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Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and other platforms can be fantastic ways to discover and grow your podcast. But what happens when they change the rules?

In this episode of One Minute Podcast Tips, I look at why it's important to build a direct relationship with your audience, rather than relying entirely on one platform for discovery, growth or monetization.

Additional reading and listening:

• YouTube Partner Program Updates 2027: New Requirements, Deadlines & Monetization Changes : r/PartneredYoutube
• Spotify threatens industry with ad-skipping tool

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There's been a lot of conversation recently about changes to the big platforms.

Spotify is testing a feature that makes it easier for some listeners to skip

podcast ads, and YouTube is increasing the requirements for new creators who

want to qualify for its partner program.

And while these changes might affect you, there's a bigger lesson here.

Don't build your entire podcast business on someone else's platform.

Because you don't control Spotify, you don't control YouTube,

and you don't control Apple Podcasts, TikTok, Instagram or whatever platform

becomes the next big thing,

because they can change their algorithms, they can change their monetisation

rules and they can change how your content is discovered and there's not a lot you can do about it.

So what can you control? The relationship with your audience.

Give people a reason to visit your website. Offer a newsletter they actually

want to read. Build a community.

Give listeners a way to support your show directly. and make sure people know

where they can find you outside of any one platform.

Because while your podcast might be discovered on YouTube, or Spotify,

or TikTok, you want that discovery to lead to something you actually control.

Now this doesn't mean you should ignore the platforms, absolutely use them.

They're fantastic tools for discovery and growth.

Just don't make one of them the entire foundation of your podcast.

Because while platforms can change the rules overnight, your audience relationship

is something you build over time.

So use the platforms. Take advantage of the opportunities they give you,

but don't forget to build something that exists beyond them.

Because you don't own Spotify, you

don't own YouTube, but you can own the relationship with your audience.

Until the next time, happy podcasting.