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

Riverside.Fm

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

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• Apple Books
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Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

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!

#podcasting #indiepodcaster #youtubeshorts #videopodcast #podcastgrowth #podcastertips #audiopodcast #podcaststrategy #podcastmarketing #contentcreation #youtubemarketing #viralvideo #creatoreconomy #shortformvideo #podcastcommunity #youtubeviews #rsspodcast #podcastlife #podcastcontent #podcastingadvice #growyourpodcast #podcastingforbeginners #youtubecreators #videocontentstrategy #podcastbranding

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

Riverside.Fm

Most podcasts fail to grow because they focus too much on the host—and not enough on the listener. In this episode, learn why centering your show around personal updates, casual chatter, or off-topic rambles is a fast way to lose new listeners before they even get to the good stuff.

Discover the mindset shift every indie podcaster needs to make: you're the host, not the star. From using content structure that hooks and holds attention, to understanding how and when to bring personal stories into the mix, this episode breaks down the strategies that actually drive audience growth.

✅ What you’ll learn:

• Why most new podcasts struggle to keep listeners
• The difference between personal content and valuable content
• How to structure your episodes for engagement and retention
• Why modeling celebrity-style podcasts can backfire
• The simple format that helps grow loyal, returning listeners

If you're serious about podcast growth, engagement, and building a loyal audience, this episode is your roadmap.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

• The Kris and Kristine Show
• Podtastic Audio
• Twitter X
• Instagram
• LInkedIn
• Threads
• Blue Sky

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Why no one cares about your podcast (yet)

00:41 – Intro + sponsored shoutout to Riverside.fm

01:23 – The two mindsets new podcasters fall into

02:53 – Content-first vs. personality-first shows

04:16 – Why personal stories don’t work for beginners

06:42 – Modeling big radio shows: the trap indie podcasters fall into

08:27 – Why famous podcasters can "get away with it"

09:31 – Just because you can make a podcast doesn’t mean people will care

10:44 – Example: Gavin Newsom’s podcast and audience building

12:23 – What makes podcasting content truly unique

14:14 – You’re the host, not the star (and that’s okay)

15:19 – Telling personal stories with purpose

16:35 – Quick content format you can use every episode

17:05 – Why this format actually drives growth

18:31 – Retention is the real growth strategy

20:33 – How and why people share valuable shows

21:39 – Value-first podcasting: what it really means

22:14 – Standing out in a sea of podcasts

23:14 – The listener-first mindset shift

24:52 – Wrapping up + how to audit your own show

25:58 – The Podtastic Playbook reviews & shoutouts

#PodcastTips #PodcastGrowth #PodcastMarketing #IndiePodcaster #PodcastStrategy #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastSuccess #PodcastAdvice #PodcastHost #PodcastLife #ContentCreation #ValueDrivenContent #PodcastJourney #Podcasting101 #PodcastSupport #PodcastEngagement #PodcastCommunity #PodcastPlanning #PodcastListeners #PodcastBranding #StartAPodcast #PodcastSEO #PodcastStructure #HookYourAudience #PodcastContent

Podcasting is supposed to be fun—so why does it sometimes feel like a grind?

This episode dives into the real reasons why podcasting can start to feel more like a job than a joy, and more importantly, what you can do to turn that around. If you've lost your spark behind the mic, feel like you're just phoning it in, or you're one bad episode away from quitting, you're not alone—and you're not out of options.

Through personal insight and hard-earned lessons, you'll learn how to avoid podcast burnout, reconnect with your original purpose, and bring creativity and energy back into your show.

🎯 Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Why podcast burnout happens—and how to recognize it early
• The sneaky ways perfectionism kills creativity
• How over-focusing on podcast downloads can drain your motivation
• Real tips to reignite your passion for podcasting
• Ways to make solo podcasting fun again
• How to refresh your podcast format without losing your audience
• Simple mindset shifts to avoid podfade and keep showing up consistently

Whether you’re an indie podcaster, hobbyist, or even a seasoned creator hitting a wall, this episode offers honest, practical podcasting tips to help you get back to what made podcasting exciting in the first place. No fluff—just real advice from someone who's been there.

Podcasting should feel like play—not pressure.

📚 Free Book Alert I’m giving away free copies of The Podtastic Playbook! Want in? Head to PodtasticAudio.com, hit the Contact page, and just say “I want the book.” I’ll put your name in the drawing.

👍 If this episode helps you, pass it along to another podcaster who needs a reset.

And if you're feeling it, leave a review—it helps other indie creators find their way back to podcasting fun, too.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Thanks so much for listening, I really appreciate it so much. Sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a moment. Podtastic Audio Newsletter

• The Kris and Kristine Show
• Podtastic Audio
• Twitter X
• Instagram
• LInkedIn
• Threads
• Blue Sky

#podcasttips #podcasterlife #indiepodcast #podcastburnout #podfade #podcastingmotivation #creativepodcasting #podcastingcommunity #funpodcasting #howtopodcast #podcastgrowth #podcastersofinstagram #audioproduction #podcastediting #hobbypodcaster #podcastmarketing #podcastsuccess #podcastingadvice #podcastinspiration #podcastjourney