The ClubHouse and X apps are unbearable these days. I was initially excited when they launched their idea for live and unfiltered conversations. But they have exposed how fragile that concept is when there’s little structure or moderation.
Everyone has something to say, but few are willing to listen. There’s little surprise in X’s case, especially with Elon Musk’s acquisition.
Ever since Twitter changed, the app has become more saturated with strong opinions and toxicity. This year alone, hate speech has skyrocketed to 50%. That’s partly why I ran back to my streaming apps to listen to filtered podcasts.
Recently, I found myself using YouTube the same way on my mobile devices. Its recommendation system surfaces rare finds. Some are unlikely to appear on traditional podcast platforms using RSS feeds to syndicate shows.
Here’s how I use Google’s app to listen to more niche content with interesting visuals.
YouTube put images to my favorite podcast voices
Sometimes, faces speak louder than a voice behind a mic
YouTube is a hybrid media platform that functions as both a video and audio repository. It has become central to the way I consume long-form podcast content, reaching up to two hours.
Previously, I loved checking in on ClubHouse and X Spaces because of the human appetite for immediacy and unpredictability. They offered real-time conversations that could evolve organically and with multiple perspectives pooling at once.
There’s something nice about being in the room as ideas form, even if all you’re doing is listening. At the same time, it’s a major flaw. Anyone can start a space with the tap of a button and no professional equipment.
Anyone can also start a YouTube channel. But you’d hardly gain traction if your presentation and video quality are poor.
Disorganized content will bury you in the algorithm. That’s why YouTube largely gives you curated access to individuals who are experts, or at least deeply immersed in their subjects.
Also, seeing them speak adds context you can’t get from audio alone.
I find it easier to follow a conversation and judge credibility when I can observe people’s micro-expressions and gestures. I treat them as honest signals that prove their confidence in a subject.
Self-development has a price
YouTube Premium is a small cost compared to doomscrolling
YouTube took away the luxury of free background play I’d gotten used to elsewhere. But it wasn’t a dealbreaker since I’d recently reactivated Premium.
Paying $1 monthly was worth it for frequent and uninterrupted listening and the flexibility to switch between picture and sound.
I’ve been spending more time on self-development and financial content. It’s helping me make sense of my late twenties and start planning for my thirties.
Among the channels I follow is The Glow Up Secrets Podcast. It covers building a relationship with yourself and navigating life when you feel like you’re not quite getting it together.
It was perfect timing that I discovered it in a period when I was panicking about the future.
The background play feature allowed me to listen while making lunch, knitting, relaxing, or jumping between apps. Sometimes I have an episode open in split-screen mode, so I can take notes in Google Docs while the video plays.
A playlist tailored just for you
I can’t get enough of my selections
YouTube playlists enable my queued selections to roll without interruption. I don’t always treat them as strict podcast arrangements. I may splice them with motivational content, interviews, courses, or even mini-documentaries.
I might start with a serious video and strategically place music videos between them for intermissions. I try not to overwhelm my brain with information.
Layering my playlists according to energy works best. I don’t believe in passive listening. Whatever you consume shapes your mental state and influences your actions.
So, I have different playlists for different moods or intentions.
When I’m feeling low, I listen to creators like Leila Hormozi talk about building dangerous confidence.
When I’m thinking of the best ways to grow my money pot, I cue up creators like Dr. Sheen Gurrib, who breaks down wealth mindsets and planning.
Basically, I attract the right energy and control the outcome of my day to some degree through deliberate absorption.
YouToo can curate your feed
Since I started listening to more podcast-style videos, I’ve been getting smarter recommendations that have changed my life.
I try not to soil my feed, so I’m deliberate with what I click on. Usually, I’d be watching random late-night brain rot into the early hours.
I’ve since learned the importance of lifestyle changes as I grow older. You might want to do the same.
There are numerous meaningful settings you can change. Clear your history to reset the algorithm completely, then rebuild your feed with intentional subscriptions.
Turn off Autoplay to stop endless rabbit holes and use the “Not interested” and “Don’t recommend channel” options to prune unwanted content. If possible, create a secondary account for selective viewing to keep your main feed clean.
