Getting Started: Your two paths to a YouTube Podcast

Bringing your show to YouTube is straightforward, and the platform offers two distinct paths tailored to different creator needs. At the heart of both methods is a simple but powerful concept: the podcast playlist.

An Introduction to Podcast Playlists

On YouTube, a podcast is technically a playlist that you have specifically designated as a "podcast." This isn't just a label; it's a technical function that unlocks a suite of features designed specifically for episodic content. When you set a playlist as a podcast, YouTube knows to treat it differently. It enables a dedicated "Podcasts" tab on your channel page, making your show easy for fans to find and binge. It makes your episodes eligible for inclusion in the YouTube Music app, expanding your reach to a listen-centric audience. And it signals to YouTube's systems that this content should be considered for podcast-specific discovery features. Understanding this foundational principle is the first step to getting your show set up for success.

Path A: Creating a New Podcast Natively on YouTube

This path is perfect for creators who are starting a new show from scratch or for existing podcasters who want to create a unique, video-first version of their show specifically for the platform. It gives you maximum control over the visual presentation of your content.

Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a podcast natively:

1. Navigate to YouTube Studio: Log in to your YouTube account and go to your channel's dashboard, YouTube Studio.
2. Start the Creation Process: In the top-right corner, click the "Create" button, and from the dropdown menu, select "New podcast."
3. Set Up Your Podcast Playlist: You will be presented with a few options. Choose "Create a new podcast." This will create a brand new playlist that will serve as the home for your show.
4. Enter Your Show's Details:
   • Title: This is the name of your podcast. Make it memorable and searchable.
   • Description: This is a crucial field for discovery. Write a detailed, keyword-rich summary of what your podcast is about. Think of it as the "About" section for your entire show.
   • Visibility: Set this to "Public" so that everyone can find and enjoy your show.
   • Square Podcast Thumbnail: This is your show's official cover art. It should be a high-resolution square image (recommended 1280x1280 pixels) that is visually compelling and represents your brand. This thumbnail will appear in various places across YouTube and YouTube Music.

5. Upload Your Episodes: Once your podcast playlist is created, you can begin uploading your video episodes. Click the "Create" button again, select "Upload videos," and after uploading, make sure to add the new video to the podcast playlist you just created.

Path B: Connecting Your Existing Show via RSS Feed

This path is a game-changer for established podcasters with an existing back catalog of audio-only episodes. It allows you to seamlessly bring your entire show to YouTube with minimal effort by connecting your public RSS feed.

Here is a step-by-step guide to connecting your RSS feed:

1. Navigate to YouTube Studio: As with the native path, start in your YouTube Studio dashboard.
2. Start the Podcast Process: Click "Create" in the top-right corner and select "New podcast."
3. Submit Your RSS Feed: This time, choose the option to "Submit RSS feed."
4. Paste Your Feed URL: Read and accept the terms of service, then paste your podcast's RSS feed URL into the provided field. You can typically find this URL in the settings of your podcast hosting provider (e.g., Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Transistor).
5. Verify Ownership: To ensure you own the feed, YouTube will send a verification code to the email address listed in your RSS feed. Retrieve this code from your email and enter it on the screen to proceed.
6. Choose Which Episodes to Upload: After verification, YouTube will show you the episodes found in your feed. You can choose to upload all episodes from your back catalog or only select episodes moving forward.
7. Automatic Upload: Once you confirm, YouTube will get to work. It will automatically create a static-image video for each audio episode, using your podcast's cover art as the visual. These videos will then be uploaded to a new podcast playlist on your channel. This connection is ongoing; whenever you publish a new episode to your RSS feed, YouTube will automatically upload it to your channel, keeping your show effortlessly in sync.

The existence of these two distinct pathways is a highly deliberate strategy. The RSS feed option is a frictionless onboarding tool designed to capture the entire existing podcast industry. It lowers the barrier to entry to virtually zero. In contrast, the native upload path is designed to cultivate deeper, platform-specific engagement. It rewards the extra effort of creating video with access to richer analytics, more dynamic monetization, and the full power of YouTube's visual toolset. Together, these two paths allow YouTube to simultaneously welcome the entire podcasting world while incentivizing a new generation of creators to build their shows in a "YouTube-first" manner.

To help you decide which approach is right for you, here is a breakdown of the key differences and considerations: