Value real engagement over inflated video stats
17:45 - YouTube hopping on the podcasting train
18:20 - Use video to promote—not replace—your p
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com