The world of comedy is evolving faster than a comeback to a heckler, and simply owning the stage isn’t always enough. To truly thrive, comedians need to embrace the power of online content. Comedy podcasts and comedy videos offer incredible opportunities to connect with a wider audience, showcase your unique comedic talent, and build a lasting career. Let’s dive into how you can leverage these mediums like a seasoned pro, (even if you still feel like a newbie).
The power of comedy podcasts
Certainly, comedy podcasts have exploded in popularity, becoming a staple for entertainment and information. For comedians, they’re a goldmine. Imagine having a regular platform to riff, interview, or just be plain hilarious, all without the constraints of a club’s set time. Even that grumpy badger in the corner could host his own show (though, admittedly, it would be mostly grumbling and his collection of novelty hats just wouldn’t cut it).
- Building a loyal audience:
Without doubt, podcasts can foster a sense of intimacy. Listeners tune in regularly, feeling like they’re part of an exclusive club. Significantly, this loyalty can translate to ticket sales, merchandise purchases, and long-term support. It’s most important to talk to your audience as friends; don’t be aloof. - Showcasing your versatility:
Comedy podcasts allow you to explore different comedic styles. You can tell long-form stories, improvise with guests, or delve into niche humour that might not fit into a tight five-minute set. - Networking and collaboration:
Podcasts are a fantastic way to connect with other comedians, writers, and industry professionals. These collaborations can open doors to new opportunities and expand your creative network.
Creating golden comedy podcasts gold
So, you’re ready to unleash your inner podcast host? Here’s how to make your comedy podcasts shine:
- Find your niche:
What makes your comedic voice unique? Whether it’s absurd observations, witty social commentary, or deep dives into obscure hobbies, a strong niche will attract a dedicated audience. - Invest in quality sound:
Undoubtedly, nobody wants to listen to a podcast that sounds like it was recorded in a tin can. Good microphones, soundproofing, and editing are essential for a professional listening experience. - Be consistent:
Regular uploads are key to keeping your audience engaged. Whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, stick to a schedule. - Promote, promote, promote:
Share your podcast on social media, your website, and any other platform you can think of. Engage with your listeners and build a community. Refer to Social media for comedians, and Social media gold: How comedians can use social media to boost their career (see the Further reading section) for more information.
The visual punch of comedy videos
While podcasts tickle the ears, comedy videos deliver the visual punch. From stand-up clips to web series, videos offer a dynamic way to showcase your comedic talent and reach a global audience. Significantly, even a grumpy badger might crack a smile at the right sketch.
- Expanding your reach:
Platforms like YouTube have billions of users. Viral videos can catapult your career to new heights, exposing your comedy to people who might never set foot in a comedy club. - Creating shareable content:
Short, punchy videos are perfect for social media. They’re easy to share, increasing your visibility and attracting new fans. - Demonstrating your versatility:
Comedy videos allow you to go beyond stand-up. You can create characters, act in sketches, or experiment with different formats.
Producing killer comedy videos
Ready to roll camera? Here’s how to create comedy videos that will have audiences hitting that subscribe button:
- Focus on quality:
While you don’t need a Hollywood budget, good lighting, sound, and editing are crucial. Nobody wants to watch a blurry, poorly lit video. - Keep it concise:
In the age of short attention spans, shorter videos tend to perform better. Get to the punchline quickly and leave them wanting more. If it’s short and catchy, your audience will click the next video, which will show engagement and improve time on site scores for SEO rankings. - Engage with your audience:
Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and build a community around your videos. - Optimise for search:
Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to help people find your videos. Think “hilarious stand-up”, “best comedy sketches”, or “outrageous impressions”.
To host or not to host: that is the streaming question
So, you’ve created your amazing comedy podcast and side-splitting comedy videos. Now, where should you share them with the world? Should you host everything on your website, or leverage platforms like podcast directories and YouTube? Let’s weigh the options:
Hosting your comedy podcasts on podcast platforms and YouTube
Advantages
- Increased discoverability: Platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube have massive built-in audiences. This significantly increases the chances of people finding your content.
- Easy sharing: These platforms make it simple for listeners and viewers to share your content on social media, expanding your reach.
- Analytics and insights: You’ll get valuable data on your audience, such as demographics, listening habits, and video performance, helping you refine your content strategy.
Disadvantages
- Less control: You’re subject to the platform’s rules and algorithms, which can change without notice.
- Competition: You’re competing with millions of other creators for attention.
- Limited branding: It can be harder to establish your own brand identity when you’re on someone else’s platform.
Hosting your comedy podcasts on your website
Advantages:
- Full control: You have complete control over the presentation, branding, and user experience.
- Direct audience connection: You can build a stronger relationship with your fans by encouraging them to visit your website and sign up for your mailing list.
- Monetisation opportunities: You have more flexibility in monetising your content through ads, subscriptions, or merchandise sales. Refer to Spotlight on Success: How a professional website can enhance a comedian’s career (see the Further reading section) for more information.
Disadvantages:
- Lower discoverability: It’s harder to attract new listeners and viewers compared to established platforms.
- Technical challenges: You’ll need to handle hosting, streaming, and website maintenance, which can be technically demanding (equally, you can get help from Redcentaur).
- Marketing effort: You’ll need to invest significant time and effort in driving traffic to your website.
The better option: A hybrid approach
The best strategy is often a hybrid approach. Use podcast platforms and YouTube to maximise discoverability and reach a wider audience, but also host your content on your website to maintain control, build your brand, and foster a deeper connection with your fans. While your videos are hosted on YouTube, you can stream them from your website. So, when you advertise your new video on your socials, make the link to the stream on your website. That way, you drive traffic to your website and give it the SEO booster pack instead of YouTube (they don’t need your link juice). Meanwhile, you still benefit from the casual discoverability of your content on YouTube, and a link in your profile there to your website would pull visitors back to your site again. Think of it as casting a wide net while having a home base to nurture your most dedicated supporters.
To summarise, by strategically leveraging comedy podcasts and comedy videos, you can expand your online content, boost your comedian promotion efforts, and take your career beyond the stage. So, grab your mic, set up your camera, and get ready to share your comedy genius with the world! Just try to keep the grumpy badgers of the world entertained, too. Anyone got a party hat…?
Further reading
Spotlight on success: How a professional website can enhance a comedian’s career
Social media gold: Using social media for comedy promotion
Redcentaur’ content management strategy service
About the author…
Glenn has been a web developer and graphic designer since the early 1990s. He has followed the development of HTML, JavaScript and CSS from the beginning and has caught on to newer technologies, such as PHP.
Never resting, Glenn tries to keep abreast of new developments in his areas of expertise and is always keen to pass on his knowledge to help the web and graphic design community to improve user experience.
Glenn set up Redcentaur to offer easy access to the internet for small businesses and individuals, without the cloud of mysticism that surrounds internet technology. The stated objective of Redcentaur is to demystify the web for the uninitiated by offering easy-to-use, end-to-end web solutions and hosting at accessible prices.
