197 | Why 3 Million YouTube Views Didn’t Boost My Podcast

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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

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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 podcast

18:59 - Final thoughts: Follow your passion, audio or video

19:32 - Where to find my book and all things Podtastic

20:07 - Thanks for listening and happy podcasting!

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