100 Days of YouTube, 100 Podcast Listeners, and Why Both Matter (with Craig Hewitt)

100 Days of YouTube, 100 Podcast Listeners, and Why Both Matter (with Craig Hewitt)

Author: Alitu via The Podcast Host November 24, 2025 Duration: 49:49

In this conversation, Colin sits down with Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, to discuss the shifting landscape of content creation. Fresh off completing a 100 Days of YouTube challenge, Craig shares why he chose video over podcasting during that time, what he learned about platform growth, and the powerful truths about podcast numbers versus engagement (where podcasting still shines!)

They explore the convergence of audio, video, and email platforms, the challenges of monetization in podcasting, how AI is reshaping content workflows (without replacing creators), and why a few hundred engaged podcast listeners might be more valuable than 100,000 YouTube views.

Guest

Craig Hewitt - Founder of Castos, a podcast hosting platform. Recently completed 100 Days of AI on YouTube, growing from 250 to 11,000 subscribers. Find him at Castos.com or search "Craig Hewitt" on YouTube.

Chapter Markers

[00:00] Introduction & Catching Up

[02:15] Has Podcasting Changed More in the Last Year?

[05:30] What is Podcasting in 3-5 Years?

[08:45] Craig's 100 Days of YouTube (And No Podcasting)

[12:20] The Convergence of Content Platforms

[16:00] Product Development: When to Expand vs Focus

[20:45] Spotify as a Video Platform

[25:30] Exclusive APIs and Platform Access

[30:15] What Really Matters in Podcast Software

[35:00] The Monetization Challenge

[42:30] AI in Content Creation

[48:00] Building AI-First Products

[52:15] Craig's AI Learnings from 100 Days

[56:45] Growing on YouTube: Concept is Everything

[62:00] The 800 vs 11,000 Paradox

[66:30] Small Audiences, Big Revenue

Key Takeaways

  • Platform choice matters: Optimize content for one channel rather than trying to make everything work everywhere
  • Engagement beats reach: A few hundred loyal podcast listeners can be more valuable than 100K YouTube views for certain business models
  • AI is a tool, not a replacement: It amplifies human capability but requires strategic implementation
  • Concept is king on YouTube: Title, thumbnail, and mass appeal trump production quality
  • Podcasting works best for: Coaches, consultants, and anyone with high-ticket offerings and existing audiences
  • The industry irony: Even podcast hosting companies prioritize YouTube and blogs over their own podcasts

Links & Resources

Notable Quotes

"For certain types of people in certain situations, a podcast is by far the most valuable kind of marketing real estate they can have. The rub is that's not everyone or even most people." - Craig Hewitt

"If you have 1,000 podcast listeners, you might convert 500 of them, but if you have 10,000 YouTube watchers, you might still only convert 500 of them." - Colin Gray

Subscribe to PodCraft for more conversations about running a successful podcast in today's evolving content landscape.


If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the technical side of starting a show or wondered how to turn your passion into a sustainable project, PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting is made for you. Hosts Colin and Matthew, with their three decades of shared experience, act as practical guides through the entire process. They move beyond theory, offering actionable advice you can use immediately. You'll hear detailed discussions on specific skills, from something as fundamental as selecting your first microphone to more advanced strategies like leveraging live events for community growth. The conversation also tackles the business and marketing realities, exploring how to effectively expand your audience and create revenue from your work. What sets this podcast apart is its balance of deep-dive tutorials on single topics and illuminating interviews with creators who share their own real-world successes and lessons learned. It’s a resource that recognises podcasting as both a creative outlet and a serious venture, providing the grounded, no-fluff guidance needed to refine your sound and build something that lasts. Tune in weekly for a dose of clarity and direction for your own audio journey.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting
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