Turning YouTube Shows into Podcasts: Best Practices

In 2023, about 70 million people listened to podcasts; as of 2024, there are about 4.36 million podcasts globally. Even more astounding is that, according to Statista, Spotify is estimated to reach 32.5 million monthly podcast listeners.

These figures demonstrate the fantastic potential and reach of podcasts. What if you could use your current YouTube content to reach this growing audience? Not only are you repurposing content when you convert your YouTube shows into podcasts, but you're also extending your brand into entirely new media.

With podcasts, you can easily synchronize content across platforms, providing your audience with various ways to consume your work. Making your YouTube videos into podcasts is a wise decision, whether your goal is to improve accessibility, encourage more interaction, or open up new revenue streams.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for converting YouTube shows into podcasts, including the tools and strategies you’ll need to make the process seamless.

Setting Up for YouTube Show Conversion

Ensure you have a strong foundation before turning your YouTube shows into podcasts. The entire process will run more smoothly and effectively if everything is set up correctly from the beginning.

What you’ll need:

• A podcast hosting platform (like Libsyn, or Buzzsprout).

• A structured plan to manage your content seamlessly.

1. Create an account on a podcast-hosting platform

• Pick a trustworthy platform for hosting and distributing your podcast episodes. Both free and paid hosting alternatives are available on well-known websites like Spotify for Podcasters, formerly Anchor and Buzzsprout.

• Create a podcast account and enter your podcast's information, such as the title, description, and cover art.

Pro Tip: Choose a hosting platform with auto-import capabilities for quick content management and good YouTube integration.

2. Select the option to import existing shows

• Most podcast hosting platforms allow you to import existing shows from various sources, including YouTube.  

• Verify that YouTube integration is supported by the platform you select.

For Example: Creators like Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income use platforms that sync with YouTube, allowing him to push out his podcast content seamlessly.

Pro Tip: Before making a long-term commitment, start with a free trial to test features like audio conversion tools and auto-import if you need help deciding which podcast host to pick.

Now that you have your podcast hosting setup, you can import your YouTube videos into your podcast feed. Let's examine effective content synchronization.

Importing YouTube Shows: Seamlessly Sync Your Content

Now that you're set up with a hosting platform, it's time to import your content. Choosing the appropriate playlists, synchronizing them with your podcast feed, and ensuring that updates occur automatically are all part of this stage.

1. Use a YouTube playlist as the content source.

Make a YouTube playlist and import it straight into your podcast platform if you have several videos with related themes. As a result, all of the playlist videos will be automatically turned into podcast episodes.

Pro Tip: Create separate playlists for your YouTube videos according to themes or subjects (e.g., "Tech Tips," "Interviews with Experts"). This facilitates podcast management and draws in a specific audience.

2. Provide your YouTube channel handle and choose the desired playlist.

Choose the playlist you wish to convert, then enter your YouTube handle in the podcast platform. The videos in the playlist will be automatically synced into your podcast feed by the podcast platform.

Pro Tip: Before moving on to a more extensive series, start with a smaller playlist to ensure everything functions properly if you're experimenting with numerous playlists. 

3. Select auto-import and sync features for regular updates.

Every new video you post to your YouTube channel will immediately become a podcast episode if the auto-import function is enabled. This eliminates the need for manual content management for your podcast.

Source: GaryVee Audio Experience

For Example: Gary Vaynerchuk's podcast is updated often by synchronizing his YouTube videos, guaranteeing that new episodes are released regularly.

The next step is to choose whether you want to make a video or an audio-only podcast after configuring your YouTube content for automatic import. Let's get started with selecting the appropriate format for your work. 

Choosing Podcast Format Options: Audio vs. Video

When converting your YouTube videos to podcasts, you can choose between audio-only and video podcasts. The kind of content you create and your audience's preferences will determine which option is best. 

1. Convert Videos to Audio Podcasts for a Wider Reach

Most podcast listeners favor audio-only content, particularly during hectic commutes or working out. Audio podcasts are a fantastic approach to reach a wider audience since, according to Backlinko, 47% of Americans listen to podcasts for entertainment and education. However, many creators face challenges when it comes to efficiently converting YouTube videos into high-quality audio content.

The Solution: Tools like Recast Studio simplify this process by effortlessly converting your YouTube videos into polished audio podcasts. Recast Studio saves time and effort by converting your content into easily accessible, captivating audio formats with features like the Audiogram Maker, Podcast Snippet Maker, and Automatic Subtitle Generator. 

Pro Tip: If your YouTube videos are more discussion-based or educational, convert them into audio podcasts to attract listeners who prefer multitasking. 

2. Opt to Convert to Video Podcasts if Preferred

A video podcast is better if your YouTube content includes visual demonstrations (such as product reviews or lessons). In a podcast format, video podcasts give your audience access to the same images they would view on YouTube.

Source: WVFRM Podcast

For Example: Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) gives his viewers an immersive experience by fusing his YouTube channel with video podcasts.  

3. Ensure Content Sync with Future Uploads

Whether you choose audio or video, make sure your podcast platform is syncing automatically with new YouTube uploads. This guarantees that your podcast will always be up to date without manual intervention.

Pro Tip: Ensure all new content is correctly imported into your podcast feed by routinely checking your sync settings.

Now that you've chosen your content format, it's time to plan uploads, keep a regular publishing schedule, and manage your podcast episodes. Let's look at some efficient podcast content management techniques. 

Managing Podcast Content: Scheduling and Publishing

Now that your YouTube shows are in your podcast feed, it’s important to stay on top of content management. The flexibility to revise drafts and update episodes guarantees that your content remains current, and a regular posting schedule keeps your audience interested.

1. Handle Initial Drafts and Set a Publishing Schedule

Before scheduling your episodes for publication, you can draft them on most podcast-hosting platforms. You can keep your audience interested by establishing a publishing schedule that guarantees your episodes broadcast at regular intervals.

Pro Tip: To let your audience know when to expect new content, release your episodes regularly (e.g., every Monday morning). This increases loyalty and expectation. 

2. Monitor and Toggle Synchronization Settings

Monitor your sync settings to ensure new YouTube uploads are automatically converted and released as podcast episodes. This eliminates the necessity of manually uploading every new episode.

For Example: Tim Ferriss doesn't have to personally handle every new upload because he employs automated syncing to guarantee that his podcast episodes are uploaded regularly.

Now that your podcast content is planned and synchronized correctly let's move on to controlling RSS feed settings for smooth content import and distribution. 

Using RSS Feed for Podcast Importing: Streamline the Process

The RSS feed is a powerful tool that is an effective method for automatically organizing and distributing your audio content across podcast platforms. 

1. Set Up an RSS Feed URL to Import Content

Your hosting platform will generate an RSS feed URL once you configure your podcast. With this feed, you may automatically publish your episodes to podcast directories such as Google, Apple, and Spotify.

Pro Tip: To increase discoverability, keep your RSS feed up to date with the most recent episode details, including the title, show notes, and other relevant metadata. 

2. Automatically Convert Videos to Audio and Publish

You can avoid manual uploads by configuring your RSS feed with auto-import, automatically turning your YouTube videos into audio podcasts, and broadcasting them to your podcast feed.

For Example: John Lee Dumas automatically uploads new podcast episodes to all the main podcast sites using an RSS feed to distribute content from his YouTube channel. 

Now that your RSS feed is configured and content flows seamlessly, the next step is to optimize the import procedure and ensure everything is current and properly maintained. 

Effectively Managing RSS Feed Content

To ensure your podcast continues to run smoothly, modify your RSS feed and sync settings to manage content distribution effectively.

1. Set Specific Import Options and Future Sync Settings

Change the sync settings for new uploads and customize your import choices to filter content according to specific playlists. This guarantees you import only the videos you wish to be turned into podcast episodes.

Pro Tip: Use programs like Recast Studio's Audiogram Maker to make captivating visuals for your podcast episodes. You can then push these visuals directly to your podcast feed for added promotion. 

2. Manage the Status of Imports and Keep Them Updated

Regularly check the status of your imported content to ensure everything is up-to-date. This involves ensuring that all information is accurate and that each video has been correctly converted into audio or video format.

For Example: Successful businesswoman Jenna Kutcher utilizes this method to ensure that her podcast, The Goal Digger Podcast, never stops.  

Now, let's see how Recast Studio and its tools can enhance the process of turning your YouTube shows into podcasts.

How Recast Studio Helps You Create and Promote Your Podcasts

It's time to step up your podcasting after you've successfully turned your YouTube videos into podcasts. You can use Recast Studio's various tools to improve your podcast's content, increase its popularity, and market it more successfully. Some of Recast Studio's capabilities are particularly helpful for podcasters like you in the following ways: 

Source: recast.studio 

1. Audiogram Maker & Soundbite Creator

• As a YouTube creator, you're already familiar with the power of short, engaging clips on social media. Recast Studio's Audiogram Maker and Soundbite Creator are ideal for turning podcast episodes into shareable clips. 

• With the help of these tools, you can add images and highlight critical soundbites from your podcast episodes, which makes them ideal for sharing on social media sites like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

Pro Tip: To increase engagement and draw in new listeners, use these audiograms to highlight significant incidents or essential takeaways from your episodes. The Soundbite Creator makes it easy to share these snippets with minimal effort. 

2. Podcast Visualizer & Audio Waveform Generator

Recast's Podcast Visualizer and Audio Waveform Generator let you add dynamic audio visualizations to your podcast segments to keep your audience interested, especially if you share on visual platforms. When shared on social media, these animated images enhance your content's interactivity and visual appeal.

For Example: Audio waves are a standard visual style well-known podcasters use for their programs. This makes it simpler for listeners to quickly identify your content by establishing a consistent brand identity. 

3. Podcast Snippet Maker & Show Notes Generator

Recast Studio's Podcast Snippet Maker allows you to extract short, impactful segments from longer episodes. These brief segments can be posted on social media to spark interest and encourage listeners to join the show. Meanwhile, the Show Notes Generator helps you craft detailed, SEO-friendly show notes for each episode, improving discoverability across search platforms.

Pro Tip: To raise your show notes' search engine rankings, include keywords related to your episodes' content. A well-written show note can increase the number of people who find your podcast. 

4. Automatic Subtitle Generator

In addition to making the content more accessible, adding subtitles to your podcasts increases listener engagement, particularly for individuals who would rather listen silently (e.g., in public places or while commuting). The Automatic Subtitle Generator in Recast Studio can instantly produce precise captions for your audio, making your podcast content more inclusive.

Pro Tip: Make sure your subtitles are readable and clear. This will increase accessibility and audience engagement, especially for viewers from other countries. 

5. Podcast Clip Maker

The Podcast Clip Maker in Recast Studio makes it simple to produce highlight reels or best-of episodes to distribute to your audience. Using this application, you can rapidly turn your most memorable memories into little videos and post them on your website or social media.

For Example: Joe Rogan frequently posts highlights from his podcasts on social media, which increases interest in his shows. Tools like the Podcast Clip Maker allow you to create similar promotional clips without extra editing time. 

With the help of these powerful Recast Studio tools, you may create excellent podcasts and market them successfully. Recast Studio simplifies the process and improves your content, whether you're making captivating soundbites, sharing your information with dynamic images, or improving your episode show notes.

Conclusion

Making podcasts out of your YouTube videos is an excellent way to reach a wider audience and interact with another demographic. You may quickly adapt your content and bring in new listeners if you have the correct setup, tools, and management. 

Using tools like Recast Studio, you can make your podcast episodes even more engaging with features like Audiogram Makers, Soundbite Creators, and Podcast Visualizers, making your podcast episodes even more enjoyable. This will help you promote your podcast on social media and attract more listeners.

Ready to expand your content strategy? Try Recast Studio today and start converting your YouTube shows into podcasts and unlock the full potential of your content!