Data is like your podcasting superpower, folks! If you want to grow your show, you gotta get your hands on the right stats. Seriously, knowing what’s working and what’s not can save you from wasting your time. We dive into the nitty-gritty of how to collect and use data from places like Apple and Spotify to figure out your audience and their habits. Don’t worry, we’ll also have a laugh or two about how confusing all this can be, because who doesn’t love a good irony sandwich? So, buckle up, and let’s turn those numbers into something that actually helps your podcast shine!

podcastsconnect.apple.com

You can see how many Apple followers you have, and how far they are listening (and compare episodes to median and best numbers.

podcasters.spotify.com

You can see how many Spotify followers you have as well as demographic data of your audience. You can also see how far people listen. You can also see how often your show was shown, and how that lead to people listening.

podcasters.amazon.com

You can see how many people on Amazon Music are following you, how many downloads you get and how far people listen

Your Media Host

This could be Captivate, Buzzsprout, Blubrry, Transistor, Libsyn, etc (I do not recommend Spotify). Here you can see how many downloads you get per episode, and see the location of your audience.

Google Analytics

Here you can see the top pages of your website, among many other things. You can find it at analytics.google.com

YouTube

YouTube statistics are impressive and show you an insane amount of detail. The stat I look at is how far people watch. Keep in mind a video on a YouTube short is anything above zero

Audience Survey

When in doub,t ASK YOUR AUDIENCE. This is the #1 way to get direct feedback from your audience. Check out the book, "The Audience in Listening" by Tom Webster, regarding creating a survey (or use the one built into Podpage).

• Data is your podcasting superpower; it helps you know what's working and what's not.
• If you're seeking sponsors, understanding your audience demographics is absolutely essential.
• Start with the end in mind; knowing your goals helps you get the right data.
• Don't just hope for feedback; ask your audience directly with surveys for better insights.
• Using platforms like Google Analytics can reveal hidden gems about your podcast's online performance.
• Remember, marketing your podcast is as essential as creating it; be strategic about your approach.

So, let’s dive into the wild world of podcasts on YouTube, shall we? This episode is all about the big question: should your podcast even be on YouTube? Spoiler alert: I don’t have a definitive answer, but I’m armed with some juicy facts to help you figure it out. I tackle the age-old debate between audio and video, and you'll learn that while YouTube has a gigantic audience, audio podcasts have a much better chance of getting discovered. I mean, who wouldn’t want 564 listeners to hunt down their content instead of just 38 viewers? So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and let’s get into the absurdity of the podcasting landscape—because why not?

We are talking about put video (actual video not a static image).

For this discussion, a podcast is audio (even though it can be video).

• Podcasts on YouTube? Yeah, it's a thing, but don't kid yourself into thinking it's the only way.
• The audio side of podcasting has way more potential listeners than video. Like, a LOT more.
• If you want to grow your podcast, focus on audio first—it's cheaper and has less competition.
• Joe Rogan and Mr. Beast didn't just pop up overnight; they hustled for years before their success.
• Most folks prefer to listen rather than watch, so give the people what they want—audio content!
• YouTube's algorithm can help, but if you want real connections, audio is where it's at.
• If you have the time, budget and desire - by all means BE ON YouTube!

How to Podcast Like Joe Rogan video.

Samson Q2u Microphone

Audio Tecnica ATR2100 USB Mic

Zoom Podtrac P4

Sonzy ZV-E10 II DSLR Camera

Mentioned in this episode:

Check Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes Content

In each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what is happening in the podcasting space, my latest content, and things that have caught my eye. I also may ask for your opinion. Join the free community

Podcasting Observations

Question of the Month: Where Do You Get Ideas For Your Podcast?

I saw this in a Facebook Group and thought it would be a question for all of us to chime in on. "What do you use... "How do you ... ...come up with ideas for your podcast? I need your answer by 4/25/25 Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question

Question of the Month

Worry Free Podcasting

Are you ready to take your podcasting dreams to the next level? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. With over 19 years of experience, I’ve helped countless individuals plan, launch, grow, and monetize their podcasts the right way. My comprehensive courses cover everything from content creation to tackling technology, ensuring you sound professional and confident. Join our supportive community of podcasters, access weekly group coaching, and receive unlimited one-on-one consulting. Don't let fear hold you back. With my 30-day money-back guarantee, you can start your podcasting journey risk-free. Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/join and be on your way to podcast success.

School of Podcasting