How to get your video podcast seen: Vimeo vs YouTube vs Spotify

If you’re investing in podcast videos, don’t let them disappear into the void (the void can be pretty scary and big). Choosing the right platforms to host, share, and promote your content is JUST as important as producing it in the first place.

We recently chatted with a client who wanted to understand the best way to distribute their video podcast - especially how to balance Vimeo, YouTube, and Spotify for maximum reach. It’s a common question, so we thought we’d share our approach (and here at BearJam we love talking strategy... so dial in and grab a cup of tea) 

Here’s how we break it down:

Vimeo: For Clean Embeds and Controlled Viewing

Vimeo is a great home for the website version of your podcast videos.

Why? Because it offers:

• A clean, ad-free player (great for brand experience).
• No unexpected “next up” videos from competitors.
• Full control over what plays when the video ends (e.g., the next episode).

If you’re embedding your podcast on a landing page, Vimeo gives you the control you need.

YouTube: For Discoverability and Searchability

YouTube is still THE platform for organic reach (it’s been around for years and is still being used - that must be telling something)

Even if you're not actively pushing viewers to your YouTube channel, it’s worth uploading full episodes and shorter teaser clips (“Shorts”) to boost discoverability (people will always check companies/podcasts on YouTube - if it is as simple as reposting the same video but on a different platform then you might as well!)

Use YouTube for:

• SEO value (Google indexes YouTube content).
• Audience growth (via Shorts, playlists, recommendations).
• Evergreen discoverability, especially with good metadata.

What works well:

• Design custom thumbnails.
• Add keywords and transcripts.
• Script short “wraps” or CTAs to film at the end of each session.

This way, your channel becomes more than just a dump of full episodes - it becomes a discoverable content hub ( and don’t we all want to be discovered)

Let’s be honest, it’s where people go to find everything, from productivity hacks to how to descale a kettle

Check out BearJam on YouTube 

Spotify: For Podcast-First Viewers (and Listeners)

Spotify now supports video podcasts via Spotify for Podcasters. That means you can upload your full video episode once and let it do double duty - audiences can watch or listen based on their preference.

Spotify is a great place to build regular engagement: (Personally, I listen to nearly all my podcasts on Spotify these days — it's become my go-to. I may or may not have it open as I type this…)

• People can follow your show and get notifications.
• Episodes auto-play in sequence (like a playlist).
• It integrates well with newsletters and mobile-first comms.

Things to check:

• Can the Spotify video be embedded on your site? (We’re still investigating.)
• Do you need custom thumbnails and show notes? (Yes… no one wants a bad thumbnail)
• Will your audience find you there? (Potentially - test and learn.)

Strategy Before Platforms

Ultimately, where you upload matters less than why.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to embed a clean viewer experience on your site? → Vimeo.
• Do you want maximum discoverability and SEO lift? → YouTube.
• Do you want to build repeat listeners/viewers via subscriptions? → Spotify.

Ideally, use all three - and repurpose accordingly.

Our Recommended Flow

1. Vimeo → Embed on your website for control and polish.
2. YouTube → Upload full episodes + Shorts for discoverability.
3. Spotify → Upload full episodes for podcast-first reach and app-based users.
4. Socials & Newsletter → Tailor links based on channel audience and behaviour.
5. Script bespoke Shorts or CTAs to make the most of each platform.

Need Help Distributing Your Podcast Content?

At BearJam, we don’t just shoot and edit - we help brands plan, position, and publish their content for the biggest possible impact. Whether you're running a series or launching something new, we’ll help you build a smart distribution strategy around it.