YouTube 2026 updates: new monetization rules, best formats & more - Ep 116

Today I’m talking about what’s actually working on YouTube in 2026 and how success on the platform has changed over the past five years. YouTube just announced changes to its monetization requirements that kick in next year, but I think there’s a much bigger conversation to have about how people are watching YouTube today, how creators can stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape, and why SEO alone is no longer enough to grow a channel. I’m sharing my experience pivoting my own YouTube channel, what I think the future of YouTube looks like, the role of long-form videos, episodic content, and why more people watching YouTube on their TVs could change how creators approach their content. We’ll also talk about why I think the long-term goal for creators shouldn’t just be going viral or getting monetized—it should be building a channel and creative business that people actively choose to come back to.Mentioned in episode 116:Williamsburg vlogWilliamsburg neighborhood guideThe CorrespondentHow YouTube changed my life videoTess Barclay’s YouTube channelHow to know when to pivot episodeYouTube blog announcementBusiness Insider articleMy iMovie editing tutorialLong-form content episodeChanging my YouTube channel videoFollow Create & Consume:YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | PinterestFollow Austen:YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | BlogPodcast inquiries can be sent to [email protected] the website: https://www.createandconsumepodcast.com/Music credit: Babak Bazgosha via Pond5