YouTube Comments Beat Podcasts

Shaan Puri and Sam Parr discuss their evolving strategy with YouTube, highlighting their transition from primarily podcast-focused content to embracing YouTube's unique engagement opportunities.

Key Points:

• Shift in Content Performance:

  • Videos now getting 20-30,000 views per episode
  • Moved beyond "pathetic range" of 3,000 views
  • No longer need to disclaimer that "podcast is bigger"

• YouTube Comment Engagement:

  • Reading and replying to every comment
  • Exclusively focusing on YouTube comments over emails or Twitter
  • Finding the comment section "interesting" despite challenges

• Platform Challenges:

  • Dealing with scammer accounts pretending to be them
  • Fake accounts using emoji letters to mimic their brand
  • Common scam pattern of fake testimonials about trading/crypto success
  • Top comments often infiltrated by coordinated scam responses

• Content Evolution Requirements:

  • Need to develop distinct visual branding
  • Sam suggests getting a signature look or jacket
  • Shaan actively seeking input on developing his visual identity

• Engagement Strategy:

  • Moving away from email and Twitter communication
  • Focusing exclusively on YouTube comment interaction
  • Finding the platform "so much fun" despite challenges
  • Embracing the growth and engagement opportunities

• Platform Superiority:

  • YouTube becoming their primary engagement platform
  • Comment section providing better interaction than traditional podcast formats
  • Seeing significant growth in viewership and engagement