How to do a Video Podcast- The Ultimate Guide: Pros, Cons, and Getting Started
The internet is a noisy place for business owners, and it takes a lot of effort to cut through that noise. If you want to stand out from the crowd, video podcasts could be your golden ticket. According to the Podcast Host Gear Survey, only 17% of podcasters recorded video in addition to their podcast in 2019!
Podcasting has since grown in popularity. According to Infinite Dial 2021, 57% of Americans have listened to a podcast at least once, and this is up from 55% in 2020.
Even if you haven't listened to a podcast, you likely have an idea of what they are. Video podcasts –– also known as vodcasts and videocasts –– work in the same way as traditional podcasts. The main distinction (as you may have guessed) is that video podcasts are video-based rather than audio-based.
What are the benefits of video podcasts?
If only 17% of podcasters are producing vodcasts, why should you consider joining that 17? Well...
People are visual creatures
Think about it. From the time you’re born, you start looking at people's faces. And our tendency to look at faces continues to grow as we get older.
Because we can read people's faces and feed off their reactions, we develop emotions based on the facial expressions of others. So what does that mean for video podcasting?
When people are on camera, your viewers are more likely to pay attention and continue to stay engaged.
Gain a YouTube fan base
If you’re looking to grow your videocast fan base, YouTube is the place to go.
Not only is YouTube an excellent video hosting platform, but according to Semrush, there will be approximately 1.86 billion YouTube users worldwide in 2021. And that number is up from 1.47 billion in 2017. And they anticipate viewership in the United States will increase to 210 million by 2022 –– up from 192 million in 2018.
Social Media loves video content
The problem with going the audio podcast route on social media is the platforms are designed for video rather than audio. You can always upload an audio podcast with a static image or stock footage, but you're more likely to get higher rates of engagement with talking heads on screen.
Plus, every video post has the audio muted by default. Not the most ideal method for your new audio podcast.
But knowing that social media was designed for video (and having 4.20 billion social media users globally), why would you not take advantage of this space? By the way, in the last year, this figure has risen by 490 million. The number of social media users out there now makes up more than 53% of the world’s population.
There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to both audio and video podcasts. So, it's important to weigh out the pros and cons if you’re thinking of diving in.
The biggest draw of audio podcasts is the convenience factor. Many people listen to these while working out, commuting, or even cleaning the house. Video podcasts, on the other hand, require your complete and undivided attention.
That said…
Video podcasts mean your viewers need to keep all eyes on you, making them more engaged with your content.
When audio listeners tune in, their focus and attention are often elsewhere. That means video podcast listeners are more likely to consume the content –– skyrocketing your engagement rate.
Types of video podcasts
There are different types of video podcasts to consider:
- Live
- In-studio
- Remote interviewing
Live
Live video podcasts act more like a radio show than your average podcast. Shows are broadcast live via online software to an audience watching as it’s recorded. A lot of online software packages enable you to do this, and there are certainly benefits to live podcasting.
For starters, you get an instant audience and feedback. And if you gain some fans through hosting your live podcast, you may have a loyal audience tuning in every week, interacting, and sharing your show.
But if you’re not in the world of video and video podcasting, consider working up to going live. Build your audience who will turn up when you decide to go live first.
In-Studio video podcast
When you're setting up your video equipment inside the recording studio and record the conversation between you, the host, and the guests –– this is doing an in-studio recording.
You'll need at least one camera to record your conversation if you use this method. But you can, of course, set up multiple cameras to switch between angles while editing. Keep in mind, video editing software is also required.
This is a straightforward method for creating a video podcast. All you have to do is set up your camera(s), record the podcast as usual, and then merge the video and audio files during the editing process.
The only disadvantage is that you may need to purchase multiple cameras and spend a little more time editing the video.
Remote Interviewing
Remote interview podcasts are becoming increasingly popular these days –– especially with the world shifting to remote working. This is ideal for capturing footage of multiple speakers who are not in the same room at the same time.
These remote interviews are conducted from multiple locations, including folks in different parts of the world. Normally, you show your audience all of the speakers at once, but some programs allow you to show one person at a time.
To use this method, you must have dependable recording software. But, most importantly, a stable internet connection. If either fails, the result could be disastrous. You don’t want to put out a mediocre episode, an episode that requires extensive editing, or worse –– no episode at all.
How do you start a video podcast?
Starting a video podcast is fairly simple. But first, you need to decide what kind of video podcast you want to make. Consider what you hope to gain from launching your podcast. Do you want to broaden your audience's reach or boost engagement?
And remember, if one method doesn't work for you, switching formats is a simple fix!
What do you need to get started with a video podcast?
- Camera (or smartphone)
- Memory cards
- Tripod
- External microphone(s)
- Audio interface
- Audio mixer
- Video recording/editing software
- Internet connection
The next step is straightforward: film it!
Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
- You’ll need to have sufficient lighting.
- Make sure your laptop is capable of recording high-quality screen recordings.
- Ensure your video creation platform provides you with all the tools you need to create a great final product.
Some other things to consider:
- Editing takes longer and could potentially add to production costs.
- Video can add stress to the guests if they don’t like to be on camera.
- YouTube doesn’t like static content.
Of course, you'll need to edit and upload your video podcast to the platform of your choice. But it doesn't stop there! Like with anything else, you will not grow if you do not market your podcast. There are several ways to spread the word, but social media is the most common.
Video podcasts are great for finding new listeners and marketing your new videocast. If you have the budget –– using video SEO services might be the route for you. We can help you create a professional video podcast and wow your audience.
Bonus: once your start building your viewership, you’ll be able to monetize your videocast!
If you've always wanted to start your own talk show, this could be your chance to do so while also helping your business. Creating an amazing video podcast is well within your grasp. Still unsure about which type of vodcast is best for you or where to begin? Reach out! Here at Levitate Media, we can assist you in getting started.
