For a lot of podcasters, distribution usually means uploading episodes to Apple Podcasts and Spotify and calling it a day. But that’s like throwing a great party and only inviting the neighbors: you’ll get some guests, sure, but you’re leaving entire crowds out.

Today, audiences discover content in all sorts of ways: through social feeds, video platforms, and search engines. If you’re serious about growing your show, you need to meet listeners where they already spend time. And which is one of the most powerful yet overlooked spaces to do that? YouTube.

In this article, we’ll dive into why YouTube can be a game-changer for your podcast, how to set yourself up there, and what to do once you hit publish to actually bring new ears (and eyes) to your work.

What Is a Podcast on YouTube?

Technically speaking, YouTube isn’t a podcast-hosting platform; it’s a video platform which you know very well, and the second-largest search engine in the world after Google. That means a podcast on YouTube is really just a video or playlist of videos uploaded to your channel.

The format of those videos can vary. Some creators simply take their audio files and add a static background image to turn them into a video file, then upload that to YouTube. Others go further and film themselves and their guests in the studio, producing what’s often called a “video podcast.” Many do something in between: they combine the audio with stills, slides, or b-roll footage that illustrates what’s being said. The beauty of YouTube is that it doesn’t impose a rigid definition, if your episodes are packaged as videos, they can be published and organised as a podcast.

Why Start a Podcast on YouTube

According to YouTube's official Creators page:

“YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for podcasts, with a vast global audience of over 2 billion active users.”

And the company isn’t stopping there. Podcasts have been rolled out into YouTube Music, giving users more ways to listen on the go.

Here are the main benefits of distributing your podcast on YouTube:

• With billions of users worldwide across different demographics, YouTube gives you access to people you might never reach through podcast directories alone.
• Short-form content thrives on YouTube. Posting highlights or snippets from your podcast increases discoverability and puts you in front of new viewers.
• Unlike traditional podcast platforms, YouTube allows direct feedback and conversation via comments. This creates a sense of community around your show.
• YouTube’s powerful recommendation algorithm surfaces your content to viewers who watch similar shows, multiplying your growth opportunities.
• YouTube videos often appear in Google search results, which adds another layer of organic discoverability.
• Beyond sponsorships, YouTube creators can earn from ad revenue, memberships, Super Chats, merchandise sales, and more.
• YouTube provides detailed data about your audience, such as demographics, watch time, drop-off points, which helps refine your content strategy.

How to Start a Podcast on YouTube: Step by Step

Most guides start with “find your niche” or “define your audience.” Since you already have a podcast, let’s jump into what you’ll actually need to launch it on YouTube.

Step #1. Choose the right equipment

Because YouTube is a video-first platform, you’ll need to think beyond audio. At a minimum, you need a good microphone, but if you want to make your show engaging to watch, you’ll also need a decent camera and proper lighting.

For video, you don’t have to start with a professional camera. The Logitech C920x HD webcam is a budget-friendly option that delivers 1080p resolution and adjusts well to different lighting conditions. A step up would be something like the Sony HDR-CX405/B camcorder, or, if you’re serious about video quality, a mirrorless camera from Canon or Sony.

Equally important is how you set up your shots. Tripods make your life easier, especially if you want to use multiple camera angles. Even a basic 40” alloy phone tripod will do the job when you’re starting out.

Lighting is often overlooked but makes the biggest difference to how professional your podcast looks. A 10” LED ring light can be enough for solo recordings, while larger lighting kits from Fancierstudio or Neewer are great if you’re filming multiple people in a studio.

The point here is not to overwhelm you with gear but to stress that investing in quality equipment upfront will save you countless hours in post-production and make your show more watchable from day one.

🎙 Microphones (Audio first!)

• Blue Yeti USB Microphone
• Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
• Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
• Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone
• HEiL Sound PR-40 Dynamic Studio Microphone
• Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone

📸 Cameras

• Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam (great budget option, ~$60).
• Sony HDR-CX405/B (affordable handheld camcorder).
• Higher-end podcasters often use DSLR or mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha series or Canon EOS series for cinematic quality.

♟ Tripods

• Portable 40″ alloy phone tripod (affordable and flexible).
• Consider multiple tripods for multi-angle shots.

🔆 Lighting

Lighting is often more important than the camera itself. Proper lighting makes your setup look professional and saves hours in editing.

• 10″ LED ring light (simple and cheap).
• Fancierstudio lighting kit.
• Neewer lighting kit.

Step #3. Create a YouTube Channel

You can skip this step if you already have a channel on YouTube.

If you don’t already have a channel, setting one up is simple. Sign in with your Google account, head to YouTube, and follow the prompts to create a new channel. But don’t stop there. Customisation is key.

Fill out your channel’s About section with a description of your show, including keywords your audience might search for. Add links to your social media, website, and podcast directories to create a consistent brand presence. Upload a banner image and channel logo that matches your podcast artwork. The more professional your channel looks, the more seriously people will take your content.

1. Go to YouTube.com.
2. Sign in with your Google account (or create one).
3. Set up and customise your channel.
4. Add branding (logo, banner, about section, links).
5. Upload your first video!

If you don't have a YouTube channel already, create one: 

1. Go to the YouTube website www.youtube.com.
2. Sign in or create an account. If you already have a Google account (Gmail, Google Drive, etc.), you can use that to sign in. If you don't have a Google account, click on the "Create account" link to proceed.
3. Fill out the account creation form.
4. Verify your account.
5. Set up your YouTube channel.
6. Customise your channel.
7. Start uploading videos. 

Don't forget to read YouTube's Community Guidelines and copyright policies to ensure your content complies with their rules.

Step #4. Create a Podcast on YouTube Studio

YouTube has recently made it easier to categorise videos as podcasts. Inside YouTube Studio, you can create a dedicated podcast and upload episodes directly into it.

When creating a new podcast, you’ll be asked to provide a title, description, thumbnail, and visibility setting (public or private). From there, you can upload videos into your podcast or even convert existing playlists into podcast playlists.

1. Head over to YouTube Studio.
2. Tap Create at the top right corner → New podcast. 

3. A pop window with two options will open. Tap Create a new podcast.

4. Enter your podcast info, such as a podcast title, description, visibility (Public or Private), and a podcast thumbnail.

5. Click Create. 

Now that you’ve created a podcast on YouTube, you can upload new or existing videos to it. 

How to upload videos to YouTube Podcasts

If you want to add new videos to an existing podcast, follow these steps: 

1. Open YouTube Studio.
2. Head over to Content → Podcasts.
3. Select a podcast.
4. Tap Add videos → Upload videos.
5. Upload the clips you want to and enter video details.
6. Click Create. 

To add existing videos to a podcast:

1. Go to Content → Podcasts within your YouTube Studio.
2. Choose an existing podcast.
3. Tap Add Videos → Add your existing videos.
4. Choose the videos you’d like to add to your podcast.
5. Click Add to playlist and select the podcast from the list.
6. Tap Save. 

How to set an existing YouTube playlist as a podcast 

To convert an existing YouTube playlist into a podcast:

1. Go to Content → Playlists.
2. Choose a playlist → Set as podcast.

Side Note: How to Turn Audio Podcast into a Video Podcast on YouTube

Here are a few ways to quickly and pretty easily convert an audio-only show to a video podcast compatible with YouTube's requirements.

#1. Static image recording

Simply add a static background image to an audio file.

#2. In-studio recording

If you can, record yourself and your guests and co-hosts in a studio. Just set up cameras in front of your guests and yourself, and then merge audio and video tracks during post-production.

#3. Remote interview recording

Record yourself and your interviewee(s) when you aren’t in the same studio using video conferencing or recording software, such as Riverside or Zoom. A remote video interview implies that the video shows all speakers at the same time. Apart from video recording software, you won’t need anything different from your audio-only podcasting equipment.

4. B-roll recording

Make a podcast episode as you normally would and add elements you’re referencing to in your video. For instance, if you mention a data chart, add an image of the chart into your video during editing so that your audience can perceive some information visually. 

Step #5. Prepare the Podcast for Distribution

Once your episodes are ready, take time to optimise them for YouTube’s ecosystem. Add closed captions and transcripts to make your content accessible and improve SEO. Use timestamps and chapters to help viewers navigate long episodes.

Don’t underestimate the importance of thumbnails. These small images act as your first impression, so design them to be clear, eye-catching, and reflective of your topic.

Titles and descriptions should also be crafted with search in mind. Instead of vague titles like “Episode 5,” use descriptive, keyword-rich titles like “How to Build a Successful Remote Podcast in 2025.”

Finally, break long episodes into smaller clips or Shorts. These bite-sized versions can act as teasers and attract viewers who might later convert into full-length listeners.

You can easily do that with AI Video Cut, an AI-powered tool that lets you clip longer videos into short, viral TikToks, Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Simply upload your long podcast, select how you want your short clips to look like (like a teaser, ad, highlights with jokes, trailer, etc.), select the aspect ratio, choose captions style, and let AI Video Cut do the rest. 

YouTube best practices for growth:

• Add timestamps/Chapters.
• Upload closed captions for accessibility.
• Optimise your titles, descriptions, and tags with SEO-friendly keywords.
• Create eye-catching thumbnails for each episode.
• Repackage episodes into YouTube Shorts or teaser clips for promotion.

How to Grow a Podcast on YouTube

Growth on YouTube comes from a combination of smart optimisation and genuine engagement. Break your content into micro-videos that highlight the most interesting moments. Engage with your audience in the comments: ask questions, respond thoughtfully, and build a community around your show.

Collaborating with other YouTubers or podcasters in your niche is another effective strategy. By appearing on each other’s channels, you can introduce your content to entirely new audiences.

Above all, consistency matters. Upload episodes on a regular schedule, encourage viewers to subscribe and turn on notifications, and keep refining your titles, thumbnails, and formats based on the analytics YouTube provides.

How to Monetise a Podcast on YouTube

YouTube offers monetisation opportunities that go well beyond sponsorship deals. Once you’re eligible for the YouTube Partner Program (currently requiring 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days), you can earn revenue through ads placed on your videos.

But that’s just the beginning. You can also earn through Super Chats and Stickers in live streams, channel memberships that give fans exclusive perks, merchandise shelves integrated directly into your videos, and even a share of YouTube Premium revenue from subscribers who watch your content.

This makes YouTube a particularly attractive platform for podcasters who want to diversify income streams without relying solely on traditional sponsorships.

Start a Podcast on YouTube: FAQ

Is it better to start a podcast or a YouTube channel?

It depends on your goals. A traditional audio podcast is simpler and cheaper to produce and can help you build a tight-knit community. YouTube, on the other hand, offers much larger reach and monetisation potential. For many creators, the best approach is to do both by repurposing their podcast for YouTube.

Is YouTube good for podcasting?

Absolutely. Its combination of discoverability, analytics, monetisation, and direct engagement tools makes it one of the best platforms for podcasters who want to grow.

Does YouTube have a dedicated podcast app?

Not yet. But with podcast support in YouTube Studio, integration into YouTube Music, and ongoing investment in the format, it’s clear that YouTube is taking podcasting seriously.

Final Thoughts

Publishing your podcast on YouTube isn’t just about ticking another distribution box. It’s about tapping into one of the largest content ecosystems in the world, where your episodes can reach new audiences, spark conversations, and even generate revenue.

Whether you start small with audio laid over static images or dive into full-scale video production, YouTube gives your podcast a second life in a visual, discoverable, and highly engaging format. And if you pair it with consistent optimisation and community-building, it could become one of the most important channels for your show’s long-term growth.