How to Start a Podcast on YouTube: 5 Steps 2025

Key Takeaways:

• To start a podcast on YouTube from scratch you need a solid plan, a unique topic, a reliable format, and the right tools.
• Recording and editing a video podcast to host on YouTube is easy (and fun) with Riverside.
• You can turn an existing playlist into a podcast playlist, or you can create a new one to upload videos to.
• You can also upload audio-only podcasts to YouTube by turning them into audiograms.

Almost 2.5 billion people use YouTube every month. Whether you’re a budding podcaster or a pro, publishing episodes on the site is a quick way to supercharge your reach. 

So, how do you get started? 

In the following guide, I’ll take you through how to start a podcast on YouTube. Here’s everything you need to know.

Did you know YouTube is now the top podcast platform for Gen Z in the U.S.? According to Edison Podcast Metrics, listeners aged 13-29 prefer YouTube over even Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

That means if you're not publishing your episodes there, you're missing out on serious reach and discoverability. Fortunately, starting a podcast on YouTube is pretty straightforward once you break it down. Here we’ll take a look at how to start a brand-new podcast on YouTube, as well as how to add an existing show to the platform.

How to start a YouTube podcast from scratch

Since your episodes will end up on YouTube anyway, why not start there from day one? YouTube has a huge audience, and provides detailed analytics to help you understand them better. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough on how to get started.

Planning your YouTube podcast

Having a clear plan in place is essential to success when creating a YouTube podcast. 

Follow these steps to plan out your podcast:

Choose a podcast topic

When it comes to a topic, think about what expertise you can offer that solves one of your target audience’s pain points. Providing a solution means providing value. This is how you build an audience that can depend on you for advice.

“What are the things your audience finds annoying or irritating in your niche? Once you identify those pain points, you can create content that solves them, and that’s often the most valuable content you can produce.”

Jade Beason, Founder of The Creator Project, YouTube Creator Class Valedictorian, Class of 2022

One way to brainstorm is to find a topic you can’t stop talking about. If you're passionate about your topic, that energy will come through in every episode and your enthusiasm will keep listeners engaged. 

You should also consider choosing a niche or hyper-focused topic, at least at first. This will help ensure that your audience is interested in each episode. For example, if your podcast is about cooking, you might attract an audience who’s totally into your salad recipe, but doesn’t want to hear about cooking steak. If you focus on a specific type of cooking, you’re more likely to get repeat visitors.

If you need some creative inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our guide of 100+ podcast topic ideas for inspiration and more tips on how to choose your topic.

Decide on a podcast format and structure

From here, you can then build on your podcast structure and format.

Here are the main podcast formats to consider:  

• Interview-based podcasts. You will be the host and invite interesting people to join you on the podcast. For example, you can interview experts and special guests. 

• Talk shows. This is where you and perhaps one other host talk about specific topics together. The end product is an engaging episode covering that subject matter. 

• Informational podcasts. Want to take a deep dive into a particular subject matter? Informative podcasts are the way to go. Often, there’ll be one host who researches and shares in-depth information about a particular subject.
• Educational content. Think of this like teaching, not just informing. Tutorials, how-tos, or anything that walks listeners through how to do something will do.

Set your publishing schedule

Consistency is important because your audience will come to rely on your cadence and know when to expect new episodes. Determining how often you want to release your podcast episodes is a savvy way to plan your podcast from the start. 

The type of podcast you create may also determine your cadence. For example, short podcasts may come out daily while longer ones can have a larger gap between them.

Read more: Check out our full guide on how to schedule a podcast.

Creating your YouTube podcast setup

Before you get started and make your YouTube podcast, you need to ensure that you have the right podcast equipment and setup. 

You don’t need a full studio to start, but investing in the right gear will go a long way in helping your podcast look and sound professional.

Here’s what you need:

Disclaimer: Please see our help site guidelines to check the compatibility of any equipment with Riverside.

Microphone: Audio is the most important part of a podcast, so a good mic is non-negotiable. I recommend the Samson Q2U, a $70 USB/XLR combo microphone with an excellent quality-price ratio. If you want to step up your audio, try the Shure MV7.

Camera: If you don’t want to invest in a dedicated webcam like the Opal Tadople, many modern smartphones come equipped with great cameras. Pair it with a tripod, and you’ll get flawless video quality. (Get some tips on how to do it in How to Use Phone as a Webcam.)

Headphones: Headphones aren’t mandatory, but they can help you with echo and audio bleed. Use comfortable, closed-back headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH M40x for accurate audio representation.

Lighting: Soft, even lighting makes a huge difference. If you don’t want to invest in a full three-point lighting setup, just buy a $20 LED light on Amazon and attach it with a clamp to your monitor or camera.

Accessories: You can always invest in accessories later to complete your setup. A mic arm or stand can help you keep the mic out of the way when recording videos, while a pop filter will prevent plosives from ruining your audio quality.

Video and audio editing software: Video editing software will help you cut out unwanted sections of your podcast, add captions, adjust audio, and generally polish your podcast to perfection. 

While you can use separate software to record and edit a podcast, we recommend an all-in-one podcasting software like Riverside. You can record with up to 9 remote guests, edit your recording like a document with the text-based editor, and even polish your audio with one click. Plus, Riverside’s Magic Clips feature is perfect for creating YouTube Shorts in seconds.

You can check out our full podcast equipment guide to learn more. 

Bonus checklist: Download this podcast production checklist and learn directly from Focus and Bloom Studios how to streamline your planning process.

Creating your podcast for YouTube

Now it’s time to start recording the first episodes of your podcast.

When you're just starting out, don’t stress too much about making a perfect episode. Quality will come with time. Your first few episodes should be about finding your voice, learning the process, and getting comfortable on camera. 

Quality improves with consistency, so start by focusing on quantity and, as Mr. Beast says, “stop thinking for months and months, and start uploading!”

That said, the right recording and editing software can save you a lot of headaches. Look for tools that make it easy to record high-quality audio and video, especially if you're filming remotely or want separate tracks for editing later.

That’s why I like Riverside so much. It lets you record locally (not over the internet), which means my footage and audio stay sharp even if my (or my guests’) Wi-Fi doesn’t. If you're interviewing guests, they just click a link, no need for onboarding sessions or downloads. And editing with it is a breeze: I can cut my videos, polish the audio, and add captions and branding with just a few clicks.

Let’s take a look at how easy this is with Riverside.

Recording your podcast

You can use Riverside to create a seamless and professional video podcast for YouTube. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Join or log in to Riverside. Click “+” in the left sidebar and then “New Studio” to create your virtual studio. 

Step 2: Enter the name of the studio in the form that appears and choose “Audio & Video.” Fill in any other information then click “Create.”

Step 3: You’ll now be in your studio dashboard. In the top menu, you can select “Plan” to schedule a recording and invite guests. Or, start recording immediately by clicking “Record.” This will take you to the lobby where you can test your equipment. Now is the time to check your framing and lighting as well!

Step 4: Check your camera and microphone. Use the dropdown menus to check that you have the right input or output. 

When you are ready, select “Join studio.”

Step 5: Invite your guests by sharing the link that appears in your studio. 

Step 6: When everyone is ready, click the red “Record” button below the video to start recording. 

While recording, you can use the Media Board to add live sound effects. You can also upload and share presentations.

Bonus: Press the “Script” button to use the Teleprompter feature.

Step 7: Click “Stop” when you’re finished recording.

Editing your podcast

Once your recording is complete, it’s time to polish it before you upload it to YouTube. The idea is to tighten things up, highlight what matters, and polish audio quality. Here’s how to do it with Riverside.

Step 1: Wait for your recording files to upload. Open the recording in the “Projects” page, then hover on it and click “Edit” to go to the “Editor.”

Step 2: Use AI producer to remove background noise and filler words, upgrade the audio quality, and normalize audio levels. 

Step 3: Next, refine your episode with the text-based editor. Simply delete words and phrases in your recording transcript, and they will disappear from your video.

Try to hook viewers within the first 10–30 seconds by jumping straight into what the episode’s about. Cut out tangents and rambling to ensure a tight focus and highlight key messages.

Step 4: Add captions to keep your content accessible. (Many YouTube viewers watch on mobile and with the sound off.)

Click on the “Captions” tab to select a captions style, then use the popup styling bar to adjust their placement and appearance. 

Step 5: Make your content more engaging by using b-roll footage or overlays when you're referencing something visual. Riverside has hundreds of videos, images, and royalty-free music tracks to choose from.

You can access everything in the left toolbar.

Step 6: Export your completed video content in a 16:9 aspect ratio and MP4 format, as this is the best for YouTube.

Step 7: Create teaser clips to promote your show. Select “Magic Clips” from your video exports page and click “Generate” to instantly get several short, shareable clips you can use on YouTube or other social media platforms. 

Creating a YouTube podcast playlist

Now that you have recorded your content, login to YouTube or create an account.

Next, it’s time to create a playlist. On YouTube, podcast episodes have to be grouped into a playlist, so that listeners can binge-listen or watch episodes in order. This process is easier than you might imagine. Once in your account, you can follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Go to YouTube Studio. You can do this by clicking on your profile icon and then selecting “YouTube Studio.” 

Step 2: Set up your podcast by clicking “Create” on the top right of your screen and then select “New Podcast.”

Here you’ll have the option to:

• Create a new podcast
• Set an existing playlist as a podcast
• Submit an RSS feed

For now, click on “Create new podcast”. (We’ll show you later on how to create a YouTube podcast from an existing show).

Step 3: Enter the details of your podcast on the form that appears on your screen, including the title, description, visibility, and a thumbnail. 

Step 4: Add new or existing videos to the playlist by going to “Add videos” at the end of the form. Click this if you’d like to add videos already on your YouTube page to your podcast playlist.

Otherwise, select “Create” and you’ll go to your new podcast playlist. Here, you’ll also see the option to “Add videos.” Click on this and then select “Upload new videos.”

Select the videos you want to add. Include all the details as you would when uploading a normal YouTube video.

Then just like that, you’ll have videos available on your podcast playlist.

Assessing the success of your show with YouTube podcast analytics

If you grow your show on YouTube, you need to understand what your viewers like - and what they don’t like.

YouTube Studio provides comprehensive analytics to help you assess the performance of your podcast. You can access podcast-specific results by filtering your analytics by the playlist. 

Go to the “Analytics” section, then select the “Content” tab. Select your podcast playlist from the list. This will display metrics specific to the videos within that playlist. 

Key metrics to monitor:

• Watch time indicates the total minutes viewers have spent watching your videos. High watch time indicates strong viewer engagement.
• Views show the number of times your videos have been watched. This helps gauge your podcast's reach.
• Average view duration is the total amount of time viewers spend watching your videos. Longer durations suggest higher interest. 
• Audience retention shows how well your videos keep viewers' attention over time. Aim for a higher retention rate. 
• Subscriber growth reveals the number of new subscribers gained from your podcast episodes. This indicates growing interest and a loyal audience. 
• Engagement includes likes, comments, and shares on your videos. High engagement levels are a good sign of active viewer interaction.
• What your audience watches: From this menu, you can check what kind of content resonates with your audience, and take inspiration to model your future episodes. 

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How to start a YouTube podcast from an existing show

If you already have your podcast episodes recorded as videos, repurposing them for YouTube is a smart move to expand your reach. 

Other than a distribution channel, YouTube is a discovery engine, meaning that your show can surface in search and be recommended to viewers who’ve never heard your name before.

How to start a podcast on YouTube using an RSS feed URL

If you already have a podcast and are distributing it through a podcast host, you can use your RSS feed to add your podcast to YouTube.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Create a new podcast playlist by clicking “Create” and select “New Podcast.” Click on “Submit an RSS feed”. 

Step 2: Submit your RSS feed. First, accept the terms and conditions, then click “Next”, to submit your RSS feed URL. 

Step 3: Verify and set up your podcast. You’ll get a verification code in your email to do this. Note that it may take up to a week or two, so be patient!

Step 4: From here you’ll go to “Upload Settings,” where you can choose to:

• Upload all the full episodes in your RSS feed
• Upload episodes from a certain date
• Only upload upcoming or new episodes

Note: All old episodes will be published privately initially. Only once you make your podcast public will your audience have access to them.

Make sure to also fill in whether you include paid promotions in your show.

Step 5: Choose what visibility you want your podcast to have. You can select:

•  Public: Anyone can see it. 
• Unlisted: Only people with a link can see it.
• Private: Only people you invite can see.
•  Scheduled: You set a date or time when it goes public.

Step 6: When you’re done, click “Save.”

Just like that you should be able to now view your podcast episodes.

If you want a more visual walkthrough, then check out our video on publishing a podcast to YouTube.

How to turn an existing YouTube playlist into a podcast playlist

If you already have a YouTube playlist and want to turn it into a podcast playlist, here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Create a new podcast by clicking “Create” and then “New podcast.”

This time, select “Set an existing playlist as a podcast.”

Step 2: Click on the playlist you’d like to turn into a podcast playlist. 

Step 3: Click “Next” and then fill in your podcast details. Finish off by clicking “Done.”

To improve your podcast videos’ discoverability, ensure the titles, descriptions, and tags are optimized with relevant keywords. You should also include a uniform format for episode titles (e.g., "Episode 1: Topic") to maintain consistency. 

Step 4: To re-order your videos, go to your “Podcasts” and click the “Edit” icon on the podcast you’d like to update.

On the right, you’ll see the option to choose “Default Video Order.” Click on this and select how you want to order your video. 

How to upload an audio podcast on YouTube 

You can publish an audio podcast on YouTube. In fact, if you connect your podcast to YouTube with an RSS feed, it'll automatically display your podcast cover as a still image video.

But, if you want something a bit more engaging, the best option is using an audiogram (an audio-only video). You can create this from any audio you have recorded and then upload the final product to YouTube.

Start by uploading or recording your audio podcast in your Riverside account.

When you have done that, follow these steps to create your audio-only video: 

Step 1: Log in to Riverside, select your studio, and then go to the “Projects” page to open the relevant recording that you want to turn into a video. 

Step 2: Select the recording you want to edit, hover on it, and click “Edit” to go to the Editor.

Step 3: You can then make video customizations to create a video. From the toolbar you can:

• Choose your own background or layout.
• Add your own images and text.
• Add dynamic captions and style them as you like.
• Trim your recording, and more!

Step 4: Export the video as an MP4 for YouTube uploading.

You can find a more detailed guide on how to create a catchy audiogram for your podcast here:

Bonus: Best practices for starting a podcast on YouTube

• Consistency: Decide the cadence of your YouTube podcast in advance and stick to it. You should also create a consistent format.  
• Optimize for SEO: Include relevant keywords in the title, description, and tags to help listeners to easily find the content through YouTube search results. (Learn more about how to do this in our piece on Podcast SEO.)
• Talk to your audience: Always respond to the comments on your videos and encourage conversation. Building a community around your podcast helps establish lifelong fans.
• Provide real value: Catchy visuals and clickbait titles can grab the attention of casual viewers, but it’s the value you offer that will keep them returning. Make sure your content provides solutions to your audience’s pain points.
• Plan the flow of your video: The better you’ve planned your video beforehand, the less work you’ll have to do during the editing stage. Even just a few bullet points can go a long way to keep you on track.
• Call to action: Always ask your viewers to like, subscribe, and share your podcast.
• Invite guests: Invite other influencers or guests to appear in the content to increase your reach and bring in new viewers and listeners. 
• Check YouTube analytics: Keep track of viewer behavior regularly to learn what your audience likes and dislikes about your show. Use what you learn to improve.
• Invest in quality equipment: Good recording hardware and software and a quiet place to record are the next step to produce pro-style content.
• Promote across platforms: To increase viewers, promote your podcast on various social media channels, on your website, and wherever you can. This will help increase your audience size. 

“A successful podcast is about everything—from the audio quality to the metadata, how you write, and how you make it visible. You need to think about all those elements holistically when you’re trying to grow your show.”

Michele Cobb, Executive Director of The Podcast Academy (TPA)

FAQs on how to start a podcast on YouTube

What is a YouTube podcast?

A YouTube podcast is a video or audio series uploaded to YouTube. The format you follow is similar to that of traditional podcasts. People can find your show by browsing YouTube and its search function or through recommendations, as with any other YouTube video. 

How much does it cost to start a podcast on YouTube?

The average cost of starting any podcast is between $100 and $5,000. You can potentially start for free using a smartphone and free editing software, such as the free version of Riverside. If you want to invest more, a basic setup might include a USB microphone and headphones. 

What do you need to start a podcast on YouTube?

Before you start your YouTube podcast, you need to get some things together. Here’s a quick list: 

• Content: A captivating topic and format that appeals to your target audience. Read our guide on how to come up with great video podcast topics.
• Recording equipment: At minimum, you will need a smartphone or microphone to capture audio.
• Editing software: Editing software will help you improve audio quality and flow (especially for video podcasts). With Riverside, you can record and edit your YouTube podcast in one place.
• YouTube Channel: This is your home base for your podcast. You will need to create a YouTube account and set up your channel to upload your episodes.

Do podcasts on YouTube make money?

YouTube is currently paying an average of $3 to $5 for every 1000 views. You can also generate revenue through sponsorships and affiliate marketing, especially if you attract a large audience. 

Once you have created your YouTube podcast series, it’s a smart move to get a YouTube Adsense account to start monetizing your content on the platform.

Is it worth putting your podcast on YouTube?

The short answer is yes. YouTube's vast audience and powerful search engine make it a valuable platform for growing your podcast's reach and engagement. If you are looking for a way to elevate your podcast, you might find that this is the answer you need. 

Is it better to start a podcast or YouTube channel?

The choice is yours. Podcasts are great for in-depth discussions, while YouTube channels can include a variety of video content. 

Combining both can maximize your reach. According to a 2023 survey from Addiction Help, 81% of the population of the United States of America were actively using YouTube. Put simply, it is a smart way to get your content out there.