I Called It Years Ago

YouTube just announced last week that they've reached 1 BILLION monthly active viewers of podcast content. Let that sink in for a moment.

While the podcast industry has been obsessing over Spotify acquisitions and Apple's legacy platform, YouTube quietly became the podcast king.

And I've been saying this would happen for years.

The Silent Takeover

This wasn't some overnight success story. It was inevitable. A silent takeover that happened because YouTube offered something no one else could: video.

If you wanted to include visual elements in your podcast, you HAD to use YouTube. It was that simple.

The platform became the default for creators who understood that seeing someone's face creates a deeper connection than just hearing their voice.

Industry "experts" dismissed podcasts on YouTube:

• "They break the rules of retention"
• "The content is too slow-paced."
• "Nobody watches videos more than 10mins."

They couldn't have been more wrong.

Long-Form Content's Quiet Power

I've always believed in the power of long-form content. It's not as flashy as viral short-form videos. It doesn't have the immediate dopamine hit of quick edits and rapid-fire content.

But it's effective. It builds real connections. It creates true fans.

While everyone was chasing 30-second trends, YouTube was building a platform where 2-3 hour conversations could thrive. The top podcasters proved that audiences don't just want quick hits, they want depth.

It's on Easy Mode

You may have heard about how YouTube is currently on "easy mode."

You don't need Mr. Beast-level editing or production values unless you're trying to go mainstream viral.

For most creators and businesses, you simply need to connect with the right viewers and listeners. The ones who actually become customers and supporters.

The algorithm is always hungry for quality podcast content, and the competition is still surprisingly low compared to other content categories.

For example, there's only 5 million podcasts worldwide at the moment. And only 350k-700k are actively publishing.

I've been podcasting since 2016, and this 1 billion user milestone officially marks the moment where podcasting has become fully accepted in culture. It's everywhere. And I'm incredibly fortunate to have been part of this genre as it makes its way into history books.

My YouTube Journey

Full disclosure: YouTube is my favorite podcast app, hands down. I love consuming and creating on it.

I've helped clients grow from a few thousand to over 450,000 subscribers and produced shows that have generated more than 1 million downloads.

The hardest part is always the first 100 and 1,000 subscribers. That initial traction feels impossible. But YouTube rewards consistency and quality in a way other platforms simply don't.

Why YouTube Won the Podcast Wars

Here's why YouTube dominates podcasting now:

1. Superior discovery engine: YouTube's recommendation algorithm is unmatched, connecting listeners with content they wouldn't find elsewhere
2. Platform stability: While Meta/Instagram constantly changes the rules, YouTube's core functionality remains reliable year after year
3. Accessibility: Anyone with a smartphone can easily access content without special apps or subscriptions

What's Next?

Now that YouTube has explicitly acknowledged its podcast dominance, expect them to double down with more podcast-specific features.

This milestone isn't the finish line, it's just the beginning.

I knew this was near when Google Podcasts was killed so that YouTube Music could feature podcasts.

A few months later in February of 2024, the CEO of YouTube announced the 4 big bets they were taking. This hinted at them being the king of long form content. Aiming to be in livestreams and living rooms not just winning the swipable Shorts game.

For creators, the message is clear: if you're not building on YouTube, you're missing the biggest podcast audience in the world.

The Takeaway

Sometimes the real revolution happens quietly. While industry gurus debated the future of podcasting, a billion people voted with their attention.

YouTube won because it offered the best experience for both creators and listeners. Simple as that.

Actionable Tips to Get Started Now

1. Start publishing to YouTube even if it's audio-only - Upload your podcast with a simple static image for incredible search benefits. YouTube is the world's second-largest search engine, and your content becomes discoverable instantly. Remember that most people aren't staring at the screen the whole time they're watching the podcast.
2. Don't wait for "perfect" - There are only 5 million podcasts worldwide compared to 2 BILLION Instagram accounts. No one complains about Instagram being saturated, so podcasting still offers massive untapped potential.
3. Consistency beats production value - My most successful clients focused on imperfect publishing before obsessing over their production value. Viewers care more about valuable content than perfect lighting. What gets someone in the door is not the same as what it takes for them to stay.

Ready to Start Your Podcast With YouTube?

My approach is simple but powerful: I help you own your means of production.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, my Podcast Ecosystem Sprint gives you the exact strategies needed to build a successful podcast with YouTube—the platform with the world's largest podcast audience.

I've helped clients grow from a few thousand to 450K+ subscribers and produce shows with over 1 million downloads. Now it's your turn.

Book a free strategy call here and let's map out your podcast idea. Together, we'll turn your podcast vision into a thriving channel that connects with audiences and creates real opportunities.

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In your corner,

Misbah Haque

Founder & Consultant at Pod Mahal​

Writer & Host of Habit Chess​
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P.S. Get instant access to my Pod Mahal Notion Workspace with over 30 customizable templates designed to crush every podcast bottleneck you'll face along the way.