Podcasters are rushing to use YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels as their primary growth strategy. But is it the right move from the very beginning? In this episode of Start Grow and Monetise Your Podcast, James Burtt and Alex Chisnall share contrarian advice about why you should not immediately rely on YouTube Shorts when launching your show. They explain why short form clips can build awareness but rarely convert into long form listeners, which is where brand growth, sponsorship, and monetisation opportunities happen.

The conversation covers the balance between short form attention and long form engagement, debates around focusing on audio versus video, and real world examples of creators using short form successfully. If you are serious about growing a podcast that builds authority, attracts sponsors, and drives loyal listenership, this episode will help you decide how and when to use short form content as part of your strategy.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why starting with YouTube Shorts can mislead you about your true audience

• How short form clips differ from long form engagement in terms of sponsorship and brand growth

• Why directing short form attention to full episodes is the most effective approach

• The ongoing debate between audio only and video podcasting strategies

• How to set clear goals for your podcast content before choosing formats

• Real examples of creators who use short form as their business model

• Why knowing your outcome is critical before investing in video or short form

🎙️ Ready to Launch or Level Up Your Podcast?

Check out The Ultimate A-Z Course to Start, Grow & Monetise Your Podcast—a step-by-step programme designed to help you build a podcast that stands out, builds an audience, and drives real revenue. 

👉 Get instant access now at https://yourpodcastcourse.com/ and take your podcast to the next level!

Key Takeaways:

1. Short form content drives attention but does not guarantee long form engagement

2. Sponsors and advertisers care most about consistent long form consumption

3. Do not launch a podcast with Shorts alone, build a library of strong episodes first

4. Short form works best when it points directly to long form episodes

5. Video content is increasingly valuable but must align with your overall outcome

6. A clear strategy is more important than chasing trends

Join the Conversation:

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow podcaster looking to grow their revenue. For more resources and expert advice, explore our latest content and stay connected with us on social media for valuable podcasting insights.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @podschool

• TikTok: @podschool.community

• YouTube: @stargrowmonetiseyourpodcast

• LinkedIn: James Burtt & Alex Chisnall

In this show, we discuss:

YouTube Shorts podcast strategy, podcast growth 2025, short form vs long form podcast, grow your podcast YouTube, podcast monetisation strategies, TikTok for podcasters, Instagram Reels podcast marketing, audio vs video podcast, podcast sponsorship growth, YouTube podcast tips, how to grow a podcast, podcast marketing tips, podcast discoverability, entrepreneurs podcast growth, content creators podcasting