Podcasting on YouTube is its own ecosystem, and the creators at the top share a surprising set of patterns. We’ve analyzed 16 of the most popular YouTube podcasts today across lifestyle, commentary, comedy, business, and others, to understand why they dominate and what their formats reveal about where the platform is heading. So, let’s dive into the heavy hitters.
We’ve already talked about how to start a podcast with some examples, but how about looking into all of the top-tier podcast creators, what makes them popular, and what could be borrowed for your own content?
1. Baking a Mystery/Rotten Mango (Stephanie Soo)
Category: True crime
Now, Stephanie Soo has plenty of podcasts across several channels. Some involve mukbangs, while others discuss serious and rather sensitive topics. Her ‘Rotten Mango’ podcast, in particular, is a masterclass on how to sell story as a product.
It’s in the ‘how’ she talks about these stories. She makes them interesting by re-telling them like you’re having a conversation with your friend. It keeps the viewers engaged for 40, 60, and even 90 minutes. Her stats speak for themselves (keep in mind that it’s only an approximation, not real facts).
Her success is in:
- How she structures and re-tells the stories. The narrative tension.
- The respect she shows to the real case victims (because, remember, true crime talks about real cases that have happened).
- The charity she often participates in to support survivors and victims of real-life crimes.
She proves that “YouTube podcast” doesn’t mean “two people talking.” It means “long-form content people binge.” Her metadata is always interesting to look at. It drives attention. Her background and little inserts of stock footage are, as well, drawing attention. For example:
Notice how she structures her intro? She tells it from a second-person perspective as if ‘you’, the viewer, were there. This piques the interest, especially in a true crime niche.
2. Impaulsive (Logan Paul)
Category: Comedy + celebrity interviews
Logan Paul is known for his controversies, and previously, his entire content was more geared towards a teenage and pre-teen audience. The Impaulsive podcast, on the other hand, discusses deeper (adult) topics with popular people. At one point, Logan Paul had even invited Trump there, which is bound to attract attention.
His podcast is pure entertainment, and the approximate stats speak for themselves:
The podcast works because:
- Episodes feel chaotic, but everything is scripted.
- Guests are major cultural figures.
- Logan, Mike, and George (and now guests rotating through the dynamic) create genuine tension.
Here, we have an example of a podcast where it’s more than 2 people talking. However, each of them gets enough talking, attention, and ‘screentime’. For example:
People watch Logan Paul’s podcast because it feels like stepping into the center of internet culture. Notice how he frames the previews? It’s like a short look into what it's going to be about that doesn’t answer any questions, just piques interest.
3. Critical Role
Category: Entertainment (D&D)
Now, let’s talk about the podcasts without controversies attached to their niche. Critical Role has a bunch of podcasts, each episode (usually) 2-3+ hours long. How do they keep the engagement of the viewer during those episodes? The simple answer is: they tell stories in a very unique way.
Here’s their approximate stats:
This podcast works because:
- Each episode tells a story like you’re listening to fairy tales.
- Each ‘character’ uses their character voice.
- Funny (and clippable) out-of-character moments (OOC).
- These podcasts are usually ‘improv’.
The usual ‘leads,’ aka Dungeon Masters (DMs), engage you in listening to it by creating character voices, weaving stories that the other hosts react to. As an example:
This podcast attracts attention from the first moment, because you are already engaged in the story and slowly start to care for its characters. It’s an impressive quality that many D&D-type podcasts possess.
4. The Colin and Samir Show
Category: YouTube industry
Now, let’s talk about creators who’ve made it their life’s mission to explain the creator economy respectfully. Colin and Samir, creators of The Colin & Samir Show, delve deep into YouTube, how it works, its tricks, and hacks. There is a lot of interesting material to go through, both for beginners and seasoned creators.
Here are their approximate stats:
Their advantage:
- They interview creators as if they’re entrepreneurs.
- Episodes are structured like documentaries.
- Highly packaged, high-retention intros.
They essentially created the “NPR of YouTube,” and the platform rewards them for that clarity. See how they’ve structured their episode with another popular YouTuber:
Again, they structure their intros in a way that makes the viewer see what the podcast is going to be about within the first 30 seconds. The questions are memorable, the imagery is colorful and captivating, so the viewer subconsciously wants to stay and see more.
5. The Joe Rogan Experience
Category: Long-form interviews
The full episodes live on Spotify, but Rogan’s show still dominates the YouTube scene. Why? Well, mainly because of the controversies, and very meme-able cut clips. They’ve made the main accent specifically on the memes and younger audiences. Their approximate stats speak for themselves, in this case:
Their podcasts work so well because:
- Clips are endlessly shareable.
- Topics cover everything from science to controversy.
- He books guests nobody else can book.
The fan favorite ‘Elon Musk smoking’ meme came from this podcast. That’s why it’s peak entertainment for some people. See how they structure their episode with a famous public figure, John Cena:
This podcast remains a case study in how a clips channel alone can pull millions of views.
6. The Legends of Avantris
Category: Entertainment (D&D)
Let’s mention another D&D giant that became popular because of the short animated clips on their Shorts and TikTok. The Legends of Avantris is a pure entertainment channel with a bunch of podcasts, featuring different games. Each episode is around 2-3 hours long. But the main attraction is that the vibes there are more relaxed and casual. There are way more jokes, and many of them are equally as silly as the ones you might exchange with your friends.
Saying that, take a look at their approximate stats:
Their podcasts work so well because:
- They have implemented the strategy of animated short clips that show the best moments of their stories.
- Home-y ‘friendly’ vibes.
- The jokes from the Shorts turn into memes that drive even more attention from younger audiences.
Torbek, Chuckles, Bitsy, and many more characters that turned into funny memes came from this podcast. Their charm is undeniable, but they similarly structure their episodes to other D&D podcasts, which is why our advice is this: even if your niche is crowded, find something that will help you stand out and attract the attention of the viewer. Watch closely:
Even during their episode, many funny, silly jokes are their main selling point.
7. H3 Podcast
Category: Commentary + comedy
H3 podcast has something special going on for them: a fanbase that watches every episode. How did they achieve that? Well, it has something to do with the entertaining and opinionated personality of the host. Moreover, the guests of his show are usually very entertaining people in their spheres.
Let’s take a look at the stats (approximate):
Their format creates:
- Massive watch time
- Extremely loyal returning viewers
- A constant stream of memeable moments
And that’s the point. If your podcast is funny enough and clippable enough, you will find success if you capitalize on it. Ethan’s podcast with Trisha Paytas is iconic enough in itself, solely because of the memes. Take a look:
This podcast is responsible for creating trends.
8. Flagrant (Andrew Schulz)
Category: Comedy + interviews
Flagrant podcast succeeds by offering something increasingly rare on YouTube, or on other social media platforms, and that is: no-filter conversations. This is why they’re so popular. Let’s take a look at the numbers:
Their strength lies in:
- Off-the-cuff comedic timing.
- Premium-level production.
- Bold opinions that create watch-time spikes.
Their show is highly controversial sometimes, which is their main appeal. However, being controversial on YouTube is a risky move that not everyone should take (especially if you aren’t morally prepared for the drama). Example:
The show lives comfortably between mainstream comedy and internet-native energy.
9. Diary of a CEO (Steven Bartlett)
Category: Entrepreneurial insights
This is another example of a podcast that found success in education and, somewhat, controversies. Diary of a CEO is entertaining to watch mainly because of the guests he invites to the show and the things discussed there. Take a look at his success:
Steven Bartlett built a podcast empire by:
- Treating interviews like therapy sessions, where every single time you learn something new about the world and about yourself.
- Keeping production minimalist and polished.
- Publishing clickable titles like: “How I Rebuilt My Life After Losing Everything.”
His show has a lot of educational content. There are warnings, there are politics, and there are experts as his guests. Take a look:
What he sells is education in a very entertaining format.
10. The Rich Roll Podcast
Category: Health + wellness + spirituality
The Rich Roll Podcast has quietly become one of the most respected shows in the wellness and self-improvement space. Hosted by Rich Roll, a former swimmer turned plant-based ultra-athlete, the show dives deep into personal growth, sustainable living, and mental and physical well-being.
Let’s take a look at their approximate stats:
Their podcast works so well because:
- Thoughtful and open-minded conversations with random guests from top athletes to wellness experts.
- Many episodes are focused on people who have undergone significant life transformations.
- Appeals to a wide range of viewers.
The structure of the episodes is smooth, with Rich always diving into the personal lives and philosophies of his guests. For example, in his episode with Dr. Michael Greger, a renowned nutrition expert, the discussion revolved around the transformative effects of a plant-based diet. Take a look:
The show masterfully blends personal stories with expert advice, making it both inspirational and practical.
11. Good Mythical Morning (GMM)
Category: Entertainment + comedy
Good Mythical Morning (GMM), hosted by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, has become a staple in the YouTube entertainment space. This dynamic duo has built a show that feels like an invitation into their living room, where every episode is filled with humor, challenges, and a healthy dose of quirky curiosity. GMM is one of the longest-running and most beloved YouTube talk shows, known for its light-hearted yet wildly creative content.
Let’s take a look at their approximate stats:
Their podcast works so well because:
- They implement unique challenges and games.
- Co-hosts have unmatched chemistry with one another.
- While comedy is the main theme, GMM often blends in other things that make their show appeal to a wide audience.
The structure of each episode is simple, but effective. It starts with the duo’s banter before launching into whatever challenge or discussion they’ve planned for the day. For example, their popular "Will It?" series has spanned a variety of topics, from food (Will It Pizza?) to more absurd items (Will It Smoothie?). Take a look:
GMM has created a space where every day feels like a brand-new adventure with your two best friends.
12. The Basement Yard
Category: Comedy + pop culture
The Basement Yard Podcast, hosted by Joe Santagato and Danny LoPriore, is a comedic deep dive into life, pop culture, and everything in between. With its easygoing vibe and hilarious banter, The Basement Yard is a show that feels like sitting on the couch with your funniest friends, just talking about whatever comes to mind.
Let’s take a look at how their approximate stats look:
Their podcast works so well because of:
- Unfiltered, off-the-cuff humor.
- Relatable life stories, where they delve into everything.
- Pop culture takes, where the duo often discusses current trends and events.
Each episode of The Basement Yard starts with Joe and Danny diving into a funny or absurd topic, which quickly spirals into hilarious tangents. Their conversations often start with simple questions or news stories but quickly evolve into wild discussions filled with jokes, deadpan commentary, and plenty of laughter. Let’s take a look:
The Basement Yard has something for everyone who loves humor with a dash of real-life insight.
13. Hot Ones
Category: Celebrity interviews + challenge format
First We Feast is the channel that produces The Hot Ones Podcast, hosted by Sean Evans, which has quickly become one of the most unique and entertaining shows on YouTube. How? Well, it’s celebrity interviews where they consume large amounts of extremely spicy wings while keeping the conversation going.
Let’s see their popularity stats:
Their podcast works so well because:
- There are a lot of top-tier celebrities involved in eating insanely hot wings.
- Sean Evans is known for his in-depth research and asking tough, thought-provoking questions.
- Watching celebrities struggle through the heat makes the show that much more entertaining.
Each episode of Hot Ones unfolds as a mix of laughter, sweat, and insightful conversation. The format is simple: guests sit down, face a table of wings, and work their way through a series of progressively hotter sauces. As the heat builds, so does the intensity of the conversation. Check out the example:
The show’s unique format, coupled with its engaging questions and the memorable reactions to the heat, has turned it into a staple of internet entertainment.
14. Jumpers Jump Podcast
Category: Youth culture + comedy + theories
The Jumpers Jump Podcast has quickly become a favorite among fans. Hosted by Carlos and Gavin, the podcast dives deep into the weird, funny, and often bizarre side of life. Their conversational style feels like eavesdropping on a chat between friends, and it’s this relatability that makes the show so appealing.
Let’s take a look at their approximate stats:
Their podcast works so well because:
- Their stories are personal, and the hosts tell them in a very entertaining way.
- They dive deep into the world of pop culture and internet trends, which is popular among youth.
- Undeniable chemistry between the hosts.
Carlos and Gavin make you think on their podcasts. The topics are never too heavy, but they’re always interesting, and they often leave listeners with something to ponder. Example:
The hosts dig deeper into the topics they discuss, adding their personal perspectives and dissecting trends with witty commentary.
15. StarTalk
Category: Science + Education + Celebrity Interviews
The StarTalk Podcast, hosted by the legendary astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, is the go-to show for those who love to explore the cosmos. What makes StarTalk truly unique is its ability to break down complex scientific concepts into easily digestible content. Let’s take a look at its effectiveness:
Why StarTalk Podcast works so well:
- As a leading scientist and educator, his deep knowledge provides a foundation for each episode.
- Wide range of guests.
- Makes educational content fun.
StarTalk brings together the best of scientific knowledge and entertainment, all while keeping things accessible and engaging. Tyson’s charisma and ability to simplify complex topics have earned StarTalk a dedicated following. Let’s look at the example:
StarTalk invites you to look up at the stars, laugh along the way, and always ask "What’s out there?"
16. The Lex Fridman Podcast
Category: Technology + Philosophy
The Lex Fridman Podcast is a deep dive into the world of technology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and human behavior, hosted by the thoughtful and methodical Lex Fridman, an AI researcher and MIT professor. The host explores some of the most complex topics in science, ethics, and technology, all while offering a human perspective on how these fields intersect with everyday life. Let’s see how successful they are:
Why it works so well:
- Deep topics that are paced slowly, unlike the rapid-fire, high-energy style of so many other podcasts.
- A diverse set of guests.
- The host is calm and introspective.
Its blend of highly intellectual conversations and a calm tone definitely stands out in an era of quick-hit content. It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s ever pondered the big questions or wondered about the future of AI and humanity. Example:
If you’re looking for a podcast that doesn’t rush through topics but rather takes the time to dissect them meaningfully, this one will make you think in ways you never expected.
What the Top Podcasts Have in Common
After studying these 16, we noticed five patterns that serious creators should pay attention to:
- They build their podcasts for later clipping into Short-form content.
- They use tension as a retention strategy. The episodes have structure and move toward something.
- They build a world inside their podcasts, aka inside jokes, recurring guests, running bits, and signature set design.
If you look closely, they’re all playing the same game: tell a story that keeps people watching and keeps them interested enough to come back to the channel tomorrow.
If you’re struggling with audience retention or any other YouTube-related issues, reach out to us!
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