With over 700,000 podcasts already in existence, making your mark in such a crowded space can feel overwhelming. But there’s one proven way to stand out: the video podcast.
Adding video to your podcast doesn’t only give your show a fresh dimension—it’s fast becoming the gold standard for top-performing podcasts.
In this guide, we'll show you why upgrading to a video podcast is so worthwhile and take you through all the steps you need to get started.
At its core, a video podcast combines traditional audio content with a visual element. Some of the time, it’s as simple as filming an audio recording session, but it can include creative touches like title cards or full-length video animations to accompany the audio.
Even though video podcasts have been around since the early 2000s, they’ve really exploded in recent years. Big-name shows like The Diary of a CEO and Call Her Daddy have made it the norm, with over half of Spotify’s top 20 podcasts featuring a video element.
In fact, nearly 60% of listeners prefer podcasts with video these days, according to Cumulus Media. This shift reflects how people consume content: not just as listeners, but as viewers and even participants.
At its core, creating an audio-only podcast is pretty simple: record your voice, edit the audio, upload to your host platform, and distribute via an RSS feed. Video podcasts, on the other hand, require a few more moving parts.
Here’s what you’ll need to consider to get started:
•Location: Will you record in a professional studio, at home, or remotely?
•Lighting: How will you set up your lighting to make sure your shots look professional?
•Equipment: Are you filming with a smartphone, a digital camera, or something more advanced?
•Camera Angles: Will you use one camera or multiple angles for variety?
•Guests: Will your guests be on set with you, or will you film remotely via video call?
At this point, you might be thinking, “Is it really worth all this extra effort?”.
Short answer: yes! So, let’s dive into why adding video to your podcast is a game-changer.
YouTube isn’t just the home of viral cat videos—it’s now the number one platform for podcast consumption, overtaking both Spotify and Apple Podcasts. With over 2 billion monthly users, not having you podcast on YouTube means that you're missing a huge audience that prefers watching content rather than just listening.
Even better, YouTube is the second most popular search engine in the world (after Google). Uploading your video podcast opens the door to organic discovery, helping your show reach new audiences who might not have found it otherwise. It’s a powerful way to grow your listener base and expand your reach.
Yes, creating a video podcast takes more effort upfront but it also opens the door to endless repurposing opportunities of the content you film.
You can highlight standout moments from your long-form episodes and turn them into bite-sized clips for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. These short, attention-grabbing snippets don’t just help attract a wider audience—they’re primed for going viral!
Video content has a unique power to create a deeper connection with your audience. Why? Because seeing faces and reading body language adds a layer of authenticity that audio alone just can’t match.
A great example of this is Begin Again with Davina McCall. The podcast’s warm, intimate set draws viewers in, making you feel like you’re part of a private conversation between friends.
Adding video doesn’t just enhance the experience—it breaks down the wall between host and audience to build loyal followers of your show.
Audio has its limits, but video? It’s a playground of creative possibilities. From experimenting with set design to adding on-screen graphics or animations, you can use visuals to make your show stand out from the crowd.
Filmed at Podshop Studios in Shoreditch, One Mike Double the T is a video podcast from two stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK that incorporates lots of fun visual elements to keep it fresh and engaging, such as a green screen of the Newcastle skyline to create a late-night talk show vibe.
Video isn’t just about creativity—it’s a gateway to bigger opportunities to monetise your show. Advertisers are drawn to video because it allows for seamless ad integration.
For example, the ZOE Science & Nutrition podcast cleverly uses bright yellow branded mugs set against a sleek black backdrop, blending product placement naturally into the show.
Platforms like YouTube also let you earn ad revenue from your podcast without needing a minimum number of downloads. For independent podcasters just starting out, this is a game changer!
Now that we've convinced you of the massive benefits of video for your podcast, it's time for you to create your own. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you started:
As podcasting continues to evolve, video podcasts are proving to be more than just a passing trend. They’re a powerful way to increase engagement, expand your audience and unlock new revenue streams. So grab your camera, hit record and let your podcast shine on screen.
Looking to bring your podcast to life on screen? Contact Podshop today, your one-stop shop for all things podcasting.
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