After revolutionizing the internet radio landscape about 17 years ago, BlogTalkRadio.com is closing its doors as of January 31, 2025. For many of us, BlogTalkRadio wasn’t just a platform; it was a launchpad. I started The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show in 2008 with their “live call-in internet radio show” option, and it quickly became a cornerstone of my business and brand. Like many others, I’m feeling a mix of nostalgia and excitement about what comes next.
If you’re a fellow BlogTalkRadio host, you might be wondering, “What now?” Well, the good news is that the end of one chapter is an opportunity to begin a new one. With the continued growth of podcasting and video shows, there’s never been a better time to transition and grow your audience.
Here are three options for your next step:
1. Transition to a Podcast
Podcasting is a natural next step for BlogTalkRadio hosts. It allows you to maintain an audio-first format while expanding your reach. One platform I highly recommend is Buzzsprout ( Get a $20 credit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2378465). They make it easy to import the old BlogTalkRadio episodes, upload new episodes, distribute your show to major directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and even provide helpful stats to track your growth.
While I’ve tested other platforms, including Spreaker, my experience with transferring 750 episodes was less than ideal—it took Spreaker four tries to get it right. If you’re moving from BlogTalkRadio, ease of use is key, and Buzzsprout delivers.
*Don’t lose your audio content – you will need to import your BlogTalkRadio content into another platform before January 31, 2025. You will also need to contact the support team at BlogTalkRadio to redirect your current podcast RSS feed.
2. Start a Video Show
For those who enjoy connecting face-to-face with their audience, transitioning to a video show might be your best move. Platforms like YouTube or StreamYard ( Get a $10 credit: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4757490334957568) make it easy to create professional video content.
- YouTube is perfect for building an evergreen library of episodes that people can discover anytime. They even have a “Podcast” Playlist.
- StreamYard allows you to broadcast live, just like you did on BlogTalkRadio, and stream to multiple platforms simultaneously.
Pro Tip: If you want to repurpose content, you can record a video show and extract the audio for podcasting—two formats, one effort!
3. Go Hybrid: Combine Podcasting and Video
Why choose one when you can do both? A hybrid approach lets you cater to different types of listeners. Record your show as a video, then repurpose the audio for a podcast. This strategy maximizes your content and expands your reach. This is what I do with The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show!
Ready to level up your podcasting game by adding video? Book a one-hour Power Session (https://sharvette.as.me/powercoaching ) with me today for a personalized strategy to grow or shift your podcasting!
So Cheers to BlogTalkRadio!
BlogTalkRadio’s closure marks the end of an incredible chapter, but it’s also a call to evolve and embrace new opportunities.
Remember, every ending is a new beginning. So, I celebrate my 16 years on BlogTalkRadio while continuing to take my show in new directions and platforms.
