What’s a Video Podcast, and How Can You Create One?

Podcast creators constantly find new ways to attract listeners, keep their attention, and ask for their continued following. The most innovative strategies engage audiences through multiple senses. 

By creating a compelling podcast video, existing listeners become viewers. This simple step can take your existing podcast content to the next level. 

Read on to discover what a video podcast is and how making one improves content creation and visibility. 

What’s a Video Podcast?

A video podcast (or vodcast) is when podcasters add video, images, and graphics to already existing audio, offering listeners that extra engagement element — visuals. You might also film yourself podcasting, sharing an audio-only version on streaming platforms like Spotify and a video version on YouTube.

Why Add Video When the Audio Is What Matters?

So much audio-focused content exists (like music and podcasts) and adding video elements can differentiate you from other podcasters.

Video content is also ever-growing in popularity, with Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts winning over audio-only platforms. Joining the video frenzy is a great way to gain some of this traffic. 

Adding video to your podcast also improves accessibility. By using stimulation-friendly video optics and adding subtitles and captions, you cater to a broader audience. This method invites audio-sensitive audiences who may have initially turned away to tune in because of the new video setup.

Lastly, this approach makes your job as a content creator easier. You can repurpose this video content on other platforms, like Instagram and TikTok.

What Are the Different Types of Video Podcasts?

Many podcasters went in this direction to avoid being on camera — and you can still do so. There are many video podcast types, some of which require simply adding images and graphics. 

Here are a few vodcast examples:

• Talking heads (remote interviews) — If your podcast is mostly interview format, side-by-side video is an easy way to show participants conversing. You might even include dialogue not kept in the audio-only podcast to offer exclusive content for video viewers. 

• Slideshow — A static background image highlights what the podcast is about. You can add pictures or slides based on what’s discussed, essentially using a PowerPoint-style presentation to convey the content to watchers.‍
• On-studio recording — This equipment-heavy approach involves using various cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment to capture multiple angles and create a dynamic video post-edit. It’s also the most popular type, as the audience gets a backstage content creation experience.

• Animated podcasts — The most successful animated podcast videos are usually educational (think BrainPOP’s Tim and Moby or Hank Green on Crash Course). These videos use animated pictures and diagrams to explain the points discussed. ‍
• Audiogram clips — An audiogram is an image overlaid with elements like subtitles and transcriptions. You can use these to share clips of your podcast on social media platforms.

How To Start a Video Podcast: 6 Steps

No matter your chosen format, you’ll first need a quality audio track to pair with your video. This guide outlines the basic steps for creating a podcast, with suggestions specific to interview, animation, and image-adding vodcast techniques. Follow these steps to set up your first video podcast.

1. Gather equipment and prepare your recording space

The same equipment used for creating your podcast audio is perfect. If you’re filming the session, gather video content creation tools like:

• Camera: Use a high-quality continuity camera, iPhone, or webcam for video recording.
• Lighting: Investing in a ring light, overhead lights, or balanced natural light enhances video quality.
• Recording software: Try Descript, OBS Studio, or Zoom for good-quality video recording.
• Editing software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Captions are all great post-production tools.
  

2. Set up your space

Find a quiet space to limit distractions. Test the audio quality and, if filming the session, video quality to ensure everything looks and sounds professional.

3. Plan your podcast

Create a storyboard that outlines the podcast’s flow. If you plan to add a slideshow or images, this is a great time to brainstorm those graphics. You might adjust your script if you realize the visual flow would work better with discussion points in a different sequence. Or, if you’re filming the whole podcast and using multiple cameras, you might jot down where camera angles should shift. 

4. Press record

Follow your content plan, speak clearly, and — if filming yourself — frequently make eye contact with your guests and the camera.

5. Edit

First, edit the audio, using software like Captions to remove background noise, trim clips, and enhance audio. Then, use your chosen graphics or video software to create the vodcast version.

6. Upload and Promote

Select a streaming platform like YouTube, Vimeo, or Spotify to publish your podcast. The two most popular podcast platforms — Apple Podcasts and Spotify — have video hosting options, simplifying publishing. 

Then, repurpose and promote this content across social platforms, selecting clips with a tool like Captions and creating Reels, Shorts, and TikTok videos. Use these shares as an opportunity to send viewers to the full episode to boost traffic and potentially make your content go viral.

Discover the Power of Video With Captions

‍Well-crafted podcasts are just the beginning. Use Captions to add visuals, captions, and subtitles to increase content accessibility and boost your following.

‍Captions is an AI-powered content editing platform that streamlines the entire production and publishing experience. Write the video script, film your content, and edit it — all in one place.