7 Mistakes Podcasters Make When Adding Video To Their Show

There’s a lot of pressure in podcasting right now to "add video."

It makes sense — video can boost discoverability, give you more content to promote across platforms (that omnichannel marketing approach you always hear us talking about), and help you connect with your audience on a different level.

But here’s the thing: just because video can enhance your podcast doesn’t mean it always does. Especially if it’s added halfhazardly without a clear plan.

We've seen podcasters jump into video without thinking through the extra time, cost, and coordination involved — and it ends up hurting the final product.

In this post, we’re breaking down the most common mistakes we see brands and creators make when adding video to their podcasts — and how to avoid falling into the same traps.

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TL;DR: Video podcast mistakes to avoid

• Neglecting planning and goal setting: Understand why you’re adding video and what you hope to achieve before diving in.
• Forgetting the background: Keep your environment tidy and intentional to avoid distractions and align with your brand.
• Not checking your setup: Ensure your camera, lighting, microphone, and recording platform are all properly set up to avoid issues.
• Overlooking editing: Edit thoughtfully to create dynamic content with good rhythm, engaging visuals, and captions for social media.
• No guest briefs: Prepare your guests for video with tips on lighting, background, and presentation to ensure they look and sound great.
• Forgetting to optimize your video: Tailor content for different platforms and optimize your YouTube page for discoverability.
• Neglecting thumbnail design: Use custom thumbnails that are eye-catching and consistent with your branding.
• Not repurposing your video: Share clips on social media and tease upcoming episodes to engage your audience across platforms.

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1. Neglecting planning and goal setting

You’d be surprised how many creators go into video podcasting without asking themselves, “What’s my video podcast going to look like?”

It’s an important question — and not just in terms of aesthetics. Before you hit record with a camera rolling, it’s worth stepping back to ask why you’re adding video in the first place.

Video podcasting comes with real trade-offs: more time, more gear, more editing, and often, more budget. So take a beat and ask yourself: Is the investment worth the potential reward?

For some podcasters, it absolutely is. Maybe your audience lives on TikTok or Reels. Maybe you’ve already seen traction with short clips, and you’re ready to scale. Or maybe you thrive on-camera, and you want to connect with your listeners through visual storytelling.

But if your audience tends to listen while commuting, doing the dishes, or walking the dog — and you don’t have the resources to shoot, edit, and distribute video content consistently — it might not be the right fit. And that’s okay. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” here.

The key is clarity. Know what you’re hoping to achieve before you jump in. Are you trying to grow on YouTube? Build a stronger social presence? Connect with your community on a deeper level? Your answer should shape everything from your filming style to your editing workflow.

Bottom line: Don’t treat video like a checkbox. Treat it like a strategy. Podcasters who go in with a plan — and a clear sense of purpose — are the ones who make it work long-term.

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2. Forgetting the background

When you add video to your podcast, your environment becomes part of the content. Distracting visuals, cluttered shelves, people walking by in the background — they all compete for attention and can take away from what you're actually saying.

The solution? Keep it clean and intentional.

A neutral, tidy background gives your audience space to focus on you, not the chaos behind you. If you're recording in an office or shared space, take a quick scan of what’s in the frame — that outdated poster or stray coffee cup might be more noticeable than you think. And if you're filming outside, be strategic: choose a quiet location, avoid foot traffic, and consider how ambient noise might affect your audio.

But beyond just keeping distractions to a minimum, think about your background as part of your podcast’s brand. A consistent visual setup — whether that’s a certain color palette, a signature prop, or a recurring environment — builds recognition and trust over time.

A great example is Pretty Lonesome by Madeline Argy. Her car has essentially become a co-host. Fans now associate her podcast not just with her voice or tone but with that specific space. It’s even made its way into the show’s cover art. That level of visual consistency creates familiarity — and that’s powerful.

So, while your background doesn’t need to be elaborate, it should be thoughtful. Set the stage so your message — and your brand — stays front and center.

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3. Not checking your video podcast setup

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing more painful than realizing after recording that your mic wasn’t on, your lighting made you look like a ghost, or your video was blurrier than The Blair Witch Project. 

When it comes to video podcasting, your setup matters — a lot. And while you don’t need to go full Hollywood production, you do need gear and platforms that support clean, consistent content.

Here’s a breakdown of the essentials to help you avoid those “well, that’s unusable” moments.

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Camera

A decent camera is a must for video podcasting, but that doesn’t mean you need to shell out thousands.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, here are solid options:

• Beginner-friendly: A quality webcam like the Logitech Brio or even a recent iPhone (with proper stabilization and framing) can go a long way.
• Leveling up: DSLR or mirrorless cameras will give you that cinematic look. Popular picks include the Canon EOS M50 and the Sony ZV-1 — portable, sharp, and podcaster-approved.

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Lighting 

Don’t leave your visuals at the mercy of a cloudy day, overhead fluorescents, or a 4pm sunset. 

Here are some options to ensure your lighting is doing its job:

• Use natural light if possible, and make sure you’re facing a window
• Add a ring light for simple, even lighting at any time of day
• Softbox or panel lights like the Neewer LED Video Lights or Elgato Key Light Air offer pro-level control if you’re filming in dim spaces.

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Podcast microphone 

You likely already have a go-to podcast microphone, which can typically transition seamlessly into your video setup. However, video podcasters do need to be mindful of their microphone covering their face when filming. 

You’ll want to place the mic 4-6 inches from your mouth, so keep that top of mind when deciding where to station your mic and your camera. You can get a mic stand or simply try to position the microphone to one side of your face to make sure you’re always in full view. 

If you’re in the market for a new mic, here are a few podcaster favorites:

• Pro-level: The Shure SM7B is an industry classic for a reason. It sounds amazing and blocks out background noise effortlessly.
• Budget-conscious: The Audio-Technica AT2020 delivers crisp, clear audio without breaking the bank.

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Recording platform

Your recording platform is the backbone of your video podcast, especially if you’re recording remotely. Prioritize platforms that offer local recording (meaning each person’s audio and video is captured on their own device, not over the internet) — this gives you crisp quality and fewer headaches in post.

Here are a few tried-and-true options:

• Riverside.fm: One of the most popular choices for a reason. It offers high-res local recording for both video and audio, even if your Wi-Fi is spotty. Perfect for remote interviews with guests.
• SquadCast: Now part of the Descript family, SquadCast makes it easy to record high-quality remote video and audio, with backups automatically saved. Great UI and podcaster-friendly tools.
• Zoom: Yes, it’s convenient and budget-friendly. But the trade-off is lower video quality. 

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Editing platform

Whether you’re stitching together angles, cleaning up audio, or adding captions, a solid editing platform will save you time and your sanity.

Reliable options include:

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Powerful and packed with features, perfect if you’re going all in.
• Final Cut Pro: Great for Mac users who want pro-level editing with a smoother learning curve.
• Descript: Made for podcasters, their platform is user-friendly and lets you edit audio and video by editing the transcript like you would a Google Doc.

For a full rundown, you’ll want to check out our complete podcast equipment guide. 

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Podcast hosting 

Not all podcast hosting platforms are video-friendly yet. Some will take your audio and add your cover art on YouTube, but that’s not ideal if you’ve spent hours perfecting your video episode.

Instead, look for hosts with video capabilities (or integrations that make it easier to repurpose your video podcast content):

• CoHost: Built for podcasters who care about data and growth. CoHost will soon offer direct video publishing to YouTube. It’s worth signing up for updates.
• Libsyn: A veteran hosting platform that can publish your podcast directly to YouTube as a video podcast, or you can upload your audio file, and Libsyn will generate a video with your artwork before publishing it to YouTube.
• Spotify for Creators: Free and designed for — you guessed it — Spotify. It integrates with Riverside for smoother audio/video workflows but does not publish full videos to YouTube.
• Podbean: Another popular option, Podbean has many video-centric tools, but like the platforms above, it’ll only distribute the audio with your podcast icon.

If you’re in the market, check out our complete list of video podcast hosting platforms.

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4. Overlooking editing

One of the most common missteps in video podcasting is treating the edit like a quick cleanup job instead of a chance to shape the experience.

Editing is where you can build rhythm, add clarity, and create something that feels thoughtful and intentional. Especially if you’re recording remotely, taking the time to refine your visuals will elevate the final product.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid sticking to a single static shot: Holding one wide frame or a fixed speaker grid for the entire episode gets stale fast. Cutting between speakers or changing up the framing doesn’t require a full multi-cam setup. Even subtle changes can help your podcast feel more dynamic.
• Use supporting visuals when it makes sense: If you’re talking about a tweet, a product, or a video — show it. B-roll and overlays can make episodes more engaging and help smooth over any rough transitions. Especially for remote setups, they’re a great way to break up the monotony and add visual variety.
• Include captions for short clips: For full episodes, captions are optional, although we do encourage them for accessibility. But for short-form content on social media, they’re crucial. Most people scroll with the sound off, and without text on the screen, your content is likely to get skipped. Burned-in subtitles help make your message clear from the first second.

Editing doesn’t have to be complicated or flashy. It just needs to feel intentional — like you’re considering how your audience will actually watch your show, not just listen to it.

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5. Forgetting to brief your guests ahead of video episodes

You know the drill for podcast guest prep: a quick email with the episode’s talking points, maybe a heads-up about the topics you’ll cover, and a couple of audio checks. But there are a few extra steps when it comes to hosting guests on your video podcast.

Video podcasts aren’t just about what your guest says; they’re also about how they look and how they come across on screen. With that in mind, here are some things to communicate to your guests:

1. Lighting: It’s amazing how good lighting can transform a less-than-ideal setup into something polished. Whether it's natural light from a window or a ring light, make sure your guests know how to create a well-lit setup before the recording starts.
2. Background: A clean, uncluttered background is a must. Encourage your guests to tidy up their space or even send them a backdrop if they’re lacking the perfect setting.
3. Presentation: Your guest might be an expert in their field, but if they’re slouching in their chair, getting camera shy, or battling internet issues, it’ll take away from the authority they’re trying to build. A little reminder to look at the camera (not the screen) goes a long way in creating a more engaging video.

To check all of the above, we suggest doing a test call with your guests who may be new to video. This will help put you both at ease and is also a prime opportunity to build some more rapport with your guest and build up their confidence before the recording. Don’t just send your guest a calendar invite and call it a day. 

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6. Forgetting to optimize your video episodes 

It’s one thing to publish your podcast on YouTube — it’s another to make sure it’s actually set up to perform well. A lot of creators assume their work is done once the episode is uploaded, but video platforms require a bit more tailoring than audio-only channels.

Here are some tips for optimizing your video podcasts:

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Tailor your content for different platforms 

Once your full episode is done, create multiple versions for specific platforms. Typically, YouTube will get the full-length episode with chapters and thumbnails, while YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok will get 30- to 60-second clips with bold on-screen text and baked-in captions.

Each edit should feel like it belongs on the platform it's on, not like a leftover from somewhere else. That might mean resizing your frame, changing your captions and hashtags, or adjusting your title card.

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Complete your YouTube Podcasts page

Treat your YouTube podcast page like a landing page for new listeners. It should reflect your show’s identity at a glance. That means:

• A banner image that clearly features your show name and branding
• A profile image that aligns with your podcast’s artwork or logo
• Playlists that separate full episodes from shorts or bonus content
• A pinned trailer to introduce your show to first-time visitors

YouTube now offers a dedicated space for podcasts, so take advantage of the built-in layout to make your show easier to find and navigate.

Here’s a great example from Call Her Daddy:

For more details, we’ve created a complete guide for how to optimize your podcast for YouTube.

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Design your thumbnails 

Your podcast thumbnail is the first thing potential listeners will notice when scrolling through YouTube or other video platforms, so it needs to grab attention right away. While YouTube auto-generates thumbnails, they’re often not the most eye-catching or on-brand. Custom thumbnails give you full control over how your content is presented.

Here are some key tips for designing effective thumbnails:

• Use high-quality, engaging visuals: Focus on clear, close-up shots of the guest or a strong reaction moment from the episode. This helps viewers connect with the content right away.
• Keep text minimal but impactful: Use a few words that capture the essence of the episode. Bold, legible fonts work best. Don’t overcrowd your thumbnail with too much text.
• Stay consistent with branding: Your thumbnails should reflect your show's overall style. Maintain consistent colors, fonts, and layout across all episodes so your content is easily recognizable.

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7. Forgetting to repurpose your video 

As we touched on above, your podcast’s video shouldn’t just live on YouTube or Spotify. One of the primary advantages of video is its ability to be repurposed across social media platforms, newsletters, and more. 

Social media platforms, in particular, are built for visual content. With autoplay features and robust algorithms, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are optimized for engaging video content. The numbers back this up with video content on social media being shared 12x more than text and static images combined. 

Some ways to do this include:

• Share your best moments: Capture stand-out moments like thought-provoking sound bites, funny reactions, or impactful quotes from your episodes. Edit clips to fit within 15-60 seconds, adding subtitles to ensure they’re accessible even without sound.
• Tease upcoming episodes: Build anticipation by sharing sneak peeks of your next episode. Use visuals, music, and messaging to spark curiosity, whether it’s revealing a hot topic, a controversial guest, or a question you’ll be unpacking.
• Provide quick tips: Share expert advice, tackle common problems in your niche, or offer solutions based on your guests’ expertise. These bite-sized takeaways provide immediate value to your audience, prompting them to listen to your full podcast for more in-depth information.

By repurposing your full video episodes into shorter, more digestible clips, you attract new fans who may not have discovered your podcast otherwise. In fact, over half of podcast listeners say they discover new shows via social media. 

Plus, you not only extend the lifespan of your episodes but also create a snowball effect of engagement. As viewers share clips or interact with your posts, you open up more opportunities for growth and discoverability across various platforms.

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Video podcast FAQ

Does my podcast need video to be successful?

Video is attracting many podcasters for its ability to expand reach, improve discoverability, and engage audiences. The proof is in the numbers:

• 49% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners say video provides a better understanding of context and tone through facial expressions and gestures
• 45% of listeners feel more connected to podcasters through video
• 48% of podcast listeners find new podcasts on YouTube
• YouTube is the most used podcast platform for consumption at 34%

But you’ll need to compare the potential benefits to the resources that video demands. As you’ve gathered from this blog, you can’t just hit record and hope for the best. 

Video requires more time, equipment, and technical expertise, which may not be feasible for every podcaster. Ultimately, podcasting will always be audio-first, and whether adding video to your podcast makes sense depends entirely on your goals, your audience's preferences, and the level of investment you're able to make.

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Who listens to video podcasts?

77% of podcast listeners now toggle between audio and video formats, according to findings from the State of Video Podcasting 2025 Report. This marks a significant departure from the old notion that listeners are either "audio-first" or "video-first." Today, podcast consumption is increasingly context-driven — listeners may choose audio while commuting or multitasking and switch to video when they want a more immersive experience at home.

This hybrid behavior isn't just limited to younger audiences. Although 83% of listeners aged 15–29 use both audio and video, this trend spans all age groups, confirming that video podcasting is gaining traction across the board.

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What’s the difference between a video podcast and a vlog?

A video podcast follows the traditional podcast format but adds a visual component, typically involving interviews, discussions, or topic-based content, all captured on camera. These shows maintain a structured format and are often distributed on podcasting platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, as well as on YouTube. 

In contrast, vlogs are typically more informal and personal, often showcasing a creator's day-to-day life or sharing narrative-driven content. 

Neither format is inherently better; the choice depends on your content goals. We provide a full rundown of each to help you decide which is right for you.

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Step into video podcasting with confidence 

There’s no denying that video is playing an increasingly important role in podcasting, but its impact depends on execution.

The most successful video podcasts are the ones that align their visual strategy with their goals and audience preferences. That means thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and a clear purpose behind every decision. 

For more podcast tips like these, subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter, Tuned In.