Mastering Video Podcasting: Best Practices and Essential Tools
“Video is king” - this phrase speaks to millions of people in the content creation community. And if you're a podcaster, you're in luck—video podcasts are on the rise!
That's right, turning your podcast into a video show can be a total game-changer. Video is the future, and it’s a surefire way to reach new audiences with your podcast.
In this blog, we'll cover the basics and get you up to speed on best practices so you can make the most of your amazing content.
Why is video a great way to distribute your podcast?
You might be thinking, "Isn't audio enough?"
In fact, in 2022, over 132 million people in the US tuned into video podcasts—and that number is only going to keep growing. Why are they so popular? Here's the deal:
For one, you get way better engagement from your audience through comments, likes, and shares on social media and video sites. That kind of feedback is pure gold—it lets you know exactly what your audience loves so you can give them more of it and build an even stronger community.
Plus, video allows you to repurpose your content in really cool ways. You can clip highlights and share them anywhere, even on platforms that don't allow regular audio episodes. Snip out the best moments and you've got awesome promo clips for social media.
Lastly, you’ll get better reach. Think beyond the usual podcast spots. YouTube is HUGE. This video giant gets over 30 million visits every single day, and it attracts a younger crowd. If you're not there, you could be missing out on a ton of potential listeners.
Essential Tools for Videos
Recording Software
The equipment side of things can get a little overwhelming. But there’s good news!
If you're already using great tools like Riverside, SquadCast, and Zencastr to record your podcast remotely, you're halfway there. They record audio and video too, so you're saving yourself a ton of editing time later.
Riverside is known for its high-quality, lossless audio and video recording, as well as its ability to record separate audio and video tracks for each person. Plus, it has a mobile app, an easy-to-use interface, and powerful features like automatic transcription and the ability to make shareable clips.
SquadCast stands out for its cloud recording technology, studio-quality audio and video, built-in editing tools, and smooth remote recording experience (not to mention that it has recently joined with Descript, which means you can now record, edit, and publish all in the same place).
Zencastr impresses with its simplicity and focus on high-resolution audio, offering lossless 16-bit 48k WAV recording, and a built-in VoIP service for smooth communication between hosts and guests, making it easy to record from your browser.
Camera
A high-quality digital camera or a smartphone that shoots good video is a great start. If you just want to dip your toes in, a nice webcam is perfect.
A solid, inexpensive webcam option is something like the Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam ($60-ish) which gives you HD video and has built-in lighting adjustment.
For video quality, 1080p is the minimum these days, but if you want to go pro, 4K is where it's at (YouTube loves that high-res goodness).
In advanced setups, a standalone camera (point-and-shoot, mirrorless, or DSLR) can improve image quality. If you have guests (or multiple hosts), having more than one camera angle will make you look super pro!
Microphone
This one needs to be said: please don't rely on your camera's built-in mic.
An external microphone (either USB or XLR) will make your audio quality sing. You'll also cut down on annoying background noise, and your viewers (and their ears) will thank you.
For high-quality audio, consider an XLR microphone like the Shure SM7B or RodePodMic. XLR mics tend to emit less noise and often have replaceable parts.
A few good options for USB mics are the Blue Yeti, Shure Mv7, or NT-USB.
Lighting
A basic lighting setup is also key for an inviting, well-lit set. Grab some LED lights or softboxes to brighten things up and avoid those unflattering shadows.
A simple ring light, like this 10″ LED ring light (you can snag one for under $20), is an easy way to get that flattering "eye light" without blind spots.
It comes with a built-in tripod for your phone that can be adjusted and has 3 light temperature settings to match the lights–and the mood–in the room.
Tripods and Mounts
Nobody wants to watch shaky camera footage, so lock it down with a sturdy tripod or camera mount. This simple equipment keeps things rock-solid and polished.
Plus, there are lots of affordable phone tripods like this portable 40″ alloy phone tripod ($23 or so) that even double as selfie sticks for when you're out and about.
Portable, it folds up, and it comes with a Bluetooth shutter that you can control from a distance. How easy is that?
If using DSLRs, get a tripod with a bubble level to ensure straight framing.
Software Prerequisites
Even just a bit of editing can change your video. For beginners, starting a podcast requires basic video editing software like Adobe Premiere Rush, Lumen5, and WeVideo.
If you want to go full-throttle, pro tools like DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Pro, Avid Media Composer, and Adobe Premiere Pro are where it's at.
The right tools can elevate even remote interviews done over Zoom video conferencing, supplemented by the software’s talking heads feature.
Lastly, you also will require a platform for hosting and delivering your podcast. Popular platforms include Transistor, Libsyn, and Megaphone.
Finding the Right Environment
Good lighting
Lighting is everything, no matter how fancy your camera. Bright, even lighting will make your videos look crisp and polished.
Natural sunlight is awesome (and free!), but that's not always practical—it doesn’t allow you to record during those golden hours.
Instead, invest in some adjustable desktop lights that can mimic that warm, flattering glow no matter the time of day.
Pro-tip: Fancy setups use what's called three-point lighting. Having a key light, fill light, and backlight positioned properly can give your videos that cinematic, Hollywood-caliber look. Plenty of affordable equipment options out there to recreate it on a budget.
Quiet Environment
Do your best to find a quiet, controlled environment free of distracting background sounds like barking dogs, ringing phones, or loud neighbors. Ideally a small room, so there isn’t any echoing. This means your kitchen is probably not the best place to record. Adding some sound dampening foam can also help reduce echoes and reverb.
Even with a quiet space, some unwanted noise is inevitable. That's where noise reduction tools come in clutch during post-production.
Apps like Auphonic and Descript’s noise cancellation can take away those annoying hisses, hums, and mouth noises.
Pro-tip: Even if you're all comfy at home, try to look around your space as if you're seeing it for the first time. Is there clutter behind you? Could you hang some artwork or move a plant to make the backdrop look a bit nicer? Little details matter on video!
Technique
They say the eyes are the window to the soul—so let those windows shine.
Research shows viewers are more engaged when they can see your face and expressions. So don't be a stranger, turn that camera on!
Building a real connection with your audience trumps the "perfect" YouTube aesthetic every time, and that means letting them get to know the real you.
If you're representing a brand, make sure your video setup matches your company's vibe right from the start. This will build trust and recognition, and keep everything cohesive.
An engaging video podcast requires audio and visual elements to deliver a professional and enjoyable experience. These tips will help your podcast sound and look its best:
Strategic Microphone Placement: Mic placement is important for capturing rich, clear vocals. Get that mic nice and close for the best audio and ensure your gain isn’t turned up super high on your microphone.
Audio Levels: Pay attention to your audio level so your voice isn't too soft in some spots and blasting eardrums in others—nobody wants to strain to hear you. Consistent volumes only, please!
Adjust Composition: Framing and composition matter. Keep yourself centered in the shot and away from things in the background that could distract people. If you are recording with someone, ensure you are at a similar distance from your cameras. If your shoulders are showing and the guest is just a talking head, this may look strange when you’re side by side in the video. So, that type of framing is important. On a similar note, position the camera so it doesn't look like you and your guest are looking away from each other.
Steady Recording: Don't shake it up! Use a tripod or stabilizer to keep your shots smooth and steady.
Remote Interview (Talking Heads): If your podcast is mostly interviews done remotely, try a side-by-side video format. It is a fun and simple way to show everyone involved in the conversation. If you’re planning to create a talking heads video, tools like Riverside allow you to capture everyone's webcam footage separately for a seamless side-by-side conversation view—no extra equipment needed.
On-Premise Recordings: You can always set up video equipment in your studio to record the podcast conversation if you are recording in person. Set up multiple camera angles to make sure everyone's seen. This is the classic video podcast look and will feel extra engaging for viewers—it's simple and visually fun.
Not everyone is a tech whiz. If you're recording remotely, send them some equipment if you can or offer clear instructions on how to get a good setup using what they've got (even a smartphone can work).
Bonus
Podcast Discovery Tips
YouTube treats podcasts as playlists, so let's use that to your advantage. Here's how to set up your YouTube podcast for maximum success:
Create a dedicated "Podcast" playlist in your YouTube Studio for each different podcast you have. This playlist should only contain all the full episodes in order from every season. Don't mix in clips, other shows, or videos from other channels—that'll just confuse people.
Keep your podcast's name the same across all platforms. Use the exact title you have everywhere else—no need to add "podcast" unless it's actually part of the official name.
Write a detailed description of what your podcast is about. The more details you give, the easier it'll be for new potential listeners to find your show when they search.
For each episode video in the podcast playlist, just title it with the episode name and optionally the show name too.
Get Discovered: Short-Form Video Is Your Friend
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are absolute gold mines for growing your audience. Your podcast needs a presence on these channels ASAP.
But you can't just rehash your full episodes—you need to create made-for-mobile, snappy clips perfectly tailored to each platform's vibe. We're talking:
Short and sweet: 60 seconds or less for YouTube Shorts, 90 seconds max for Instagram and TikTok
Verticality rules: Shoot in that 9:16 vertical aspect ratio (1080x1920 pixels) for Instagram and TikTok. Shorts also allow 1:1 square video.
Creating vertical, bite-sized content is a must for getting discovered on these endless content feeds. Resist the urge to just crop your horizontal videos!
| Pro tip: Pay attention to the music/audio trends on each platform and incorporate them into your clips. Laid some hot new song under your podcast highlight. You're signaling to the algorithms that you're plugged into the community and creating timely, relevant content. The "For You" pages will be eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Ready to make your content even better with video podcasts? While it may seem difficult at first, the end result is well worth the trouble. And hey, you don't have to be a tech whiz to get started!
Starting a podcast takes work, and let's be honest, sometimes you just need a helping hand. If you're feeling overwhelmed, let's chat! We can help you get your podcast up and running, leaving you with more time to do what you do best—create awesome content.
Schedule a free consultation call with us today here.