Why Startup CEOs Need to Build Their Brand on YouTube in 2025
Tribe Agency
We are a brand consultancy and boutique digital marketing agency for MedTech that curates powerful and original brands.
Media Has Changed—Have You?
For decades, if you wanted mass exposure, you paid for TV ads or hoped for a prime-time news feature. Today? Those strategies are outdated, overpriced, and underperforming.
The biggest voices, the highest-impact conversations, and the most engaged audiences aren’t watching cable—they’re on YouTube.
Legacy Media vs. YouTube: The Numbers Tell the Story
A single episode of a top YouTube podcast can pull in millions of views, while most legacy media broadcasts struggle to break a few hundred thousand.
? Joe Rogan’s podcast averages 15 million views per episode—more than a week of prime-time CNN, FOX, and MSNBC viewers combined.
? The top YouTube business and tech channels outperform traditional news programs in engagement, watch time, and audience retention.
? Unlike TV or other Legacy Media, YouTube content lives forever—a well-produced video can keep bringing in leads for years, while TV ads disappear after 30 seconds.
If you’re a startup CEO or executive trying to establish authority, grow a brand, and offset skyrocketing advertising costs, YouTube is the platform you should be investing in.
The New Power Move for Founders & Executives
Smart founders are Becoming the Media instead of paying for it. ??
They’re launching YouTube channels, appearing on high-traffic podcasts, and turning their expertise into content. They’re controlling the narrative of their industry—not waiting for traditional media to give them a seat at the table.
And it’s paying off:
?? Long-form YouTube videos are ranking higher in Google search. (If people search your industry, do they find YOU?)
?? A single podcast appearance can drive more inbound leads than a paid ad campaign.
?? YouTube Shorts & Clips fuel engagement, bringing millions of organic views at no cost.
How to Start Building Your Brand on YouTube (Without Overwhelm)
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple, scalable strategy:
1?? Start appearing on existing YouTube podcasts. (High-leverage, no production required.)
2?? Turn your insights into long-form videos. (Answer the biggest industry questions, teach what you know.)
3?? Break your long-form content into YouTube Shorts. (Short, punchy, engaging—designed to hook people in.)
4?? Optimize your titles & thumbnails for clicks. ("How We Scaled to $10M Without Paid Ads" > "Startup Growth Tips")
5?? Repurpose everything across LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter. (More content, less effort.)
How to Blow Up on YouTube (Steal This Playbook from Rogan & Mr.Beast)
YouTube isn’t just for cat videos anymore. It’s the biggest opportunity for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands to build an audience, drive traffic, and make money.
It’s also become the #1 search engine for learning. People go to YouTube to solve problems, learn new skills, and get real answers—which means educational content crushes. If you’re not using YouTube to drive leads, traffic, or brand awareness, you’re leaving money on the table.
Joe Rogan’s YouTube Strategy (Even If You Don’t Have a Podcast)
? Talk like a human. No scripts, no corporate jargon—just real conversations. That’s why people listen for 3+ hours.
? Post full-length content, then break it down. Rogan’s full podcast episodes get millions of views, but it’s the short clips that go viral.
? Use YouTube Shorts to drive traffic. Posting Shorts (30-60 sec clips from full episodes) is a cheat code for attention. More views → more subscribers → more reach.
? Consistency beats everything. The guy has over 2,000 episodes. He didn’t blow up overnight—he showed up every day.
?? If you have a podcast, post the full episode on YouTube AND cut out short clips to hook people in.
MrBeast’s YouTube Growth Formula (This Works for Any Business)
? The first 10 seconds make or break your video. If people don’t stay past 10 sec, the algorithm kills your reach. Hook them immediately.
? Your thumbnail & title matter more than your content. No clicks = no views. You have to make people curious enough to tap.
? Retention is everything. YouTube promotes videos that keep people watching. If you lose them halfway through, YouTube stops pushing it.
? Create content that people want to share. MrBeast’s crazy challenges go viral because they make people want to tag friends and talk about them.
Why YouTube is the Best Platform to Grow Right Now
Titles That Get Clicks:
? Create curiosity (I Tried Every Ad Strategy—Here’s What Actually Works)
? Be specific (How I Grew to 100K Subscribers in 6 Months)
? Use numbers (10 Brutal Truths About Making Money Online)
? Ask a question (Why Are People Quitting Instagram for YouTube?)
? Make it urgent (The ONE Thing You Must Do Before Running Ads)
Thumbnails That Work:
? Bold, readable text – If they can’t read it, they won’t click.
? Faces with emotion – People connect with expressions, not logos.
? Bright colors & contrast – Stand out against YouTube’s dark UI.
? Keep it simple – Too much text = no clicks.
?? Start Your YouTube Journey as a Guest on Leadr. Podcast ??
Want to build your YouTube brand but don’t know where to start?
Start by getting featured on a high-visibility YouTube podcast.
Leadr. Podcast is where startup founders, medtech executives, and industry disruptors share their insights, stories, and strategies—and the full episode is featured on YouTube, giving you a long-form, evergreen asset to build your brand. As a featured guest, you will also receive 2-3 edited short form content for your use.
?? Apply to be a guest here → Leadr. Podcast Application (scroll to bottom of page)
?? Watch past episodes on YouTube → Leadr. Podcast YouTube Playlist
A single podcast appearance can drive more credibility, leads, and awareness than months of paid ads.
Apply now and get in front of an audience that actually listens.
The Takeaway
?? The game has changed. TV is losing its grip. YouTube is now the most powerful media channel on the planet.
If you’re a founder, executive, or startup CEO, you have two options:
? Keep paying for overpriced ads that disappear.
? Build a long-term brand on YouTube that drives leads, credibility, and growth—for free.
Your audience is already there. The only question is—will they find you?
?? What’s stopping you from investing in YouTube right now? Drop your thoughts below.
#YouTubeMarketing #StartupGrowth #CEOBranding #ContentStrategy #DigitalMedia