StarZero All shows Try the podcast clipper →

Apr 4, 2016 · 28m · top-founders

He Got 17m YouTube Subscribers and 1b+ Views EP 224

Mickey Meyer · 18m spoken Nathan Latka · 8m spoken
0:00 / 0:00

gold bands on the timeline = statements, start to end. Hover to read, click to jump. CC turns on captions

In Episode 224 of The Top, host Nathan Latka interviews digital media producer and JASH co-founder Mickey Meyer, who breaks down the strategies behind building multi-billion-view digital franchises, optimizing for YouTube's watch-time algorithm, and monetizing digital intellectual property through branded entertainment.

How this conversation actually went

Every chapter scored 0–10 on four independent dynamics. Hover any point for the reasoning behind the score. Nathan holds 30.9% of the talking time here. How this is scored →

Nathan as informed peer 3.0 Guest teaching 4.0 Guest disagreement 0.3 Nathan pushing back 0.9
05100:0010:0020:001:19–4:58 · Nathan as informed peer 3/10 Introducing Mickey Meyer and Digital Channel Strategy Nathan introduces Mickey and highlights his YouTube accolades, but mistakenly credits him with creating Epic Rap Battles of History. Mickey politely clarifies that Nice Peter and Epic Lloyd created the show, while he built the production infrastructure and channel strategy.4:58–7:30 · Nathan as informed peer 2/10 Consistency and the Standing Lunch Date Strategy Nathan asks how creators can maximize views without ad spend. Mickey delivers an in-depth explanation of the standing lunch date analogy, emphasizing audience trust and predictable release schedules.7:30–10:39 · Nathan as informed peer 4/10 Production Hooks, Feed Optimization, and Thumbnail Psychology Nathan probes tactical production questions like faces and red borders in thumbnails. Mickey explains the psychology of feed optimization and why capturing attention in the first 10-15 seconds is vital.10:40–13:42 · Nathan as informed peer 3/10 Adapting to Watch Time and Long-Form Talk Shows Mickey educates Nathan on YouTube's algorithmic transition toward watch time and session duration, explaining how JASH pivoted to three-act talk shows with late-night comedy veterans to dominate comedian search queries.13:42–16:47 · Nathan as informed peer 3/10 Content Planning Kanban Boards and IP Monetization Nathan is impressed by Mickey's 46-week production Kanban board. Mickey contrasts reactive trend-chasing digital companies with JASH's focus on long-term IP development and international licensing rights.16:48–23:06 · Nathan as informed peer 4/10 Branded Content Monetization and the Purina Campaign Nathan drills down on monetization and specific campaign figures. Mickey outlines the multi-spot Purina campaign and breaks down the unit economics and creator sensitivities when distributing on influencer channels.23:06–27:42 · Nathan as informed peer 2/10 Mid-Roll Break: Contest Entry and HostGator Promotion Nathan covers mid-roll promotions before moving into the standard Famous Five rapid-fire format, where Mickey talks about his upcoming media industry book.1:19–4:58 · Guest teaching 2/10 Introducing Mickey Meyer and Digital Channel Strategy Nathan introduces Mickey and highlights his YouTube accolades, but mistakenly credits him with creating Epic Rap Battles of History. Mickey politely clarifies that Nice Peter and Epic Lloyd created the show, while he built the production infrastructure and channel strategy.4:58–7:30 · Guest teaching 5/10 Consistency and the Standing Lunch Date Strategy Nathan asks how creators can maximize views without ad spend. Mickey delivers an in-depth explanation of the standing lunch date analogy, emphasizing audience trust and predictable release schedules.7:30–10:39 · Guest teaching 4/10 Production Hooks, Feed Optimization, and Thumbnail Psychology Nathan probes tactical production questions like faces and red borders in thumbnails. Mickey explains the psychology of feed optimization and why capturing attention in the first 10-15 seconds is vital.10:40–13:42 · Guest teaching 6/10 Adapting to Watch Time and Long-Form Talk Shows Mickey educates Nathan on YouTube's algorithmic transition toward watch time and session duration, explaining how JASH pivoted to three-act talk shows with late-night comedy veterans to dominate comedian search queries.13:42–16:47 · Guest teaching 5/10 Content Planning Kanban Boards and IP Monetization Nathan is impressed by Mickey's 46-week production Kanban board. Mickey contrasts reactive trend-chasing digital companies with JASH's focus on long-term IP development and international licensing rights.16:48–23:06 · Guest teaching 5/10 Branded Content Monetization and the Purina Campaign Nathan drills down on monetization and specific campaign figures. Mickey outlines the multi-spot Purina campaign and breaks down the unit economics and creator sensitivities when distributing on influencer channels.23:06–27:42 · Guest teaching 1/10 Mid-Roll Break: Contest Entry and HostGator Promotion Nathan covers mid-roll promotions before moving into the standard Famous Five rapid-fire format, where Mickey talks about his upcoming media industry book.1:19–4:58 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Introducing Mickey Meyer and Digital Channel Strategy Nathan introduces Mickey and highlights his YouTube accolades, but mistakenly credits him with creating Epic Rap Battles of History. Mickey politely clarifies that Nice Peter and Epic Lloyd created the show, while he built the production infrastructure and channel strategy.4:58–7:30 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Consistency and the Standing Lunch Date Strategy Nathan asks how creators can maximize views without ad spend. Mickey delivers an in-depth explanation of the standing lunch date analogy, emphasizing audience trust and predictable release schedules.7:30–10:39 · Guest disagreement 1/10 Production Hooks, Feed Optimization, and Thumbnail Psychology Nathan probes tactical production questions like faces and red borders in thumbnails. Mickey explains the psychology of feed optimization and why capturing attention in the first 10-15 seconds is vital.10:40–13:42 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Adapting to Watch Time and Long-Form Talk Shows Mickey educates Nathan on YouTube's algorithmic transition toward watch time and session duration, explaining how JASH pivoted to three-act talk shows with late-night comedy veterans to dominate comedian search queries.13:42–16:47 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Content Planning Kanban Boards and IP Monetization Nathan is impressed by Mickey's 46-week production Kanban board. Mickey contrasts reactive trend-chasing digital companies with JASH's focus on long-term IP development and international licensing rights.16:48–23:06 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Branded Content Monetization and the Purina Campaign Nathan drills down on monetization and specific campaign figures. Mickey outlines the multi-spot Purina campaign and breaks down the unit economics and creator sensitivities when distributing on influencer channels.23:06–27:42 · Guest disagreement 0/10 Mid-Roll Break: Contest Entry and HostGator Promotion Nathan covers mid-roll promotions before moving into the standard Famous Five rapid-fire format, where Mickey talks about his upcoming media industry book.1:19–4:58 · Nathan pushing back 1/10 Introducing Mickey Meyer and Digital Channel Strategy Nathan introduces Mickey and highlights his YouTube accolades, but mistakenly credits him with creating Epic Rap Battles of History. Mickey politely clarifies that Nice Peter and Epic Lloyd created the show, while he built the production infrastructure and channel strategy.4:58–7:30 · Nathan pushing back 0/10 Consistency and the Standing Lunch Date Strategy Nathan asks how creators can maximize views without ad spend. Mickey delivers an in-depth explanation of the standing lunch date analogy, emphasizing audience trust and predictable release schedules.7:30–10:39 · Nathan pushing back 2/10 Production Hooks, Feed Optimization, and Thumbnail Psychology Nathan probes tactical production questions like faces and red borders in thumbnails. Mickey explains the psychology of feed optimization and why capturing attention in the first 10-15 seconds is vital.10:40–13:42 · Nathan pushing back 0/10 Adapting to Watch Time and Long-Form Talk Shows Mickey educates Nathan on YouTube's algorithmic transition toward watch time and session duration, explaining how JASH pivoted to three-act talk shows with late-night comedy veterans to dominate comedian search queries.13:42–16:47 · Nathan pushing back 0/10 Content Planning Kanban Boards and IP Monetization Nathan is impressed by Mickey's 46-week production Kanban board. Mickey contrasts reactive trend-chasing digital companies with JASH's focus on long-term IP development and international licensing rights.16:48–23:06 · Nathan pushing back 2/10 Branded Content Monetization and the Purina Campaign Nathan drills down on monetization and specific campaign figures. Mickey outlines the multi-spot Purina campaign and breaks down the unit economics and creator sensitivities when distributing on influencer channels.23:06–27:42 · Nathan pushing back 1/10 Mid-Roll Break: Contest Entry and HostGator Promotion Nathan covers mid-roll promotions before moving into the standard Famous Five rapid-fire format, where Mickey talks about his upcoming media industry book.

speaking balance: gold is Nathan, purple is the guest (3 minute bins)

0:00 · Nathan 79.4% · guest 20.6%0:00 · Nathan 79.4% · guest 20.6%3:00 · Nathan 27.7% · guest 72.3%3:00 · Nathan 27.7% · guest 72.3%6:00 · Nathan 15% · guest 85%6:00 · Nathan 15% · guest 85%9:00 · Nathan 12.8% · guest 87.2%9:00 · Nathan 12.8% · guest 87.2%12:00 · Nathan 25.4% · guest 74.6%12:00 · Nathan 25.4% · guest 74.6%15:00 · Nathan 6.9% · guest 93.1%15:00 · Nathan 6.9% · guest 93.1%18:00 · Nathan 12.4% · guest 87.6%18:00 · Nathan 12.4% · guest 87.6%21:00 · Nathan 33.7% · guest 66.3%21:00 · Nathan 33.7% · guest 66.3%24:00 · Nathan 39.2% · guest 60.8%24:00 · Nathan 39.2% · guest 60.8%27:00 · Nathan 75.3% · guest 24.7%27:00 · Nathan 75.3% · guest 24.7%
Sharpest disagreement ▶ 3:18 Clarifying ERB Creator Credits

Mickey directly corrects Nathan's assumption that he created Epic Rap Battles, attributing the core creation to Pete and Lloyd while defining his own operational role.

 Hardest push from Nathan ▶ 19:47 Pressing on Brand Deal Dollar Amounts

Nathan interrupts the narrative flow to demand hard numbers on what brands like Purina pay and whether deals are structured on CPMs.

 Biggest teaching moment ▶ 11:00 Masterclass on Platform Watch Time

Mickey explains how YouTube's algorithm shifted focus from click-driven short clips to session watch time, driving JASH's transition to longer talk show formats.

 Nathan holds their own ▶ 14:33 Identifying the Production Kanban Board

Nathan demonstrates operational fluency by immediately identifying and screenshotting Mickey's 46-week production schedule as a Kanban board.
the scores for every segment, with the reasoning behind each
ChapterTopicNathan as informed peerGuest teachingGuest disagreementNathan pushing backWhy
Introducing Mickey Meyer and Digital Channel Strategy 3211 Nathan introduces Mickey and highlights his YouTube accolades, but mistakenly credits him with creating Epic Rap Battles of History. Mickey politely clarifies that Nice Peter and Epic Lloyd created the show, while he built the production infrastructure and channel strategy.
Consistency and the Standing Lunch Date Strategy 2500 Nathan asks how creators can maximize views without ad spend. Mickey delivers an in-depth explanation of the standing lunch date analogy, emphasizing audience trust and predictable release schedules.
Production Hooks, Feed Optimization, and Thumbnail Psychology 4412 Nathan probes tactical production questions like faces and red borders in thumbnails. Mickey explains the psychology of feed optimization and why capturing attention in the first 10-15 seconds is vital.
Adapting to Watch Time and Long-Form Talk Shows 3600 Mickey educates Nathan on YouTube's algorithmic transition toward watch time and session duration, explaining how JASH pivoted to three-act talk shows with late-night comedy veterans to dominate comedian search queries.
Content Planning Kanban Boards and IP Monetization 3500 Nathan is impressed by Mickey's 46-week production Kanban board. Mickey contrasts reactive trend-chasing digital companies with JASH's focus on long-term IP development and international licensing rights.
Branded Content Monetization and the Purina Campaign 4502 Nathan drills down on monetization and specific campaign figures. Mickey outlines the multi-spot Purina campaign and breaks down the unit economics and creator sensitivities when distributing on influencer channels.
Mid-Roll Break: Contest Entry and HostGator Promotion 2101 Nathan covers mid-roll promotions before moving into the standard Famous Five rapid-fire format, where Mickey talks about his upcoming media industry book.

Statements from this episode (6)

Assertion Supported
Meyer: Epic Rap Battles has no videos under 10 million views
“I don't think that they have a rap battle that has hit under 10,000,015 million views.”
Mickey Meyer Apr 4, 2016 ▶ 4:52
Prediction Held up
Meyer: Facebook is rumored to be introducing video search capabilities
“Facebook's about to introduce search. Every is kind of the rumor within the video world for Facebook.”
Mickey Meyer Apr 4, 2016 ▶ 13:34
Disclosure
JASH maintains a 46-week planned content production pipeline
“I actually am standing Or sitting, rather, next to a board that has 46 weeks of content lined up. So I've got every week an animation and either a short film, a music video, a series a prank, or some form of a longer form animation.”
Mickey Meyer Apr 4, 2016 ▶ 14:12
Insight
Meyer: Licensing short-form IP to SVOD and OTT beats AVOD monetization
“But for right now, the larger, in my mind, or like my opinion, the larger opportunity is if you can crack the code as to how to conquer the larger larger nut of how to exploit international sales around content and how to take short form IP and take that IP an…”
Mickey Meyer Apr 4, 2016 ▶ 16:10
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Purina paid mid-six figures for a JASH digital video campaign
“The Purina budget, I think, was, you know, in the, Mid six figures”
Mickey Meyer Apr 4, 2016 ▶ 20:04
Assertion Not checkable as stated
Distributing branded content via influencers costs at least $75,000 to $100,000
“But like now for most of these things, it is, 7500 thousand minimum, if you're looking to distribute a content on an influencers channel.”
Mickey Meyer Apr 4, 2016 ▶ 21:46
Made with StarZero

Turn any episode into a week of clips.

This entire site, over 2,600 episodes transcribed, diarized, checked and made playable, runs on the StarZero media pipeline. Drop in your own episode and the podcast clipper finds the moments worth sharing, cuts them, captions them, and reframes them for every feed.

Try the podcast clipper Learn more