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Welcome to Day 23

Here’s a Spotify playlist featuring podcasts from participants in our 30-Day Podcast Challenge. Want yours included? Reply with your Spotify link.

Today’s email is a collaboration with Kegan Zema. Kegan is a producer specializing in both talent-led and brand-focused video and audio podcasts. He’s worked for top networks like Lemonada Media, Gimlet/Spotify, and WNYC Studios. He writes Making Podcasts.

Today's Idea

On YouTube, nothing is more important to the success of a show than that crucial first impression.

You’ve already worked on optimizing your title and cover art. Now, “confirm the click” and keep your audience hooked.

For your next episode, consider using a cold open with a supercut of the interview’s most intriguing, hilarious, or controversial moments. You can think of it as a trailer for the episode. Bonus points if it ends on a cliffhanger.

Suggestions for Implementation

Just getting started on YouTube? Explore user-friendly resources and tutorials within YouTube, including how to create your channel, start uploading videos, and monetize your content. Check out their Creators page for more.
Deliver on the title/thumbnail’s promise quickly.
Open with the episode’s most engaging clips.
Use motion graphics, animations, and branded text.
Strive for 60-90 seconds of fast-paced, emotionally charged content before the interview. More on that here.
Explore how each of these video podcasts handle the cold open quite differently:
- Friends Keep Secrets: A fun recurring intro (30s), guest arrival (30s), supercut of the wildest moments (30s)
- Diary of a CEO: First 90 seconds offer practical takeaways and lessons that encourage the viewer to stick around. Heavy use of graphics and text.