It’s Boring but It works...how to Grow Your Podcast in 2026
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In this episode of 'Growth Triggers,' the host breaks down two practical, often overlooked strategies for growing a podcast in 2026: YouTube advertising and strategic podcast swaps. The first half focuses on YouTube channel optimization—emphasizing a compelling banner, authentic profile image, value-driven channel name, high-impact video selection, and strategic playlists—to ensure ads attract the right audience. The host then walks through setting up targeted YouTube ad campaigns, stressing the importance of excluding TV screens, limiting geographic targeting to high-conversion regions like the US and Canada, and avoiding non-YouTube ad placements. Key metrics like earned subscribers and earned views are highlighted as essential signals of success. The second half shifts to audio platforms, which the host calls 'bad at discovery,' advocating for ad swaps and feed swaps with non-competitive, audience-aligned podcasts. Real case studies show 12,000 new downloads and 300+ subscribers from just a few swaps. The episode concludes with a full growth system combining YouTube ads, retargeting, and regular podcast swaps—positioned as boring but highly effective for long-term growth.
Optimize your YouTube channel homepage with a clear value proposition, credible social proof, and a human profile image before running ads.
Use YouTube ad campaigns with strict targeting (US/Canada only), exclude TV screens, and focus on video view or subscriber campaigns to attract high-quality subscribers.
Track earned subscribers and earned views in Google Ads to measure real audience engagement and avoid wasted ad spend.
Grow your audio podcast through feed swaps or ad swaps with non-competitive shows serving the same audience, creating consistent exposure and new subscriber acquisition.
Build a repeatable growth system by combining YouTube ads, retargeting, and monthly podcast swaps for sustainable, long-term growth.
The Two Key Platforms for Podcast Growth in 2026
The host introduces the two essential platforms for podcast growth in 2026: YouTube and audio-first platforms. He emphasizes that treating both platforms the same leads to invisibility on YouTube, setting up the need for tailored strategies.
YouTube Channel Optimization: The Foundation Before Ads
“If you send them to a page that's just not optimized, you're just wasting money. You're pissing money down the drain.”
Running Effective YouTube Ads: Targeting & Setup
The host details how to set up YouTube ad campaigns with proper targeting (US/Canada only), excluding TV screens and non-YouTube placements, and using high-performing long-form and short-form videos as creative assets.
Tracking the Right Metrics: Earned Subscribers & Views
“If they're not showing up, these are not, you're not getting numbers or good numbers on these metrics. Then you're going to want to rethink the campaign.”
Why Audio Platforms Suck at Discovery & How to Fix It
“Spotify is getting better, but Apple and Spotify and other podcast apps suck at discovery, meaning it's hard for you to get found.”
“The main benefit is that you're getting impressions and you're getting in front of a new audience. Just like if you were to pay for an ad on Facebook, you are renting their audience.”
“If you send them to a page that's just not optimized, you're just wasting money. You're pissing money down the drain.”
“Spotify is getting better, but Apple and Spotify and other podcast apps suck at discovery, meaning it's hard for you to get found.”
Host
YouTube
other
Apple Podcasts
other
Spotify
other
Google Ads
other
PodScan FM
other
History Daily
media
Daniel Priestley
person
PodScribe
other
Chartable
other
Rafonic
other
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