If you’re interested in starting your own video podcast, you’re probably thinking about the exciting new opportunities that this change will present for your show. After all, producing content for YouTube and social media platforms is a great way to increase your listeners (or is that “viewers”?) and make steps toward monetizing your platform.
However, this also means that you will be seen rather than merely heard.
By spending a bit of time perfecting your podcast background, you can ensure that you come across as visually engaging.
What Is a Podcast Background?
A podcast background is simply what shows up behind you in a video podcast.
The second you hit “record,” you create a podcast background. The real question is whether viewers will like what they see.
There are as many types of podcast backgrounds as there are podcasts and every host as their favorite. Some may even change their background as their show grows and evolves. However, there are two main categories of podcast backgrounds: virtual and live.
Virtual vs. Live Podcast Backgrounds
If you’ve used Zoom at some point within the past few years, chances are, you’ve seen a virtual background. Virtual backgrounds impose an image behind the subject, creating the illusion that they are in a different setting.
The beauty of virtual backgrounds is that you can leave those dirty dishes in the sink or that pile of laundry on your bed and no one will be the wiser. However, they can be glitchy if you don’t have a dedicated green screen and no one will mistake them for the real thing.
Live backgrounds, on the other hand, simply show what is in the room behind you. Live backgrounds are more inviting and genuine than digital backgrounds, but you will have to put some work into making sure they look great before every recording. If you have a lot of clutter (or just hate dusting!), live backgrounds may feel like too much work.
If you’re looking for the warmth of a live background with the ease of virtual, backdrops are a great compromise. Often made of cloth or vinyl, backdrops provide the look of a clean background—with no glitching!
Backdrops are not only affordable, they are endlessly customizable. Starting with a simple photography stand, you can add screens or accessories to create the look of an industrial brick wall, a garden, or even a moody library.
Podcast Background Ideas
Whether you hang up a backdrop or decorate a corner of your living room, there are countless ways to transform your space into the ultimate podcast background. Here are four ideas to spark your imagination!
1. Feature Your Logo
If you plan on posting clips of your podcast on social media (such as TikTok or Instagram), featuring your podcast’s logo is a great way to show potential viewers who they’re listening to!
A simple poster is fine, but if you’re ready to step things up, create a custom vinyl backdrop or even a neon sign!
2. Keep Things Minimal
Some people may hate the look of an empty wall, but at the end of the day, it gets the job done.
If you plan on inserting any graphics into your video, this type of background is best. However, a blank white wall isn’t your only option. Consider a subtle pattern like brick or wood for a bit of visual interest.
3. Decorate Your Living Space
Having a nicely decorated wall or room behind you not only displays your personality, it creates a warm, inviting background that encourages viewers to settle in.
4. Look To the Outdoors
Nature has an incredibly calming effect on the body. However, recording your podcast outdoors can affect your sound quality, so make sure you have a good microphone!
Depending on how much equipment you have, it can also be difficult to lug everything outside every time you need to record an episode. Simply adding some plants to your home studio can help.
Podcast Background Tips
At the end of the day, it’s your show! How you design your podcast background is entirely up to you. However, here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the best result from your efforts.
- Reflect on who your listeners are and what your content niche is, then design your background from there. For example floral patterns may not work for a true crime podcast, while graffiti may be too “gritty” for a podcast about ballet.
- Play around with lighting. Fairy lights, ring lights, spotlights, and uplighting can all have a drastic effect on how your space looks.
- Keep clutter to a minimum, as it will distract from what you’re saying.
- Consider your acoustics. Concrete or brick walls might look great, but a fully concrete room will create an unpleasant echo. Add some sound dampening materials (such as carpets, pillows, or acoustic panels).
- Leave some space between you and the backdrop. This helps to separate you from the background and allows you to add a blur if you want.
- Pay attention to how you are framed. It looks best if your face is near the middle of the screen with room between your head and the top of the frame.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to increase your podcast’s reach and look more professional, video podcasting can help. However, it’s important to invest your time wisely, especially when you’re setting up your podcast background.
Another way to start taking your podcast seriously is by creating your very own podcast website.
With Podpage, you can create a simple, easy-to-use website that reflects your brand, draws in listeners, and monetizes your show through a variety of avenues. Get started today!
