A few days back when I opened Spotify for Podcasters, a banner was pushed to the forefront really trying to push me to make a video podcast. The banner included a link to an article discussing how big video podcasting is getting, how more and more people are watching video podcasts, why you should switch to making a video podcast to maximize exposure and grab audience attention and retention, etc, etc. Basically, Spotify wants you to make Video Podcast. Here’s a story.
Rachel was always passionate about storytelling. After years of hesitating, she finally launched her own podcast and putted her heart and soul into every episode. But one morning, as she logged into Spotify for Podcasters (S4P), she saw this banner that made her stomach drop: “Make the Switch to Video Podcasts for Maximum Exposure!” The article linked in the banner went on and on about how big video podcasting was getting, how more people were watching podcasts rather than just listening, and why every serious podcaster should consider adding a visual component to their show.
Rachel felt a wave of anxiety. Video? That was a whole new thing for her. She loved the simplicity of audio—no need to worry about how she looked and all, no need for expensive cameras or time-consuming video editing. The thought of having to manage both audio and video production is obviously overwhelming.
Did You Know?
According to a recent study, over 75% of podcast listeners prefer audio-only content because it allows them to multitask— so They don’t want to be glued to a screen right? The flexibility of audio is what makes podcasts so great in the first place.
Why Video Podcasting Isn’t Always the Answer
I’ve seen a lot of people on podcasting forums, particularly newbies who have just started or are about to start, ask if they should make a video podcast. If you have to ask, and if the idea of doing so stresses you out, the answer is no, you should not. Ask yourself these questions:
- Will My Podcast Benefit from a Visual Component?
Think about your content. Does it rely heavily on visual elements, or is it primarily about storytelling, interviews, or discussions that don’t need to be seen to be understood? If your podcast content is rich enough to stand on its own, adding video might not enhance it. - Is My Audience Interested in My Podcast Being a Video?
Have you polled your listeners or gotten feedback that suggests they want a visual element? If not, you might be creating extra work for little to no gain. - Am I Prepared for the Extra Work Involved with Editing Both Audio and Video?
Video editing is a whole different ballgame. It’s time-consuming, requires a different skill set, and often demands additional equipment. If you’re already juggling a busy schedule, the added workload could affect your podcast’s quality or consistency.
The last two questions are particularly important. If you don’t have financial backing and/or a support crew, making your podcast A/V is putting a lot of extra work on yourself that might prevent you from keeping a consistent release schedule.
The Hidden Costs of Video Podcasting
When you decide to add a video component to your podcast, Try to check mark your new shopping list, you’re signing up for more than just turning on a camera. Here’s a breakdown:
More Equipment
You’ll need cameras, lighting, and a suitable recording space. And don’t forget upgrading your computer to handle video editing. Here is a basic Beginner Podcast Setup you will need to get started. If the gears cost too much, we can still have a solution. If you have an Iphone, it can be more than enough. We have a full free guide on How to make Podcasting with Iphone better than professional setups.
Editing Time Doubles
Editing audio is one thing, but video requires syncing, cutting, and sometimes color correction. Plus, you have to make sure the visuals match up with the audio seamlessly. If editing is daunting, never hesitate to hire an expert and save your time. How to find them? Congrats We have done the hard job for you and gathered all the Experts and Freelancers one would need to grow their Podcast already.
Increased Stress
Suddenly, you have to worry about your appearance, your background, and whether your video is engaging enough to hold viewers’ attention. Recently I have made a Case Study on Tim Ferris Podcast, he can be a very good example of an On-Camera Podcaster you can follow.
For example, one of the reasons I like podcasts so much is because I don’t have to stare at a screen. The nice thing with most video podcasts is that good podcasters will make it so you don’t have to watch the video. But, if you like, the video is there.
Rachel’s experience serves as a great example. At one point, she was part of an actual play DnD video podcast. While it started as a fun project, the constant stress of managing both the video and audio elements drained her joy out of it.
Spotify is a terrible app for Podcasts (and music), so this decision is on-brand for them. Is it just me, or does this feel like Instagram trying to push reels because they didn’t understand their own audience? It feels like one of those things they want to make happen, so they’re trying to reverse-engineer it by hyping everyone up as if it already is popular.
I don’t know a single person that watches video podcasts. I’ve also noticed that Apple Podcasts is dominating my client’s listeners. They used to have a bigger Spotify audience, so it’s hard for them to even care when people seem to be using Apple more anyway.
Maintaining Balance: Rachel’s Approach to Audio and Video Integration
Rachel has to agree but chimes in with the fact that a lot of podcasters who’ve added video need to really keep in mind whether they are primarily audio or video. She hears many who have added video start to say things like, “I was doing this” (does some action, everyone laughs), which alienates the loyal audio-only listener, making them feel like a second-class citizen who’s missing out on half the fun.
Yeah, Rachel and her team have a rule with their main episodes that they need to be enjoyed 100% with audio as well as video. They have had some exceptions because of live episodes they’ve done or games they’ve played, but out of around 110 episodes, she thinks they have two or three that they asked the viewers to jump onto a free video to enjoy the whole thing.
When Rachel finally dropped video production, it was like a weight lifted off her shoulders. Now, she only uploads audio to YouTube with a simple looped sound wave video. Editing became easier, and she could focus on delivering a better experience for her audio listeners. YouTube is where they get most of their podcast “listeners,” and that’s where they put most of their focus on. They get a fraction of listeners from all platforms in comparison to what they get on YouTube.
When Video Might Make Sense
Of course, I’m not saying video is all bad. It has its place, especially if you’re targeting a younger, social media-centered audience. Video can be a tool for marketing your podcast. Platforms like YouTube can help as discovery engines, where a well placed thumbnail or short clip can get someone to check out your full episodes.
If your content has a strong visual component—like cooking shows, craft tutorials, or anything that benefits from visual demonstration—video could enhance your show. But it’s important to weigh the benefits against the costs. If background is a problem, you can do podcasts in Video Calls. There are many Recording Software for Podcasting out there.
One of my client had a popular video podcast back when iTunes supported video. Eventually, they had to let it go because the effort didn’t match the returns.
But if you are into it I highly recommend you to read the guide on Mastering Video & Podcast Editing: Tips, Tricks, and Tools.
Common Mistakes Podcasters Make with Video
As video podcasting grows, so do the mistakes that many podcasters make. Here are a few I’ve noticed:
- Neglecting the Audio Experience: Some podcasters focus so much on the video that they forget about the audio-only listeners. This can confuse moments where the hosts refer to something happening on screen that the audio audience can’t see, making them feel left out.
- Overcomplicating the Process: Many podcasters get into video without realizing the time and resources it requires. This will lead to burnout and inconsistent episode releases.
- Forgetting the Core Audience: Remember why your listeners get in. If they’ve been loyal to your audio format, they might not appreciate a sudden shift to video. Keep them in mind when making decisions about your podcast’s direction.
That being said, my clients do export our audio feed to YouTube with our logo as a static image, and a few people do listen that way. I have no idea why, but they do.
My Final Verdict: Do What’s Right for You
At the end of the day, whether or not you should add video to your podcast depends on your goals, your audience, and your resources. If the idea of video stresses you out, it’s okay to stick with audio. Focus on what you enjoy and what your audience loves about your podcast.
After all, your passion and creativity are what will keep your listeners coming back, whether they’re tuning in through their earbuds or watching on a screen.
Podcasting is a different game, and without a precise blueprint, the game will get tougher midway. Grow your podcast from scratch with Zero Audience and learn about how successful podcasters cracked the code by winning our Free Guide with step by step Guidelines.
Get your complete podcast equipment setup by visiting Podcast Equipment Bundle. Don’t let the side projects kill your time. Get in touch with podcasting services and experts those will save you tons of time at Podcast Production Services.
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