YouTube dropped a big news bomb on Wednesday: one billion people now watch podcast content on its platform every month. That’s right—one billion! This makes YouTube the biggest podcast player in the world, and it’s sending a loud message to the podcast industry: it’s here to dominate.
It’s not a total shock, considering YouTube is already the top spot for streaming video. But this new number shows how the Google-owned giant has quietly turned itself into a podcast powerhouse.
Many podcast hosts are switching things up, making their shows video-first to fit YouTube’s style. Even other podcast companies, like SiriusXM—home to popular shows like Call Her Daddy, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, and SmartLess—are jumping on the YouTube train. They’re using it to reach more listeners and make more money by offering subscriptions on the platform.
YouTube’s secret weapon? Its famous recommendation algorithm. It’s helping podcasters find new fans and grow their audiences, which is a big deal for anyone trying to turn their show into a business.
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In a blog post, YouTube said, “Podcasts with video aren’t just a passing fad—they’re what people want, and they’re finding them on YouTube. We’ve made it super easy for fans to discover podcasts, watch or listen however they like, and we’re helping podcasters earn money through our Partner Program.”
The numbers don’t stop there. YouTube says people watched over 400 million hours of podcasts on TVs in living rooms last year. That means folks are choosing long podcast episodes over traditional TV shows, news, or interviews.
Spotify, another big name in podcasts, is paying attention. It’s pushing more video content too, trying to keep up with the trend and cash in on the higher ad rates that come with video. YouTube’s rise is shaking things up, and it’s clear the podcast game is changing fast.
