Podcast Summary: The Think Media Podcast - Episode 394: How to WIN on YouTube in 2025 ft. Noah Kagan

Release Date: March 4, 2025

In Episode 394 of The Think Media Podcast, host Sean Cannell delves deep into the evolving landscape of YouTube with renowned entrepreneur and content creator Noah Kagan. With over a decade of experience and a YouTube channel boasting over 1 million subscribers, Noah shares invaluable insights on navigating YouTube’s shifts, uncovering viral opportunities, and scaling channels effectively without compromising authenticity or overshooting budgets.

1. Guest Introduction and Background

Sean Cannell opens the episode by introducing Noah Kagan, highlighting his entrepreneurial journey, including his pivotal role at Facebook and his successful venture, AppSumo. Noah’s extensive experience in content creation and business scaling sets the stage for a rich discussion filled with strategic insights beneficial for both novice creators and seasoned entrepreneurs.

2. The Biggest Mistake Creators Make on YouTube

Noah emphasizes the most prevalent mistake among YouTube creators: inconsistency. He asserts that success on YouTube isn't instantaneous and underscores the importance of persistence.

Noah Kagan [02:21]: “What most people do is they get excited, it doesn't work right away, and they give up. If you can get to 100 videos, you start getting into a rhythm where you enjoy it and finally figure out what works.”

Noah advocates for the "Law of One Hundred," suggesting that building a consistent video library is crucial for long-term growth. He shares his personal experience of creating content without immediate concern for views, leading to eventual success and refinement of his content strategy.

3. Current Shifts and Trends on YouTube in 2025

When asked about the latest trends, Noah observes that fundamentals remain largely unchanged, presenting continued opportunities for creators. He highlights the importance of selecting a primary platform to build an audience while diversifying through email lists to mitigate platform dependency.

Noah Kagan [07:11]: “It feels like there's a lot of people sleeping and a lot of people. Maybe that's how I'm feeling. And so I still think it's a huge opportunity to be a profitable content creator.”

Noah also distinguishes between creators who build content to support a business versus those who rely solely on content for revenue, advocating for the former as a more sustainable model.

4. Personal Motivation and Emotional Factors in Content Creation

The conversation shifts to the psychological aspects of content creation. Noah discusses how personal dissatisfaction often drives entrepreneurs to create content, noting that genuine passion leads to more authentic and sustainable content production.

Noah Kagan [04:53]: “If you are stuck or frustrated, then fucking do something today. People will be shocked at their abilities and the outcomes they can have over periods of time.”

Sean connects this to the broader theme of building content from a place of health and wholeness, avoiding motivations rooted in trauma or the need for external validation.

5. Monetization Strategies and Revenue Streams on YouTube

Noah outlines diverse monetization avenues beyond traditional ad revenue and sponsorships. He emphasizes the importance of affiliate marketing and creating products that align with one's passion.

Noah Kagan [28:20]: “If you're dependent on YouTube to pay your bills with ads, you're going to be very limited. Same with sponsorships because then you're very dependent on what YouTube chooses to pay you.”

He provides practical examples, such as leveraging AppSumo’s affiliate programs or creating content around specific interests (e.g., cooking, AI tools) to generate sustainable income streams. Noah stresses the significance of pairing YouTube with other business vehicles to diversify revenue.

6. Building and Scaling a YouTube Team

Scaling a YouTube channel effectively often necessitates assembling a dedicated team. Noah shares his experience from AppSumo, detailing how he gradually built a team to support content creation, ensuring scalability without sacrificing quality.

Noah Kagan [47:09]: “Probably six to seven people. And that's for two videos a month.”

He advises creators to start solo and incrementally add team members as the channel grows, focusing on areas like thumbnail creation, video editing, and content strategy. Noah emphasizes patience and persistence, as building a successful team takes time and experimentation.

7. Finding and Niching Content

A recurrent theme in Noah’s strategy is narrowing down content niches to carve out a unique space on YouTube. He cautions against oversaturation by encouraging creators to find specific angles or underserved topics that resonate deeply with their target audience.

Noah Kagan [41:46]: “Try it out, try doing a bunch of shit and see if anyone cares or try to be more specific and see how people respond.”

He highlights the success of content creators like Ali Abdaal, who started with a focused subject before expanding, illustrating the effectiveness of deliberate niching in building a loyal audience.

8. Notable Success Stories and Content Experiments

Noah recounts the pivotal moments and content experiments that led to viral success, such as the "knocking on doors" series. These experiments underscore the importance of innovative content ideas and the willingness to take risks.

Noah Kagan [37:10]: “We had a goal to hit a hundred thousand subscribers, and we weren't even close. So we had to do something kind of 180 of what we normally did... and then when we launched, it was instantly like a million view video.”

This section highlights how strategic experimentation and dedication can lead to breakthroughs, reinforcing the value of persistence and adaptability in content creation.

9. Recommendations and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, Noah shares his favorite business books that have profoundly influenced his thinking, advocating for practical implementation over mere consumption.

Noah Kagan [58:23]: “If you can suffer long enough, you're going to get success.”

He recommends titles such as Million Dollar Weekend, Ultimate Sales Machine, and Amp It Up, encouraging listeners to not only read but also apply the insights gleaned to their own ventures.

10. Closing Remarks and Shout-Outs

In a light-hearted exchange, Noah humorously downplays the importance of personal branding, directing listeners to focus on their own growth and learning rather than following him.

Noah Kagan [60:28]: “Don't look for me. Look for yourself. Send me your stuff.”

Sean wraps up the episode by reinforcing the key takeaways and encouraging listeners to implement Noah’s strategies to build and scale their YouTube channels effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Consistency is Crucial: Success on YouTube requires persistent effort and the creation of a substantial video library.
• Diversify Revenue Streams: Beyond ads and sponsorships, explore affiliate marketing and product creation aligned with your passion.
• Build Gradually: Start solo and incrementally assemble a team as your channel grows, focusing on key roles that enhance content quality.
• Find Your Niche: Identify specific, underserved topics to stand out in a crowded platform.
• Experiment and Adapt: Embrace innovative content ideas and be willing to pivot based on what resonates with your audience.
• Focus on Implementation: Prioritize applying insights from business literature and experiences over merely consuming information.

Notable Quotes

• Noah Kagan [02:21]: “What most people do is they get excited, it doesn't work right away, and they give up. If you can get to 100 videos, you start getting into a rhythm where you enjoy it and finally figure out what works.”

• Noah Kagan [07:11]: “It feels like there's a lot of people sleeping and a lot of people. Maybe that's how I'm feeling. And so I still think it's a huge opportunity to be a profitable content creator.”

• Noah Kagan [28:20]: “If you're dependent on YouTube to pay your bills with ads, you're going to be very limited. Same with sponsorships because then you're very dependent on what YouTube chooses to pay you.”

• Noah Kagan [37:10]: “We had a goal to hit a hundred thousand subscribers, and we weren't even close. So we had to do something kind of 180 of what we normally did... and then when we launched, it was instantly like a million view video.”

• Noah Kagan [58:23]: “If you can suffer long enough, you're going to get success.”

• Noah Kagan [60:28]: “Don't look for me. Look for yourself. Send me your stuff.”

Conclusion

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for YouTube creators aiming to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Noah Kagan’s blend of practical strategies, personal anecdotes, and philosophical insights provides a roadmap for building a successful YouTube presence. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, the lessons shared in this episode are invaluable for navigating the dynamic world of online video content.

For those eager to dive deeper, subscribing to The Think Media Podcast and exploring additional resources mentioned throughout the episode can further enhance your YouTube journey.