452. The 2026 Podcast Shakeup Creators Can’t Ignore

YouTube says it’s cracking down on AI slop in 2026. At the same time, it’s rolling out more AI tools for creators. So which is it? Today, we share more of YouTube's upcoming shakeups, including tighter standards around low-quality AI content and monetization shifts that could reshape how podcasters get discovered and paid. Is this a clean-up… or a quiet pivot? Since it’s news day, we’re also bringing you the latest headlines across the podcasting space. Rumble is pushing short-form video, and Bill Simmons is questioning YouTube’s long-term strategy. And a new hosting platform is betting big on paywalls over downloads. If you want to stay ahead of platform shifts instead of reacting to them, this episode will get you thinking.Episode Highlights: [02:47] Vanderbilt University speaking engagement[05:27] Preview of an upcoming podcast evaluation[07:56] Podcast data and industry trends[08:57] Top podcasts on Spotify and Apple[10:27] Events and conferences[12:03] Content creator business tips[20:10] Hulu enters the podcast licensing race[27:52] New podcast trends and AI content removal[29:12] Debate on YouTube’s viability for podcasts[39:30] YouTube’s 2026 overhaul and built-in AI tools[45:16] True Fans and the paywall-first hosting modelLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Book A Free Call With Me: https://calendly.com/ironickmedia/freestrategycallJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcasting⁠Application To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerUpcoming Evaluation Movies in a Nutshell: https://pod.link/1156902852/episode/ZjNkYzI4NDUtZDExMi00NTZkLThkZTQtNGFhZTY5NGRlM2Yz?view=apps&sort=popularityPodnews:www.podnews.netMeetup & Match Up Virtual Event Use Code PMC for Free Admission:  https://luma.com/pdeventsEmpowered Podcasting Conference: http://empoweredpodcasting.comBig YouTube Shakeups: https://digiday.com/media/the-rundown-what-youtube-creators-should-expect-to-change-in-2026Previous Episode Discussing Substack: www.podpage.com/pmc/354-how-to-get-more-from-spotify-for-creators-with-chris-stoneHow to Monetize Your Content on Facebook: www.facebook.com/business/help/1049081556813520Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on ⁠Clubhouse⁠: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0w⁠⁠Live on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@marcronick⁠Brought to you by⁠ ⁠iRonickMedia.com⁠⁠ Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at:⁠ https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/⁠ or ⁠[email protected]⁠Want to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b⁠