From Audio to Viral: The YouTube Transformation of a Podcast

Adding YouTube to your podcasting game? Well, grab a seat because Thomas Umstadt Jr. is here to share what works and what doesn't. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty of taking your audio-only podcast and slapping it onto the video platform that everyone and their grandma seems to be on.

Thomas recounts his journey from simple audiograms to full-blown video episodes, sharing the highs and lows of his transition. Spoiler alert: it turns out that just tossing your podcast audio onto YouTube won’t cut it. You need to think about titles and thumbnails—yes, those flashy little images that scream ‘click me!’ As he explains, those are your first impressions; if they’re not catchy, your content might as well be invisible.

He dives into the technicalities too, discussing everything from gear and lighting to the importance of having a good backdrop (hello, bookshelves!). Plus, he shares some gold nuggets about audience demographics that might just make you rethink how you approach your content. So whether you’re on the fence about YouTube or just curious about what the fuss is all about, this episode is packed with insights that might just give your podcast the boost it needs.

Mentioned In This Episode

Novel Marketing.com (Thomas's website and podcast)

Author Update Show

Tube Buddy (YouTube tool that coaches you)

VidIQ (another tool to help you with YouTube)

Elgato Prompter

Pikzel YouTube Thumbnail Maker

1 of 10 YouTube Thumbnail Maker

Captivate and Buzzsprout Media Hosts with Dynamic Content Capabilities

School of Podcasting - Plan, launch, and grow your podcast

Takeaways:

Adding YouTube to your podcast can significantly boost audience engagement and visibility. Titles and thumbnails are crucial for YouTube success, unlike in traditional podcasting. The first 30 seconds of your video need to grab attention or viewers will bounce. Using your phone as a camera can yield better results than expensive gear for video. A strong opening is key for YouTube; don't dilly-dally with long intros like in podcasts. Experimenting with different content formats can lead to surprising audience growth on YouTube.

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Live Appearances

I'd love to meet you in person, I'm currently coming to July 12th, 20025 Higher Ed Podcon, Chicago, Ill AUGUST 18-21, 2025 Podcast Movement,...