Want to experience the perks of showing up on YouTube without having to maintain a YouTube channel and keep up with weekly uploads?
That might not be your cup of tea, but for other creators, YouTube is their playground.
Instead of learning a whole new set of skills to show up in front of thousands of viewers, propose a collab and appear as a guest YouTuber.
Whether you’re a coach, consultant, industry expert or entrepreneur, a guest appearance on video podcasts is a good way to meet new but relevant audiences.
Compared to traditional marketing, it’s a faster way to boost your reputation and reach. And it’s all happening over a good conversation where you’re naturally sharing about a topic you know very well.
This guide will walk you through what guest YouTubers are, why they matter, and how to become one. I also listed down examples of notable guests who can inspire you.
What Are Guest YouTubers?
A guest YouTuber is someone who appears on another creator’s channel, typically for an interview, collaboration, or podcast episode.
Think of it as being a guest on a radio show or talk program, but on YouTube, the world’s largest video platform.
As a YouTube show guest, you’ll:
- Share your stories, expertise, or insights to add value to the content on YouTube.
- Attract more viewers for the host show while also expanding your visibility.
- Add variety to the typical format and bring a new voice to the video series.
- Give audiences a reason to engage more deeply with the show.
- Be given an opportunity to promote your business, book, or upcoming launch.
You can appear across content niches like comedy, gaming, educational videos, documentary series, or entertainment talk shows.
6 Benefits of being a guest on YouTube
Being a guest YouTuber isn’t just about exposure. It’s a smart strategy that can lead to real opportunities, especially if you go on podcasts.
Here are the biggest benefits of being a guest on YouTube:
- Build credibility fast. When a trusted host invites you on their show, you’re instantly positioned as a figure worth listening to.
- Reach new audiences. Each episode exposes you to a fresh viewer base who might not have heard of your channel or brand.
- Shows personality and depth. Unlike written content, videos let people see and hear you, helping build genuine relationships.
- Drive business growth. Sharing actionable tips or stories can attract leads who want to connect with your expertise.
- Network with creators. Collaborating with other YouTubers can open doors to digital partnerships or even sponsorships.
- Promote your brand naturally. Instead of ads, you get to showcase your work through authentically sharing what you know and your stories.
How to Be a Guest on YouTube
If you’re ready to be a podcast guest on YouTube, the process is easier than you think. It’s a matter of knowing your goals, why you want to become a guest YouTuber in the first place, and communicating your value clearly.
Hosts are also often looking for experts and personalities to invite, so it’s good to keep in mind what they want in a guest.
Here’s how to find the right shows, make your offer, and get invited to appear on a YouTube podcast show:
1. Identify the right shows
Start by researching YouTube shows.
- Look for those that align with your expertise or experience: This makes it easier for you to naturally let the conversation flow because you’re drawing inspiration from what you know.
- Search for shows with the same audience: It can be an opportunity to introduce your brand and establish yourself as an authority in the field.
Something else I do is to look for podcast hosts who have YouTube channels. I also focus my efforts and find shows with established numbers and a history of guest interviews.
2. Study the host and format
Before reaching out, study how the host runs their show. Watch several episodes to understand the
Take note of the following:
- Podcast structure: Do they conduct interviews or co-create content on YouTube?
- Hosting style: What’s their tone and how do they drive conversations?
- Video series: What current series are they currently working on and what is it about?
- Typical guests: What kind of people do they invite on the show?
- Audience: Who are their viewers? Do you have similar audiences?
Mention these when you reach out to show you’re genuinely interested in their channel.
3. Craft your guest pitch
Think of your guest pitch as your first handshake with a YouTube creator or influencer. It’s the first impression they’ll have of you, so make sure you communicate your intentions clearly.
Here’s what your guest pitch should include:
- Brief bio: Who you are and what you do, highlighting why it’d be a good idea to collaborate.
- Topic: The concept or story you can elaborate on that their audience would be interested in.
- What value you can add: For example, a unique take, expert insight, or inspiring experience.
- Credentials: Optional, but you can mention any award, podcast, or video series you’ve been featured in before if it’s relevant.
4. Personalize your message
Avoid sending a generic message. Show them that you really care about the collaboration by saying a specific detail:
- Mention the episode or series that inspired you to reach out.
- Compliment the creator or presenter on their storytelling, editing, or production style.
- Talk about a guest they had that recommended you (if you are a referral).
You can say something like, “Your recent video series on digital branding reminded me of my experience helping coaches launch online courses. I’d love to contribute insights your viewers would find helpful.”
5. Prepare your message
If they respond positively to your initial inquiry, be ready to share your talking points. Hosts love guests who can teach or tell a relatable story that sparks conversation.
Focus on informational or educational topics that naturally connect with your work. You can also mention a challenge or real-life project that ties into the episode topic.
6. Make it easy for them to say yes
Provide everything they might need in advance: your short bio, links to past videos on YouTube, your social profiles and available dates. You can also offer to promote the episode after it goes live.
Remember: Hosts are also looking for podcast guests. The easier you make it for the host, the more likely they’ll feature you.
7. Follow up politely
If you don’t hear back after a week or two, follow up with a friendly reminder and show appreciation for their time.
Even if they say no, maintain the relationship. They might invite you later once your channel or audience grows.
Getting booked on podcasts shouldn’t just be for the short term. Building genuine connections is what can get you support and more visibility.
8. Discuss logistics
Once they agree, clarify filming details.
- Location or setup: Confirm whether it’s live, online, pre-recorded, or shot in a studio.
- Get a final schedule: Set up a calendar alert for the date and time of recording.
- Technical needs: If you’ll be filming remotely, ask them about what you should be preparing for recording audio and video. Some hosts may also ask you to save clips locally.
- Marketing plan: Ask about your responsibilities for promotion and what clips or materials they’ll share.
This helps ensure smooth production and that your segment blends well with the host’s original content style.
9. Promote after the episode
Post-interview, share the episode across your digital platforms. Tag the host, thank them publicly, and encourage followers to watch.
This boosts visibility for both sides, showing you’re a professional who values collaboration.
How to Use YouTube as a Guest Interview Channel
YouTube is a strong platform to create engaging content. So when you hop on a YouTube show, the benefits don’t stop at getting featured. There are more ways to maximize your opportunities.
Here’s how you can make the most of your YouTube guest appearances and keep the momentum going:
1. Repost and repurpose content
Take clips from your guest episode and repost them as highlights on your social media or website. Add commentary or lessons to make it your own.
Make sure you work out this plan with the host beforehand. Also, mention their name and link back to the original upload.
2. Engage with viewers
Reply to comments under the videos on YouTube where you appeared. This builds trust and helps convert casual viewers into followers or clients.
People notice when guests show up in the comment section. It makes you approachable and authentic.
3. Create a follow-up video
If the episode performed well, propose a part two or a related collaboration. You could record a video series expanding on topics you already discussed or like popular ones on science, engineering, and do-it-yourself gadgets.
The more consistent your appearances, the more you’ll be seen as a trusted creator rather than a one-time guest. This could even inspire viewers to check out the content or show that you make.
4. Track performance
Check how your guest features perform in terms of metrics like views, likes, shares, and engagement. This helps you identify which podcast types and guesting styles bring the best visibility.
It also gives you an idea of how well you performed. Treat each guest appearance as an experiment that teaches you what kind of stories resonate most.
5. Leverage your appearances
Once you’ve been featured on several shows, highlight them on your website or social pages. Show that you’ve collaborated with notable YouTubers or YouTube stars.
If you’re curious about compensation for appearances, here’s a useful guide on whether podcast guests get paid.
5 Examples of Successful YouTube Guests
To inspire you, here’s a look at some of the most impactful guest YouTubers and how they made their mark on each feature they had:
- Mark Rober: A former NASA engineer, Mark is known for his science videos and creative experiments. His guest appearances on science series like Smarter Every Day helped popularize videos related to engineering and DIY experiments.
- Joe Rogan: Although known for his podcast, Joe has appeared on YouTube channels beyond his own like The Tim Dillon Show and Timcast IRL. He joins digital creators to discuss pop culture, relationships, and entertainment issues.
- Lilly Singh: This YouTube star turned presenter started with comedy sketches before becoming a celebrity figure on late-night television. Her guest spots on various video series proved her range as both entertainer and interviewer.
- MatPat from The Game Theorists: Known for dissecting video games, MatPat has collaborated with other gaming and animation creators, earning millions of views and several Streamy award nominations.
- CGP Grey: Famous for creating informational and educational videos, Grey’s appearances on podcast episodes and video series helped expand his reach to people curious about science topics and global systems.
Each of these guests brought something unique: their humor, expertise, or storytelling. They turned simple podcast guesting into brand-building 101.
Who is the person with the least subscribers on YouTube?
Technically, there are millions of YouTube accounts with zero or one subscriber, so the person with the fewest subscribers could be anyone who just created a channel and hasn’t posted yet.
Some even treat it as a test, uploading their first video to see how fast they can grow. In other words, the “least subscribers” title is constantly changing as new creators launch their channels every day.
That’s what makes YouTube so powerful.
It’s a level playing field where even someone with no subscribers today could earn a million subscribers tomorrow with the right content and strategy on YouTube.
Find the Right YouTube Show For You
Guest YouTubers understand the benefits of podcast guesting. It’s one of the smartest ways to grow your brand, share your story, and connect with audiences who value your message.
When looking for the right show, you don’t have to go through the hassle of a traditional host-guest matching process.
By that, I mean no more spammy emails and endless scrolling on social media.
Let AI do the work for you with the latest Talks features:
- Auto-Match: Quick and relevant matches based on your strengths and interests.
- Auto-Message: Instant and personalized messages to no connections.
Streamline your pitching process. Getting booked as a YouTube guest is just that easy.
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