“Should you start a Podcast or a YouTube channel in 2024?“
This decision is more than choosing a platform; it’s about selecting the right medium for your message. YouTube offers visual storytelling, while podcasts provide a personal, audio-focused experience. Understanding the unique aspects of each is crucial.
This guide examines the YouTube vs. Podcast debate, covering startup costs, audience engagement, and monetization. We aim to provide the insights you need to decide which platform – YouTube or podcast – suits your goals best.
📋 Key Takeaways
- Choosing between a podcast and a YouTube channel depends on your audio or visual content preference and your audience’s interaction style.
- YouTube offers broader monetization options and high SEO potential, while podcasts excel in accessibility and require less production effort.
- YouTube encourages active viewer engagement through its platform features, whereas podcasts allow for passive listening, suitable for multitasking.
- Production and SEO demands differ significantly; YouTube necessitates more elaborate production setups, whereas podcasts need quality audio equipment and strategic promotion.
What are the Main Differences between Podcasts and YouTube?
YouTube primarily offers visual content and features monetization through ads and memberships, while podcasts are auditory, available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and often monetized via sponsorships and donations.
| Category | YouTube | Podcasts |
|---|---|---|
| Format 🎥 | A video platform allowing for visual and auditory content. | Primarily audio-only, with some platforms offering video podcast options. |
| Accessibility 🌐 | Requires internet access to stream content (offline viewing available with YouTube Premium). | Content can be downloaded for offline listening. |
| Engagement 💬 | Allows users to like, comment, share, and subscribe to channels, encouraging viewer interaction. | Generally less direct interaction, but listeners can rate and review on platforms like Apple Podcasts. |
| Content Consumption 📺 | Typically requires the user’s full visual attention. | Can be consumed passively while performing other tasks, like driving or exercising. |
| SEO 🔍 | Strong SEO benefits due to ownership by Google and being the second largest search engine. | Also has SEO benefits, but generally not as strong as YouTube’s. |
| Monetization 💵 | Offers direct monetization methods like ad revenue, channel memberships, and YouTube Premium revenue. | Relies on sponsorships, listener donations, and ad revenue for monetization. |
| Discovery 🕵️ | Recommended videos and algorithmic suggestions facilitate content discovery. | Discovery often relies on word of mouth, social media promotion, and recommendations from podcast apps. |
| Production Requirements 🎬 | Requires camera equipment, lighting, and potentially more complex editing for a high-quality result. | Mainly requires good audio equipment and software, which can be less costly and less technically demanding. |
Reasons to use YouTube instead of a Podcast
There are several reasons why you might want to use YouTube instead of podcasts:
- 🎥 Visual Content: YouTube offers a platform for visual content, which allows creators to use images, videos, infographics, slides, or live demonstrations to enhance their messages. This is particularly useful for tutorials, product reviews, demonstrations, and vlogs.
- 🎥 Monetization: YouTube provides more direct ways to monetize content, including ad revenue, channel memberships, super chat, merchandise shelf, and YouTube Premium revenue. While podcasting also has monetization options, such as sponsorships, ads, and Patreon, they may not be as readily accessible or scalable for some creators.
- 🎥 SEO Benefits: YouTube is owned by Google and is the second-largest search engine in the world. Properly optimized YouTube videos can appear in Google search results, increasing the potential for your content to be discovered.
- 🎥 Community Engagement: YouTube offers more community engagement tools like comments, likes, shares, and community tabs. These can help create an interactive community around your content.
- 🎥 YouTube’s Reach: YouTube has over 2 billion logged-in monthly users, making it one of the most visited websites globally. This large user base increases the potential reach of your content.
- 🎥 Live Streaming: YouTube provides a robust platform for live streaming events, interviews, Q&A sessions, and more. Podcasts typically do not offer this real-time interactive option.
- 🎥 Analytic Tools: YouTube offers comprehensive analytics, which help you understand your audience better. This can help you refine your content strategy to improve viewer engagement and retention.
Reasons to use Podcasts instead of YouTube
There are also numerous reasons why you might choose to use a podcast instead of YouTube:
- ▶️ Accessibility and Convenience: Podcasts can be consumed anywhere and anytime, even when doing other activities like driving, walking, cleaning, or working out. Unlike videos, they don’t require a viewer’s full attention or screen time.
- ▶️ Less Production Effort: Podcasts generally require less effort in terms of production compared to videos. You won’t need to worry about visual aesthetics, lighting, camera angles, etc. This makes the content creation process less complex and time-consuming.
- ▶️ Intimate Connection: The audio format can create a more personal and intimate connection with listeners. The listener can hear the host’s voice directly in their ear, which can help create a sense of closeness and build a strong rapport over time.
- ▶️ Less Competitive: While the podcast market is growing, it is still less saturated than YouTube. This might offer you a better chance to stand out and build an audience in your niche.
- ▶️ Long-Form Content: Podcasts are well-suited to longer, in-depth conversations and discussions. This can be ideal for certain topics and formats that don’t lend themselves to shorter, more visual content.
- ▶️ Less Distractions: Without visuals, listeners are more likely to focus on the content and message being conveyed, which can lead to better understanding and retention of the information.
- ▶️ Monetization Opportunities: Although YouTube has various monetization methods, podcasts also offer opportunities such as sponsorships, crowd-funded donations, merchandise sales, and subscriptions.
- ▶️ Ease of Syndication: Podcasts can be easily distributed across multiple platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.) simultaneously, increasing the potential reach.
Read More: What Is A Podcast?
A Brief Overview of YouTube Vs Podcasts
These two platforms offer many unique benefits. Neither one has yet been said to rank indefinitely above the other.
At the end of the day, the decision is yours. These two broadcasting platforms will bring you results, but how successful your account is will depend on these factors:
- The type of business you own
- How much time you have
- How good the production is (Camera, sound, editing, performance, etc.)
You need to choose one that you think will best help your business: which platform is right for you, and how can you get the right people to see what you’re offering?
Here are a few more questions you should focus on when choosing between these platforms:
- Which platform will be more profitable for your business?
- Which platform is best suited for your skills?
- Will YouTube videos or podcast episodes help you grow your audience?
What Does Podcasting Offer?
Podcasting is a great way to share your expertise through storytelling and interview-based conversations. You may find that auditory storytelling is the most efficient way to start recording your business growth and marketing your business.
You don’t need a camera and video editor; you need strong presentation skills, interesting guests, and a quality microphone and recording software.
Remember that podcast listeners can bring your show on the go as they travel to work, so you have more freedom to host a longer show that users don’t have to worry about watching on a screen.
Before you start podcasting, you must consider what your business offers and how to get your target audience to like your new episodes. People crave content they can relate to, so use your time wisely when brainstorming what your show will be like and how you can make it unique.
When you start a podcast, you need to remember that podcasting reaches people who love stories. If you talk about relevant topics, you will attract people who want to listen to similar stories.
Several podcasting hosting platforms can help you to get started. The top two include Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts because they offer great business Podcasting tools and are accessible to beginners.
Whether you choose Google Podcasts, Apple, or an affiliate channel to create your podcast episodes, focus on making them sound professional. People listen to high-quality podcasts, not muffled voices with abrupt cuts and no structure.
Show your audience what makes your business great, and you may attract a substantial audience with your podcast.
What Does YouTube Offer?
A YouTube channel can be an effective platform for any online business looking to show off their features. If you really want to show customers what you can do, make good YouTube videos with engaging visuals and powerful music, and they’ll associate with your brand.
Many businesses prefer YouTube videos because they’re more effective at generating interest than written content. People prefer to see a creative representation of what you offer rather than concentrating on a text block that explains the same information.
YouTube has more than 2 million worldwide users and way more videos. It’s the top video-sharing platform, kept active all the time by users worldwide, and it’s so popular that any video can go viral and lead people to your website.
This makes it a competitive online market. Millions of new YouTube videos are uploaded daily, many promoting individuals or businesses.
To stay ahead of the game, it’s up to you to create a good YouTube channel packed with high-quality videos that show viewers what makes your business special.
You’ll need to focus on how you want customers to see your brand and prepare to direct them to a new browser so they can click through to your website.
Read more: What is a Video Podcast
If you choose to get started with a YouTube channel, think about your target audience:
- What content do they already like?
- What will make them return to your channel?
- What are competitors doing, and what can you bring to the table?
Be prepared to commit to production equipment necessary to record high-quality audio and video (Camera gear, microphones, lighting, editing software, etc.).
Skills Required For Each Platform
Whether you’re working on a YouTube channel or a podcast audio project, you’ll want to apply several skills for quality production.
You need to use an interesting subject matter, but you’ll also need to do the following: to engage your audience effectively
Skills for Podcasting:
- Attract guests that your audience will like and really relate to
- Ask guests questions that listeners will like to hear
- Create regular audio content — listeners like consistency
- Edit audio software correctly — this is something listeners want
- Know how to market Podcasting episodes and which platforms are best for distribution
- Get a rights reserved label
Skills for YouTube Creations:
- Create a professional YouTube channel and show viewers what you’re made of
- Get hosts that are charismatic and engaging
- Edit YouTube video content properly -people like to see professional editing on camera
- Make sure you know how to market YouTube videos and become good at ranking on YouTube search results
- Network with guests and negotiate business rates for their appearance
Which Platform is Better?
Overall, there isn’t one platform that’s better than the other. You should take time to learn the pros and cons of these two options so you can choose one that’s best for your business needs.
Podcasts: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 👍✅ You don’t need a lot of equipment or knowledge to get started
- 👍✅ It’s ideal for business owners that don’t feel comfortable in front of a camera
- 👍✅ Podcasts can be uploaded to YouTube
- 👍✅ People can listen wherever they are, accessing your podcast episodes via phone or computer
Cons
- 👎❌ Listeners can get distracted and lose interest
- 👎❌ Podcasts require excellent storytelling to stay ahead of the competition
- 👎❌ It isn’t easy to rank podcasts on search engines
YouTube: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 👍✅ Online video is a popular format for sharing ideas
- 👍✅ Videos build trust through visuals
- 👍✅ Live streaming to engage with your audience
- 👍✅ Video make dull topics engaging
- 👍✅ YouTube is its own search engine
Cons
- 👎❌ Videos require the right equipment to create a good show
- 👎❌ It’s time-consuming to create a video that’s professional and ready for an audience
“There are currently over 4.2 million podcasts Worldwide”
Check out the latest Podcast Statistics and Trends
Growing Your Channel and Audience
Podcasts: Offer a niche audience that values deep, focused content. They are often consumed during commutes or multitasking, creating loyal listeners. Utilizing podcast directories and social media can boost your visibility.
YouTube: Provides a broad, diverse audience with a massive user base. Visual content can be more shareable, enhancing viral potential. YouTube’s algorithm also aids in discovering new content, but it requires consistent, engaging videos to maintain viewer interest.
Monetization (Which Is Easier)?
Podcasts: Monetization can be straightforward through sponsorships, ads, and listener donations. However, building a substantial audience for profitable returns can take time. Membership platforms like Patreon offer additional revenue streams.
If you are getting close to the 10,000 downloads per episode you can expect to make in the range of $1,000 to $5,000 from your podcast.
How much do Podcasters make?
YouTube: Offers ad revenue through its Partner Program, but requires meeting specific criteria to qualify. Additionally, YouTube provides various monetization options like Super Chats and channel memberships. The visual nature of YouTube can attract more diverse sponsorship opportunities.
Startup Cost Comparison
Podcasts: Generally have lower startup costs. Basic necessities include a good-quality microphone, audio editing software, and a hosting platform. There’s flexibility to scale up equipment quality as the podcast grows.
The average cost of starting a podcast for beginners is $150-$350
How Much Does It Cost To Start A Podcast?
YouTube: Can be more expensive due to the need for video equipment, editing software, and potentially a set or location. High-quality video and audio are crucial for engagement, which might require a more significant initial investment.
FAQ
How to start a podcast on YouTube?
Starting a podcast on YouTube involves a few key steps: firstly, planning your content and understanding your target audience. This is followed by acquiring quality audio and video equipment for recording.
The next step is to create and optimize a YouTube channel specifically for your YouTube podcast, ensuring your uploaded episodes are SEO-friendly with appropriate titles, descriptions, and tags.
For live podcast streaming, set up a reliable live streaming environment, enable the feature on your YouTube account, and promote your live sessions ahead of time. Using broadcasting software, you can stream live and, later, save and share these sessions on your channel for wider reach and engagement.
Which is best for my business, a podcast or a YouTube channel?
The best choice for your business depends on your target audience and the type of content you want to create. If your audience prefers audio content and your message can be conveyed effectively through audio, starting a podcast might be a better option. However, a YouTube channel could be more suitable if your content benefits from visuals or demonstrations.
What are the pros and cons of starting a podcast?
The pros of starting a podcast include the ability to reach a global audience, establishing yourself as an expert in your field, and the convenience of creating audio content. However, some cons of starting a podcast are the time commitment required for planning and recording episodes, the need for quality audio equipment, and the competition in the podcasting space.
Is video podcasting a good option?
Video podcasting can be a great option if your content can benefit from visual elements or if you want to engage with your audience through video. It allows you to capture both audio and video, providing a more immersive experience for your viewers.
How can YouTube videos help promote my podcast?
Uploading your podcast episodes to YouTube can help promote your podcast by reaching a wider audience who prefer video content. It also allows you to utilize YouTube’s search engine optimization techniques to increase discoverability.
Are there any benefits to starting a podcast over YouTube?
Yes, some benefits of starting a podcast over YouTube include lower production costs, easy accessibility for listeners, and the ability to consume content on-the-go without needing to watch a video.
What makes a Podcaster Different from a YouTuber?
Podcasters focus on audio content, ideal for multitasking listeners, while YouTubers create visually engaging videos that require the viewer’s full attention. The difference lies in their content delivery mediums – auditory for podcasters and visual for YouTubers.
Can I upload my podcast episodes as videos on YouTube?
Yes, you can upload your podcast episodes as videos on YouTube. This can help you reach a broader audience who prefers video content and also allows you to leverage the discoverability of the YouTube platform.
Final Verdict – Podcast vs YouTube
Both platforms allow you to show and tell users why your business stands out. They can each help your business to grow and may become a money earner through adverts and affiliate commissions.
The main difference between YouTube and Podcast is the camera and sound divide. Both may work well and create great results, but it’s completely up to you which type you want to work with.
You need to compare one vs the other and decide which platform may be best for your business!
