Let’s be frank, video podcasts have taken the audio world by storm in 2024. Every newsletter, thought leader, and blog seems to be talking about the power of video in podcasting.
And they’re not wrong.
A study by CoHost and Sounds Profitable found that 64% of podcast listeners consider YouTube to be a better podcast experience compared to audio-only formats and 48% of podcast listeners are finding new podcasts on YouTube.
One of my favorite statements about video podcasts is from Dinos Sofos, the former Head of Podcasts at the BBC and founder of Persephonica who said, “Having a video strategy is really important. You can’t just record in a cupboard anymore.”
But the leap to video can seem daunting for podcasters who are used to audio-only production. How do you create a video podcast that looks professional while ensuring your audio quality remains top-notch? While also not burning yourself out trying to add video to your podcast workflow?
This guide will walk you through how to seamlessly transition into video podcasting and create a show that looks and sounds great—without the overwhelm.
Why video podcasts are worth the effort
We’ll be real with you, adding video to your podcast does require more effort and a change in how you currently produce and manage your podcast. But it’s worth it, here’s why:
Audience engagement
Video podcasts engage audiences in a way that audio simply cannot. Viewers can pick up on non-verbal cues, see the host's facial expressions, and feel more connected. This deeper engagement makes viewers more likely to stick around and invest in your content.
Multi-platform reach
Video podcasts extend your reach beyond traditional podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts or Podcast Addict. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are all perfect spaces for video podcasts, helping you connect with new audiences who prefer visual content. Personally, I’ve consumed podcasts strictly via clips they’ve shared on TikTok or Reels.
Building trust
Video adds a layer of authenticity that builds trust with your audience. When viewers can see you, they are more likely to feel like they know you, which can deepen the listener relationship, ultimately leading to stronger audience loyalty.
Pre-production: Planning your video podcast
A great podcast requires a great plan to help you stay focused, consistent, and organized. Below we cover some elements to keep in mind when planning your video podcast.
Analyze your format
What’s your current podcast format and how will it adapt to video? Do you host interviews, solo discussions, or casual conversations? Depending on the format and whether or not you’re in person, your video setup might change. Interviews, for instance, may require additional camera angles or split-screen layouts, while solo episodes might focus solely on you and your surroundings.
Props and design
This shouldn’t come as a surprise but with video, your audience can now see you. This means that you’ll have to think a little harder about what’s in your background. Invest in designing your background to align with the personality and even color scheme of your show.
Episode length
Think about how long your audience is willing to watch. While audio listeners may tune in for an hour-long podcast, video viewers may prefer shorter content. Consider breaking longer podcasts into smaller, digestible segments or highlight reels for platforms like YouTube.
Editing timeline
You’ll need to carve out additional time for video editing along with your typical audio editing schedule. Make sure you plan for this in advance so you’re not last minute pulling an all-nighter to get your episode out on time.
Video setup: Equipment you’ll need
Producing a video podcast doesn't require a high-budget studio, but it does require the right equipment to ensure your show looks and sounds professional.
Camera
Your camera is the backbone of your video podcast setup. While a DSLR will give you cinematic-quality visuals, a good webcam can work just as well for smaller budgets when using recording platforms like Riverside. Make sure the camera has a high-resolution setting and focus on stable framing that keeps the host in focus.
Camera lighting
Lighting makes all the difference in video quality. Natural light is great, but if that’s not an option, ring lights or softbox lights can brighten your setup and reduce harsh shadows. The key is to make sure your face is evenly lit and your background isn’t too dark or distracting (unless that fits with the podcast’s personality).
Microphone
Even with great video, bad audio can ruin the experience. If you’re already deep into your audio podcast, we’ll assume you have a quality microphone. But if not, invest in a mic that captures clear sound and eliminates background noise.
Recording software
Remote recording platforms have come a long way in ensuring you have quality audio and video. But if your current platform doesn’t record video, then explore tools like Riverside or SquadCast which make it easy to record high-quality video and sync it with your audio.
Post-production: Editing your video podcast
Once the video is recorded, post-production is where you bring your visual and audio elements together.
Video editing software
This is where you can really start investing in tools to save you time. You don’t need to be a professional editor to produce a high-quality video podcast. User-friendly tools like Descript, Podcastle, and Riverside offer intuitive interfaces where you can trim, cut, and merge clips, typically through editing a transcribed episode. Remember that, unlike audio, editing video will show cuts and jumps so try to keep it to a minimum.
Add subtitles & graphics
Subtitles improve accessibility and engagement, for example, if you’re creating clips for social media not everyone listens with sound. The editing software mentioned above automatically adds captions for you and simple graphics like name and title cards to help viewers keep track of who’s speaking.
Publishing & promoting your video podcast
Once your podcast is edited, it's time to get it out to the world.
Choose your platforms
YouTube is a must for video podcasts, but don’t stop there. Share your content across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to reach a broader audience. Each platform has its own video length and format requirements, so consider editing your podcast into shorter clips for social media promotion. CoHost’s Video Podcast Hosting (in production) aims to make publishing your video podcast across platforms seamless.
Choose your video podcast host
You can look at a podcast hosting platform to help schedule and publish your video podcast but we will preface with not many hosts can publish your actual video. Instead, they use the audio version of your podcast and add your cover art as the background. The few that do offer it are Libsyn and CoHost (which is in production, learn more and sign up for our beta program).
Optimize for SEO
When uploading your video, podcast SEO still comes into play. Optimize your titles, descriptions, and tags for search engines, and remember, people still search on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, it’s not just Google or Bing. In fact, YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. Use podcast keywords that your audience is likely to search for, and be sure to include them naturally in your description and show notes.
Repurpose your content
One of the best things about video podcasts is their versatility. Create short clips for social media, turn key points into blog posts, or even create a behind-the-scenes video for your email newsletter. Content repurposing helps you maximize the reach of each episode. If you’re looking for tools to help support video podcast content repurposing, explore CoHost’s Video Podcast Hosting tool.
Examples of video podcasts done right
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to create a video podcast that captivates both visually and audibly, these standout shows have mastered the art.
From dynamic camera work to beautiful set designs, these video podcasts prove how leveraging video can elevate your content, build deeper connections with your audience, and set your show apart.
Let’s take a closer look:
Call Her Daddy
A video podcast that’s taken the audio world by storm, Call Her Daddy. The podcast, now owned by SiriusXM after a $125 million deal, is loved by many not just for its authentic conversations but also aesthetic set and video content.
Host, Alex Cooper, has two different styled sets she’ll use, one for interviews and one for solo conversations. For interviews, the podcast will cut between shots of both Alex and the guest or just Alex or just the guest. Offering the audience variety while watching.
For solo episodes, shots will feature a variety of close-ups, straight-on shots, or angled shots of Alex speaking directly to the audience. She does a great job at creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere for both viewers and guests.
The Basement Yard
A popular podcast on not just YouTube with over 840,000 subscribers but also on TikTok with over 4.3 million followers, The Basement Yard is hosted by Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez.
The podcast has a much less-styled studio and background with raw editing. But really, that’s the draw and personality of the show and hosts so it’s fitting. On TikTok, The Basement Yard grabs punchy podcast sections that amass hundreds of thousands of views and plays, clearly resonating with the show’s audience.
The Basement Yard is a great example of using video to further the ethos of the show.
What Now? with Trevor Noah
And finally, What Now? with Trevor Noah has more recently started taking full advantage of video in podcasting.
The podcast features intimate and thought-provoking conversations with a wide range of guests. And the video style reflects this with shots switching from cameras spotlighting a guest or Trevor or panning out to see them all sitting at a small round table together. It makes the podcast feel like we’re a fly on the wall to a casual conversation between some smart people rather than listening to a podcast.
Creating a stellar video podcast
While adding video to your podcast can seem like a big step, the advantages make it well worth the effort.
Video podcasts offer greater audience engagement and visibility across multiple platforms, helping you take your show to the next level. By carefully planning your format, investing in the right tools, and focusing on both video and audio quality in post-production, you can create a show that stands out.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your reach, video podcasting offers an exciting opportunity to connect with your audience in new and meaningful ways. If you’re curious about how you can simplify video in your podcast workflow, reach out to our team!
