YouTube’s new podcasting feature!

It has long been evident that YouTube has its sights set on podcasts, and the corporation is now moving significantly in that direction. In order to test out new tools for podcasts, YouTube secretly debuted its most recent "feature experiment" last week, as noted by Podnews. From uploading to displaying analytical data, the new tools that YouTube is rolling out very much cover everything a creative would need to launch podcasts on the network.

The timeline for YouTube’s development of podcasts.

While YouTube does have some features that could be adapted for podcasting, such as playlists, it may not be the best fit for all podcasters. Dedicated podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts have specialized features and tools that are specifically designed for podcasting, and they are more established in the podcasting space.

The goal of podcasting on YouTube was originally alluded to in a study that covered some of the company's intentions in 2021. Slides that were leaked also described what will happen. Through the year 2022, YouTube added a page specifically for podcasts. Later, it published a guide outlining the best ways to podcast on YouTube.

Additionally, YouTube has been testing a feature that allows creators to upload audio-only content, which could make it easier for podcasters to publish their shows on the platform.

YouTube has also been partnering with podcast creators and networks to produce and promote original content, such as the "BookTube" series featuring authors discussing their books and the "Bear Brook" true crime podcast documentary.

How this will work.

The "create" button now offers options for posting a video, publishing a text post, or starting a live stream. According to YouTube, individuals participating in the test will see an option to upload a podcast underneath that.

Next, a new "Podcasts tab" would be added to the content menu where creators could additionally access podcasts. A brand-new choice in the three-dot menu will allow existing playlists to be converted into podcasts as well.

Finally, podcast metrics might also be seen in YouTube Studio, at least on a desktop. These metrics cover audience size, performance, and financial data.

The intake for this test feature was restricted just to the creators based in the US, and from what we understand, YouTube has filled its sample size for the ongoing test. But the feature has already started being rolled out in India! Here’s how the feature is expected to be operable on the YouTube website and apps:

1. Select Create > New podcast to upload a podcast.
2. Open the Content menu and select the new Podcasts option to see all of your podcasts.
3. Add podcast status to already-created playlists by choosing Three Dot Menu > Set as a podcast. Your podcasts can also be measured via analytics, where you'll find a number of tabs containing information on each audio show's performance, audience, and revenue.

What does this mean for podcast creators?

• A dedicated button for Podcasts is going to be very beneficial for reach. Users who want to specifically engage with just your podcasting content will now have a way to do so.
• Moreover, this doesn’t just apply to new content that you’re uploading, you can switch over your existing videos to that Podcast section.
• This feature is also a new way to sequentialize podcasting content. Now you don’t have to limit yourself to purely audio-only content platforms, YouTube will open your arms to podcasters now!
• It’s also a better way to access stats and data through YouTube’s tried-and-tested performance tracking. Unlike podcasting platforms, where you can just have a look at your own podcast’s statistics, on YouTube you can also look at views on other podcasts and understand better what reach goals you have
• This could also possibly be the next step to direct podcast monetization through YouTube, something that doesn’t exist as a thing in a lot of countries!