Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the past decade. What started as a niche hobby has become a mainstream media phenomenon. In 2022 alone, there were over 2.6 million podcasts and more than 100 million podcast episodes produced. YouTube has become one of the top destinations for podcasters looking to grow their audience and maximize their reach.

This article will countdown the 10 best podcasts on YouTube in 2024. The selections were based on a combination of subscriber numbers, viewership, production quality, guest appearances, and overall impact on the podcasting world. The podcasts cover a diverse range of topics and formats, from comedy to true crime to interviews.

While everyone’s taste is different, these 10 best podcasts on youtube consistently provide top-notch content based on inventiveness, entertainment value, and production quality. Whether you’re just getting into podcasts or looking to expand your subscriptions, this list offers the cream of the crop when it comes to YouTube podcast channels. The rankings reflect influence, popularity, and acclaim coming into 2024. Let the countdown begin!

#10 – The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience is one of the best podcasts on YouTube. Launched in 2009, the show features host Joe Rogan conversing with guests on a wide range of topics, from science and philosophy to comedy and current events.

Rogan launched the podcast after gaining fame as a stand-up comedian and host of the NBC reality show Fear Factor. Rogan was interested in creating an unfiltered platform for long-form conversations, bringing on both expert guests and friends for wide-ranging discussions uncensored by traditional media outlets.

Over the years, The Joe Rogan Experience has featured many notable guests from Elon Musk to Mike Tyson to Bernie Sanders. Fans tune in to hear Rogan engage guests in in-depth conversations for 2-3 hours, often yielding unique insights into the lives and minds of cultural icons, controversial figures, and leading thinkers.

The conversational nature of the podcast leads to many candid, funny and thought-provoking moments. Memorable episodes include astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson discussing simulation theory and the Fermi paradox, whistleblower Edward Snowden talking about privacy rights and mass surveillance, and Mike Tyson opening up about his personal life and career.

With over 1,800 episodes and counting, The Joe Rogan Experience continues to captivate audiences as one of the most popular podcasts on YouTube. Rogan’s relaxed yet inquisitive interview style, combined with intriguing guests and topics, make the show both entertaining and enlightening for listeners.

#9 – Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know is a long-running podcast produced by HowStuffWorks and hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. Debuting in 2008, it quickly became one of the best podcasts on youtube and has remained a staple of the podcast charts for over a decade.

The premise of the show is explaining topics that listeners “should know” more about. Clark and Bryant explore subjects ranging from the historical and cultural to the scientific and philosophical. Their curiosity and humor make complex topics engaging and entertaining. Some interesting Stuff You Should Know episodes cover:

• How Crispr gene editing works
• The history of salt and why it’s so important
• What’s happening inside a black hole
• The lost colony of Roanoke
• How the female reproductive system works
• The psychology of keeping secrets
• Could we actually live on Mars?

Clark and Bryant have an everyman relatability while delving into incredibly eclectic subject matter. Their organic banter and passion for sharing knowledge with listeners are why Stuff You Should Know continues to be one of the best podcasts on YouTube and beyond.

#8 – The Daily

Hosted by New York Times journalist Michael Barbaro, The Daily provides an in-depth look at the day’s major news stories. With 20-30 minute episodes released weekday mornings, The Daily covers everything from politics to pop culture. What makes this podcast stand out is its immersive storytelling and high production quality.

The reporting draws heavily from the Times’ award-winning team of journalists. Listeners get insights directly from correspondents covering major news beats. The show often features audio clips from interviews, press conferences, Congressional hearings, and other primary sources. This brings a sense of “being there” for the listener that written stories alone can’t always capture.

Beyond recapping the headlines, The Daily contextualizes complex issues and provides thoughtful analysis. Episodes highlight the nuances around unfolding news stories and real-world impacts on people’s lives. The podcast doesn’t shy away from examining controversial issues from multiple angles.

Overall, The Daily offers an audio news experience on par with NPR’s excellence in broadcast journalism. For those seeking an intelligent, in-depth look at current events, The Daily is one of the best podcasts on youtube. The polished production and dynamic storytelling explain its quickly-earned popularity.

#7 – Pod Save America

Pod Save America is a political commentary podcast launched in 2016 featuring former Obama Administration staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor. The podcast provides thoughtful analysis of the Trump presidency, contemporary politics and policy from a progressive point of view.

The podcast emerged following the end of the Obama Administration as Favreau, Lovett, Pfeiffer and Vietor sought a new way to participate in political discourse. As hosts, they draw on their experience working inside the White House and on national political campaigns to provide unique insights into how politics and government work. Their chemistry as friends and former colleagues helps make their banter and debates both entertaining and illuminating.

Since launching in 2016, Pod Save America has rapidly grown into one of the best podcasts on youtube regarding politics. It averages over 1.5 million downloads per episode, with a devoted listener base tuning in multiple times per week for shows often over an hour long.

A key part of the appeal of Pod Save America is the hosts’ ability to seriously cover politics while blending in humor and plainspoken relatability. They break down complex policy issues while keeping the mood lighthearted and fun. The hosts also engage with activism, using the platform to advocate for causes like voting rights, healthcare reform, and other progressive issues.

Overall, Pod Save America’s success stems from the hosts’ personal expertise combined with their entertaining rapport. For political junkies, it offers an intelligent and humorous take on the news of the day. The podcast provides a dose of cathartic comic relief to liberals during divisive partisan times. With its smart commentary and irreverent tone, Pod Save America has defined the modern progressive political podcast.

#6 – Serial

The true crime podcast Serial quickly became a phenomenon when it launched in 2014. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, Serial explores a different real life crime story over multiple episodes each season.

The first season focused on the 1999 murder of high school student Hae Min Lee, and the questionable conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed for the crime. Koenig extensively investigated the case, interviewing those involved and examining the available evidence. Each episode looked at new information and angles, building a compelling narrative that called into question whether justice had really been served.

Season 2 moved away from one crime to look at Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl’s controversial disappearance from his Afghanistan post in 2009. Again the reporting cast doubt on the official version of events. Season 3 examined cases within one courthouse in Cleveland.

True crime may seem an unlikely podcast topic, but Serial demonstrated the potential for in-depth investigative reporting in the form. Koenig’s painstaking journalism uncovered inconsistencies and holes in the official narratives. Her measured delivery walks listeners through the details without sensation. Each season grips listeners as new facts emerge.

Serial deserves its place as one of the most downloaded podcasts ever for revolutionizing the possibilities of the form. It set a new standard for the medium as both entertainment and public service journalism.

#5 – Radiolab

Radiolab is an informative and entertaining science podcast that first launched in 2002 on WNYC in New York City. It is hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, who have great on-air chemistry and do an excellent job making complex topics accessible and engaging.

The show covers a wide range of topics at the intersection of science, technology, philosophy, and human experience. Some episodes provide an in-depth investigation into a single topic, like CRISPR gene editing or the search for alien life. Others weave together multiple stories around a theme, like numbers or colors. The episodes feature interviews with experts, audio clips, thought experiments, and plenty of lively banter between the hosts.

Over its nearly 20-year run, Radiolab has produced many fascinating episodes on cutting-edge topics. For example, an early episode in 2003 examined the ethics of human cloning just after the creation of Dolly the sheep. A 2014 episode dug into the mysterious Hum, an unexplained low-frequency sound heard around the world. Other topics have included Darwinian evolution, artificial intelligence, vaccine development, and more.

A big part of what makes Radiolab so entertaining is the high production value. The show features compelling sound design, music, and audio effects to creatively bring the topics to life. The hosts also have a knack for finding great stories, asking probing questions, and explaining things in a way that makes complex concepts stick. Whether you have a science background or not, Radiolab offers an enjoyable dose of knowledge and critical thinking.

#4 – The Tim Ferriss Show

The Tim Ferriss Show is consistently one of the highest ranked podcasts on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Hosted by author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss, each episode features a long-form, in-depth interview with a high-achiever from diverse backgrounds and industries.

Ferriss takes his guests through their childhoods, daily habits, morning routines, philosophies, successes, and failures. His relaxed but probing interview style extracts key insights from world-class performers like LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Edward Norton, and Jack Dorsey.

A heavy focus is placed on deconstructing the tactics, tools, and mental frameworks that his guests use to succeed. Ferriss identifies the commonalities between these high-performers so his audience can apply the lessons themselves. Popular episode topics include wealth, health, happiness, sports, creativity, and productivity.

Guests appreciate the thoughtful preparation Ferriss puts into each interview and his ability to get them to share details they haven’t revealed elsewhere. Likewise, listeners find immense value in gaining privileged access to the mental models of business leaders, athletes, and artists. The show’s tagline “deconstructing excellence” perfectly encapsulates its engaging format and extraordinary guest list.

#3 – Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend is one of the funniest and best podcasts on YouTube in 2024. Hosted by former late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien, this podcast brings Conan’s witty, sharp and friendly interview style to longform conversations with celebrities and comedians.

Unlike traditional late night interviews which only last a few minutes, Conan’s podcast format allows him to have deeper, more hilariously wandering conversations with guests like Will Ferrell, Kristen Bell, Bill Hader, Michelle Obama and even his longtime sidekick Andy Richter. The casual style brings out new sides to celebrities without sacrificing the funny.

Conan’s skills as an improviser and comedian make the show incredibly funny and entertaining. He’s able to draw out candid and humorous stories from guests that you won’t hear anywhere else. The rapport between Conan and his celebrity friends leads to brilliant comedic moments and reveals a more intimate, goofier side of stars.

For hilarious, irreverent and revealing conversations with some of the funniest celebs around, Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend is one of the most enjoyable podcasts on YouTube in 2024. Conan’s wit and rapport with guests produces comedy podcast gold every episode.

#2. Armchair Expert

Coming in at number 2 is Armchair Expert, hosted by actor Dax Shepard. This insightful podcast features in-depth interviews between Shepard and a variety of cultural icons, providing a candid look into their lives and minds.

Some of Armchair Expert’s most notable interviews include:

• Dax’s wife Kristen Bell, opening up about her experiences with depression and anxiety. Their comfortable rapport leads to an honest, heartfelt discussion about mental health.
• Monica Lewinsky, in a powerful episode deconstructing the affair that rocked a presidency. Lewinsky provides nuance and context for the events that scandalized a nation.
• David Letterman, giving a rare interview about his life and career. Letterman displays wit and wisdom as he reflects on fame, relationships, and aging.
• Experts like Esther Perel and Brene Brown, lending their knowledge on relationships, vulnerability, and more. Shepard probes their work with curiosity and humor.

Beyond the guests, Shepard’s skill as an interviewer shines through. His friendly, thoughtful style puts guests at ease while still cutting to the heart of meaningful topics. Add in fun banter with co-host Monica Padman, and you have all the ingredients for intelligent yet entertaining listening.

For illuminating interviews with some of today’s most fascinating public figures, Armchair Expert deserves its place as one of the best podcasts on YouTube in 2024. Tune in for unique insights you won’t get anywhere else.

#1. H3 Podcast

The H3 Podcast, one of the best podcasts on YouTube, is a must-listen for anyone looking for engaging and thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of topics. Hosted by Ethan and Hila Klein, the podcast covers various subjects, including entertainment, lifestyle, and current events. With their unique perspectives and relatable content, the H3 Podcast has amassed a large and dedicated fan base. The show’s episodes are available on YouTube, offering listeners an accessible and convenient way to enjoy the latest podcast episodes.

Ethan and Hila Klein are known for their charismatic personalities and their ability to tackle a wide range of topics with humor and insight. Their discussions often cover popular culture, social issues, and personal experiences, making the H3 Podcast a go-to source for entertainment and entertainment news. The show’s format allows for in-depth conversations and in-depth analysis, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the topics at hand.

The H3 Podcast has become a staple in the podcast community, with its episodes often trending on YouTube and its hosts being recognized for their contributions to the medium. The show’s popularity is a testament to the quality of its content and the hosts’ ability to connect with their audience. Whether you’re looking for a podcast to keep up with the latest trends or simply want to be entertained, the H3 Podcast is a must-listen.

Conclusion

Over the past decade, podcasts have exploded in popularity, with YouTube emerging as a dominant platform to access and discover new podcast content. This list summarizes 10 of the very best podcasts on youtube currently available on YouTube in 2024, spanning comedy, interviews, storytelling, education and more.

Although podcast genres continue to expand across YouTube, many of the best podcasts on youtube share key traits that contribute to their success and loyal followings. They are hosted by charismatic, knowledgeable hosts who connect with listeners. They tackle fascinating topics and present information in entertaining and digestible formats. They release new episodes frequently to keep audiences engaged. And they provide value beyond just casual listening, encouraging learning, critical thinking and meaningful conversations.

The podcasts highlighted in this list represent just a sample of the diverse, high-quality podcast programming available on YouTube today. As podcasting culture continues to evolve, creators will likely push boundaries and innovate in style, subject matter and formats. The medium has proven powerful for building community and expanding perspectives. With more listeners discovering podcasts every year, the creators producing the most thoughtful, insightful and engaging content are poised to build the audiences of the future on YouTube and beyond.