Why Everyone's Building Communities Around Their Video Shows (And You Should Too)
- Brian Kelsey

- Aug 5, 2025
- 2 min read
The biggest mistake I see creators make? They think their show is just about the content. I was scrolling through the latest industry reports this week, and one stat stopped me cold: The most successful shows are building worlds around their content - embracing community, culture, and shared values as growth drivers. Not better guests, not fancier equipment, not even better content. Community. Why This Changes EverythingHere's what's actually happening in 2025. 81% of viewers say they prefer watching video podcasts on YouTube over other platforms, and video podcast channels on YouTube with over 10k subscribers grew by 33% in the last year. But here's the kicker - it's not just about putting a camera on your podcast anymore. Personality-led shows are the key for building audience engagement and sustained growth based on our audience analysis of the top 150 podcasts. Your personality isn't just what makes your show different - it's what builds your tribe. The Community-First Strategy That's WorkingThe creators who are winning right now aren't just making content. They're building movements. Here's what they're doing: They're thinking beyond the episode. Those that use both long and short-form content have the best chance of maximizing growth. One long-form video becomes 5 YouTube Shorts, 10 Instagram posts, and 3 newsletter topics. They're making it personal. 44% of video podcast viewers say they trust creators more when they see them on video, compared to 26% of audio-only listeners. When people see your face, hear your voice, and watch your reactions, they're not just consuming content - they're connecting with you. They're creating multiple touchpoints. Newsletters offer creators the opportunity to have a direct link to each member of their community. Your show becomes the hub, but your community lives everywhere. How? With community based platforms like Facebook pages and Skool. If you haven't heard of Skool, check out my free Skool community and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. What This Means for YouAlthough video requires more effort, it can significantly boost growth, engagement, and monetization. The effort isn't in the equipment - it's in the strategy. Your audience wants to feel like they're part of something bigger than just watching another video. They want to be part of your world. Here's Your Next MoveStop thinking about your show as just content. Start thinking about it as the center of your community. A lot of people get hung up on the technical side. They spend months figuring out cameras, lighting, and editing instead of focusing on what actually matters: building that connection with their audience. That's exactly why I created a bunch of different resources to help you out, no matter what your budget. Get the scoop HERE, or just reach out with any questions. |