Recently, YouTube officially launched the weekly Top 100 podcast rankings , which not only means that YouTube is accelerating the layout of the podcast ecosystem, but also officially declares war on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
YouTube podcast rankings: updated weekly, ranked by viewing time
YouTube officially announced that the Top 100 podcast rankings (US only) will be updated every Wednesday , ranked according to"watching time". This means:
The competitiveness of pure audio content has weakened, and video podcasts have become the main force on the list;
Podcasts with high interaction rates and high stickiness are more likely to rank high;
The length of the program does not need to be overly controlled, and "retention rate" becomes the key indicator.
Current hot list Top 3:
1 The Joe Rogan Experience
2 Kill Tony
Recently, YouTube officially launched the weekly Top 100 podcast rankings , which not only means that YouTube is accelerating the layout of the podcast ecosystem, but also officially declares war on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
YouTube podcast rankings: updated weekly, ranked by viewing time
YouTube officially announced that the Top 100 podcast rankings (US only) will be updated every Wednesday , ranked according to"watching time". This means:
The competitiveness of pure audio content has weakened, and video podcasts have become the main force on the list;
Podcasts with high interaction rates and high stickiness are more likely to rank high;
The length of the program does not need to be overly controlled, and "retention rate" becomes the key indicator.
Current hot list Top 3:
1 The Joe Rogan Experience
2 Kill Tony
3 Rotten Mango
Why YouTube's podcast charts are worth paying attention to?
The platform has huge traffic : podcast content on YouTube has more than 1 billion active views per month.
Leading Traditional Platforms : According to Edison Research, YouTube has become the most commonly used podcast listening platform for users in the United States, surpassing Spotify and Apple.
The trend of video podcasts is obvious : video + podcast has become the mainstream combination, and leading channels such as MeidasTouch have more than 350 million video views per month.
YouTube is no longer just a place to "move" audio content, but a new battlefield for podcast brand building and traffic monetization.
How to make your podcast content appear on YouTube's popular list?
Below is a practical operation guide, from "content" to "operation", to teach you how to open up the YouTube traffic path.
1. Prepare video podcast materials
Even if your podcast is primarily audio, it is recommended to:
Add character shots, dialogue scenes, dynamic subtitles or AI avatars;
Create visual covers and chapter cutouts to increase audience stay time;
Maintain video length: 20-60 minutes is the optimal viewing time range.
2. Create a Podcast Show
YouTube provides a dedicated podcast section entrance to ensure that you:
Add all episodes to a "Podcast Playlist";
Select the "This is a podcast" option when uploading;
Use a clear title + episode number, for example:
A deep analysis of the reasons for Joe Rogan's sudden popularity.
What are the commonalities of popular podcasts?
3. SEO optimized titles and descriptions
Contains keywords: "Podcast", "Joe Rogan", "Interview", "Hot Topics"
Add timestamp and chapter index
Use YouTube tags to increase exposure
4. Dual-platform strategy: Don't just rely on YouTube
Even though YouTube is currently performing well, it is still recommended to publish to:
Spotify (especially for mobile listening)
Apple Podcasts (for iOS users)
Substack, Patreon (deep user + monetization channel)
Quick Start: Basic Process of Uploading Podcasts to YouTube
1. Preparation: Record a video podcast and ensure clear picture and sound quality.
2. Log in to YouTube Studio, upload your video and set it as "Podcast Type".
3. Add detailed title, description, keywords, and create a "Podcast Playlist".
4. Check data performance after release and continue to optimize.
Case Inspiration: MeidasTouch's Growth Secret
The channel has nearly 5 million subscribers and 350 million views per month
It's not just about "uploading content", it's about operating YouTube as a video media brand
Build a clear column structure, visual unity and content tone in the channel to create a "TV station" experience
You don't need a million subscribers to start, but you must have a channel mindset.
How to check the rankings?
Currently, the rankings page is only accessible to users in the United States, but you can check whether you are potentially on the list by:
Observe the "Watch Time" trend in YouTube Studio ;
Use a VPN to access the US YouTube Podcast Chart page (or a third-party chart tracking website);
Compare the content rhythm and editing style of the top 20 programs on the list .
Conclusion
YouTube has officially launched its podcast chart, indicating that the platform is providing greater exposure access for high-quality podcast content.
If you are a podcast creator, now is the best time to build a YouTube channel.
If you are a content entrepreneur, the combination of podcast + video is one of the tracks with the greatest growth potential.
Which platform do you currently publish your podcast on? Have you considered syncing to YouTube?
