If you come from traditional media, you’ve likely heard that YouTube is the future of television. That isn’t hype, but there are still many misconceptions about how to use the platform effectively. While many creators and media professionals are curious about YouTube, they remain skeptical about investing the time and resources required to prioritize it as a distribution channel. This exclusive Stage 32 webinar is designed to help filmmakers, business owners, artists, publishers, and professionals in traditional media understand how YouTube actually works and what it takes to build a successful distribution strategy on the platform.

Many creators grow frustrated when trying to build an audience, whether they are launching a new channel or struggling with inconsistent programming. That frustration often stems from misunderstandings about how the platform functions. It’s common to blame “algorithm changes” or claim a channel has been “shadowbanned,” but these are persistent myths. In reality, YouTube’s algorithm is driven by viewer behavior, not manipulation. There are also misconceptions about what a YouTube strategist actually does. Many assume the role is limited to uploading videos, writing titles, and designing thumbnails. In reality, it encompasses far more, spanning creative development, data analysis, production strategy, distribution planning, design, and channel management.

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you’ll learn from YouTube strategist and audience growth expert Sam Sero, who has spent over a decade helping creators, brands, and major personalities develop successful digital content strategies. Sam currently works with All Things Comedy, the largest comedy podcast network in the world, and has held key roles at leading digital publishers including Maker Studios, JASH, Group Nine Media, and Vox Media. Throughout his career, he has helped an impressive list of clients—including Jason Alexander, Bob Saget, Whitney Cummings, Tim Dillon, WWE’s The Undertaker, and Atlas Obscura—grow their audiences and achieve their digital media goals through strategic YouTube development.

You will walk away with a clear understanding of why YouTube should be a priority platform, how its algorithm and audience dynamics really work, and what it takes to build a sustainable channel strategy. You’ll learn how to identify your target audience, balance creativity with analytics, set realistic growth goals, and allocate resources effectively. Sam will also cover revenue opportunities, multiple content formats—from long-form to Shorts and livestreams—and how to communicate YouTube’s value to stakeholders. By the end of this session, you’ll have actionable strategies to start building a channel that grows your audience and expands the value of your creative work.