Adding YouTube to your podcasting game? Well, grab a seat because Thomas Umstadt Jr. is here to share what works and what doesn't. We’re talking about the nitty-gritty of taking your audio-only podcast and slapping it onto the video platform that everyone and their grandma seems to be on. Thomas recounts his journey from simple audiograms to full-blown video episodes, sharing the highs and lows of his transition. Spoiler alert: it turns out that just tossing your podcast audio onto YouTube won’t cut it. You need to think about titles and thumbnails—yes, those flashy little images that scream ‘click me!’ As he explains, those are your first impressions; if they’re not catchy, your content might as well be invisible. He dives into the technicalities too, discussing everything from gear and lighting to the importance of having a good backdrop (hello, bookshelves!). Plus, he shares some gold nuggets about audience demographics that might just make you rethink how you approach your content. So whether you’re on the fence about YouTube or just curious about what the fuss is all about, this episode is packed with insights that might just give your podcast the boost it needs. Mentioned In This EpisodeNovel Marketing.com (Thomas's website and podcast)Author Update ShowTube Buddy (YouTube tool that coaches you)VidIQ (another tool to help you with YouTube)Elgato PrompterPikzel YouTube Thumbnail Maker1 of 10 YouTube Thumbnail MakerCaptivate and Buzzsprout Media Hosts with Dynamic Content CapabilitiesSchool of Podcasting - Plan, launch, and grow your podcastTakeaways: Adding YouTube to your podcast can significantly boost audience engagement and visibility. Titles and thumbnails are crucial for YouTube success, unlike in traditional podcasting. The first 30 seconds of your video need to grab attention or viewers will bounce. Using your phone as a camera can yield better results than expensive gear for video. A strong opening is key for YouTube; don't dilly-dally with long intros like in podcasts. Experimenting with different content formats can lead to surprising audience growth on YouTube. Did you get value from this show? You can give some of the value back and say thanks.Mentioned in this episode:Live AppearancesI would love to see you! You can see where I'm going to be using the link below. If you would like me to speak at your offline or online event, contact me at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/contactWhere Will I Be?What is Your Favorite Podcast and Why? If you could only listen to one show, what would it be, where can we find it, and WHY is it your favorite show? Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and where we can find it. I need your answer by December 26th, 2025Question of the MonthYou Have A Message That Needs to Be HeardYou have a message that needs to be shared. Discover the art of podcasting at the School of Podcasting. We teach you to shine a light on your stories, inspiring others one episode at a time. Let your voice be your legacy. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/joinSchool of Podcasting