452. The 2026 Podcast Shakeup Creators Can’t Ignore
YouTube says it’s cracking down on AI slop in 2026. At the same time, it’s rolling out more AI tools for creators. So which is it? Today, we share more of YouTube's upcoming shakeups, including tighter standards around low-quality AI content and monetization shifts that could reshape how podcasters get discovered and paid. Is this a clean-up… or a quiet pivot? Since it’s news day, we’re also bringing you the latest headlines across the podcasting space. Rumble is pushing short-form video, and Bill Simmons is questioning YouTube’s long-term strategy. And a new hosting platform is betting big on paywalls over downloads. If you want to stay ahead of platform shifts instead of reacting to them, this episode will get you thinking.
Episode Highlights:
[02:47] Vanderbilt University speaking engagement
[05:27] Preview of an upcoming podcast evaluation
[07:56] Podcast data and industry trends
[08:57] Top podcasts on Spotify and Apple
[10:27] Events and conferences
[12:03] Content creator business tips
[20:10] Hulu enters the podcast licensing race
[27:52] New podcast trends and AI content removal
[29:12] Debate on YouTube’s viability for podcasts
[39:30] YouTube’s 2026 overhaul and built-in AI tools
[45:16] True Fans and the paywall-first hosting model
Links & Resources:
The Podcasting Morning Chat:
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Book A Free Call With Me:
https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycall
Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting
Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation:
Upcoming Evaluation Movies in a Nutshell:
Podnews:
Meetup & Match Up Virtual Event Use Code PMC for Free Admission:
Empowered Podcasting Conference:
http://empoweredpodcasting.com
Big YouTube Shakeups:
https://digiday.com/media/the-rundown-what-youtube-creators-should-expect-to-change-in-2026
Previous Episode Discussing Substack:
www.podpage.com/pmc/354-how-to-get-more-from-spotify-for-creators-with-chris-stone
Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.
Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w
Live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronick
Brought to you by iRonickMedia.com
Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!
--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.com
Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
