The feed isn’t “social” anymore—it’s an endless parade of AI-recommended video. So why are we still hoping a 30-second short will magically convert strangers into hour-long listeners? We pull back the curtain on what the platforms actually reward, why shorts are best used for brand awareness, and the specific moves that help listeners cross the bridge to your long-form show.

We talk about the algorithm reality—how little time people spend with actual friends on major platforms—and what that means for podcasters betting on reels to drive growth. From hooks that stop the scroll to chapters that make episodes navigable, we break down a conversion path that respects your audience’s time. We also dig into platform control and fragmentation, from Spotify pushing video to Netflix to creators leaving YouTube, and why owning your domain and a simple “/follow” page reduces friction across the board.

Sponsors:
PodcastBranding.co - They see you before they hear you
Basedonastruestorypodcast.com - Comparing Hollywood with History?

Video Version

Mentioned In This Episode

School of Podcasting
https://www.schoolofpodcasting.com/join

Podpage
http://www.trypodpage.com

Home Gadget Geeks
https://www.homegadgegeeks.com

Podcast Hot Seat
Grow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/store
Your Audience Will Thank You!

Featured Supporter
This week's awesome support is Max Trescot from Aviation News Talk. If you're a pilot (or know one), go over to https://www.aviationnewstalk.com

00:00 Opening
01:12 Podcast Branding.co
2:30 Based on a True Story Podcast
3:26 Have You Followed a Short to a Long?
3:35 Are Reels Killing Social Media’s “Social”
5:09 Adam Curry Reporting on Social
12:45 Shorts Vs Long Form: Conversion Reality
22:20 Platforms, Walled Gardens, And Control
31:25 The Nature Of Fake Online And Truth
40:00 Promo Swaps When Your Numbers Are Small
49:15 Moving Hosts Without Losing Your Feed
54:10 What is OP3.dev?
1:01:43 Awesome Supporters
1:02:27 Join the School of Podcasting
1:02:44 Podcast Hot Seat
1:03:00 Try Podpage
1:03:13 Home Gadget Geeks
1:03:21 Featured Supporter: Max Trascott
1:04:07 Ask Ralph! Thanks for the Help
1:04:39 Become a Supporter Today
1:13:45 Branding, Thumbnails, And First Impressions
1:26:55 Follow Links, Where Listeners Actually Listen