According to a recent Podcast Download report, 64% of people prefer video podcasts over audio-only versions. But is it truly worth the extra work just to have audio and video?
In this blog, we'll break down the benefits of video podcasting so you can decide if this is the right move for you. We'll also break down how to record quality video so your content stands out from the crowd.
Benefits of Video Podcasting
While there are plenty of podcasts that do just fine with audio alone, there’s no denying the power of a visual medium.
In fact, a recent study found that YouTube is the “most preferred” podcast platform—even over Apple and Spotify!
Here are some compelling reasons why you should start a video podcast:
- Wider Audience - The more places you post your podcast, the more potential listeners you can get hooked on your show. Not everyone likes the idea of listening to an audio-only format. Video podcasting helps you grow your podcast audience.
- Enhanced Storytelling - Video gives you the opportunity to enhance your stories with visual elements, such as slideshows, charts, or videos of yourself talking about your topic in real-time.
- Increased Engagement - Podcast directories don't have a way to comment on episodes. By adding your episodes to a video platform, you open up a whole other platform of engagement and interactivity with listeners.
- Brand Authority - Vlogging can help establish you as an authority in your niche and builds trust in the brand or topic that you’re discussing. Having your podcast on YouTube and other platforms can also increase traffic to your podcast website, ultimately driving more listens, subscriptions, and engagement with your content as a whole.
If recording a video podcast feels like a fit for you, read on to learn everything you need to know to get started!
Types of Video Podcasts
You have three main options when it comes to video podcasting: static images, animation, and recorded video.
Static images are the easiest option, as they involve a simple image paired with an audio file. However, this tends to be the least engaging of all video podcasts for your audience, as there’s no real benefit to watching a screen.
Animation is a good option if you’re hesitant to appear on camera, but it can come across as cheesy and inauthentic if not done right.
That’s why your best bet is a standard video recording of you—along with any co-hosts or guests—speaking on camera. This can be as simple as an in-studio camera capturing the action or a high-quality interview interspersed with B-roll shots based on your topic.
Your exact setup will depend a lot on your own equipment, time, and skill. However, it’s an exciting opportunity to hone your skills over time!
How To Record Your Podcast
Recording video of your episodes can be as simple as setting up your webcam or smartphone camera or as complex as a full studio setup—the choice is yours.
Here are two different customizable setups that can work for any budget.
Basic Setup:
Best for: Solo podcasters looking to record themselves or a remote guest or co-host. If you record with multiple people, you can add some mics and an affordable interface (like the Scarlett 2i2).
- Camera: Any webcam or iPhone camera, but we recommend the Logitech C920x
- Mic: Samson Q2U (or the mic from your headphones)
- Headphones: Audio Technica ATH-M20x
- Lighting:
- Option #1. Position yourself near a window where light is toward your face, not behind you. Pay attention to the background. It's okay if it's just a normal bedroom as your background, but make sure it’s clean and presentable.
- Option #2. Get an affordable ring light. This little gadget can go a long way toward making your recording look more professional.
- Remote recording software: Zoom
Studio-Quality Setup:
Best for: Podcasters with an in-person co-host or frequent in-person guests who want a top-of-the-line setup on every front.
- Camera: Canon M50 II (paired with a pro-DSLR mic)
- Mic: RodePodMic, Rode Procaster (with a Rode PSA1+ boom arm)
- Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
- Interface: Rodecaster Pro
- Lighting: NEEWER GL Pro 15.5" Light Kit
- Remote recording software: Riverside.fm, SquadCast
Obviously, these setups are just suggestions. Feel free to mix and match and create your own video recording setup and use this as a guide!
How To Edit Episodes Like a Pro
How much you edit your podcast is totally up to you. Many podcasters record their video podcast in one cut and only make minor adjustments.
- Keep episodes tight and engaging by trimming out long pauses as well as sections where you are talking over each other.
- Add captions to make your videos more accessible to a wider audience.
- Always review and double-check your work before publishing—once it’s out there, it’s a permanent part of your brand.
Podcast Editing Software
The editing process of your video podcast is as important as creating great content, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on high-end software. There are plenty of free and affordable options for beginners that make the editing process simpler and faster.
Best Free Video Editing Tools:
- Lightworks. This powerful software is great for making simple or complex edits.
- iMovie. Another great option for free video editing software that’s available on Macs and iOS devices.
Best Paid Video Editing Tools:
- Final Cut Pro. A powerful editing platform with all the features you need to create top-notch video productions.
- Adobe Premiere Pro. Another more-advanced editing suite jam-packed with pro features and capabilities.
How To Promote Your Video Podcast
Once you've recorded your video podcast and edited it, the next step is to promote it. Your YouTube channel is an excellent platform for promoting your video podcast because of its powerful search engine and algorithm that favors videos over text or audio.
Create a thumbnail using a free tool like Canva or Adobe Express to drive traffic to your channel from your social media platform. You can create a teaser trailer for your video podcast to post on other platforms as well.
Best Practices For Recording a Killer Video Podcast
Your video quality does not have to be professional to increase engagement with your audience and expand your reach. But following a few best practices can set the quality of your video podcast apart from the rest.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Show your personality. Vlogging gives you an opportunity to show your personality in a way audio can't. Don't be afraid to use humor or facial expressions to help keep your audience engaged.
- Make sure your audio is high-quality. Investing in a good microphone and recording software can go a long way towards ensuring you have crisp, clear sound for your podcast. And, of course, if you already have a good audio setup, you can use this for your video without investing in anything else.
- Have good lighting. Natural light or a ring light will make a huge difference in how professional your video looks.
- Create an organized workflow. Figure out what equipment you need, how to record and edit the podcast, and ensure that everything is in place before you start recording.
- Engage in the comments. Encourage viewers to comment and answer questions that they have. This will help build relationships between you and your audience and make them feel like a part of the conversation. The bottom line is, recording a video podcast can be just as successful (if not more) than regular audio podcasts.
As always, genuinely good content is the best way to increase engagement on any platform. No light kit or professional camera can replace true passion, interest, and curiosity in your topic.
Conclusion
Adding video to your podcast can be a simple, effective way to expand your reach without investing a lot of money. It allows you to interact with listeners, boosts your visibility, draws more traffic to your podcast website, and ultimately increases your podcast subscribers count.
Remember, viewers care more about the quality of your content than the quality of your production. So have fun, create quality episodes, and keep it simple!
