People are highly visual. When you produce a video podcast, the extra sensory input stimulates your listeners to interact more deeply with the content. This visual element helps users to remain focused while consuming the content and consequently helps to build a better connection with the audience. Furthermore, it makes the content more inclusive by providing an alternative format that could be more accessible to the viewers. Video podcasts also has the potential to extend the reach of the podcast content as statistics show that the organic reach of a video is 135% more than any other post on social media.
The power of video is unmistakable, with YouTube having 2 billion annual visits and Spotify recognising the growth of the content format and adding video podcasting to their repertoire. Video podcasting is on the rise, so now is a great time to start producing a video podcast for your business.
This guide will provide a step-by-step plan to ensure success when launching a video podcast for your business, whether it's your first podcasting experience or the addition of video content to your existing podcast show.
Prior to engaging in a video podcast, it is important to establish a clear vision for your video format.
As the podcast host you should consider the type of presentation you want for your video content. There are various options when it comes to video podcasting, including live or pre-recorded, a "fly on the wall" style, or if you wish to include visual elements like animation and storyboards.
You will need to match the video recording style to the tone and theme of your video podcast. For example, if your podcast usually discusses serious topics or your video podcast’s goal is to educate your listeners, you do not want to use a video style that contradicts this. This is especially important when producing a video podcast for your business content. Not every style is appropriate for business video podcasts, but there are still many podcast video recording styles and options to choose from.
Solo or Monologue Podcasts: For many video podcasts, this type of format is a popular choice that allows the podcast host to show their authority and create a strong bond with their viewers.
In-studio guest interviews: This type of interview podcast provides engaging video and a wide range of content. Inviting guests to your video podcasts can bring a larger audience and enhance your credibility. It can be a good idea to use several camera angles to capture each individual in various views.
Remote Interviews: Sometimes it is not possible to have multiple people present in the same place at the same time to record a video podcast episode. Rather than having each person in the same recording studio, you may opt for an interview-style podcast through the use of webcams and the various remote recording software tools available. Popular examples of such tools include Zoom, Riverside.fm and Squadcast.fm.
Static Image: Despite not being the most interesting style for your video podcast, using a static image overlayed with your podcast recording is the simplest to method produce a video podcast. While you are missing out on the heightened listener engagement that comes with video, you can still take advantage of the other benefits video podcasts can offer such as appearing on YouTube and increased SEO opportunities.
Audiogram: Another simple technique to generate a video podcast is to produce an audiogram. This is where sound waveforms and closed captions are superimposed on a static picture with your podcast audio. This offers your listeners more dynamic content to engage with compared to a simple static image.
Animated: If it is appropriate for your business, using an animated storyboard is an effective and visually striking way to convert your podcast into video format. It can be extremely popular amongst the right target audience.
You are going to need additional video podcast equipment if you want to be video podcast ready. Some of your equipment requirements will be the same as if you were recording an audio podcast, such as a high-quality microphone (preferably an external microphone), headphones and recording software.
What else will you need in your video podcast equipment checklist?
Camera: While you do not need to invest in an expensive camera, you do need some way of recording high-quality video. You can decide based on your budget and resources what you want to use. You may get by with what you already have, such as your smartphone or laptop if they already have great built-in cameras.
If you want to enhance the listener experience and provide your audience with a really aesthetically pleasing video element to you show, you can choose to use multiple cameras. This variety in camera angles will be very advantageous in keeping your viewers engaged.
Of course, if you choose to go with astatic image, audiogram, or animation, no camera will be required for your video podcast.
Tripod/camera stand: Using a tripod or a camera stand is essential to set your video recording standards to a high quality. Nobody wants to watch a shaky video. A steady, well–angled video recording will improve the quality of your video immensely. Shaky footage damage your (and your brand’s) reputation by appearing to lack in high quality standards and attention to detail.
Lighting: You can greatly enhance the appearance and quality of your video recordings with the right lighting. Plus, you'll be able to shoot your videos at any time during the day, keeping the style consistent throughout each of your podcast episodes. A large investment is not needed; ring lights are a popular and budget-friendly choice that performs the task very well.
The importance of choosing a suitable location to record video for your podcast should not be underestimated. Even with all of your video podcast equipment, the location you choose can have a huge impact on the quality of the recording.
When deciding on a space, it is important to take into account how sound is conducted in the area. Having too many hard surfaces can result in an echo, so it is a good idea to have some soft furnishings nearby.
When creating a video podcast, you also want to visual elements to reflect the tone and style of your podcast show. It is a good idea to find a balance between reflecting your brand while also allowing space for some artistic expression that is visually appealing to your podcast listeners, without it being overly distracting.
When you have your video podcast equipment and location sorted, the next step is record your first video podcast episode.
Before you start recording a full episode, record a sample clip to check your audio, camera angles, and lighting. Practice your microphone technique, similar to what you would do when recording an audio podcast, in order to make sure your recording is clear and easy to understand. Be aware of where your camera frame is and try to stay in the centre as much as possible throughout the video recordings.
When more than one person is speaking on the episode, it is best to record separate audio and video files for each person. This will make the editing process a lot easier. This can be easily done with recording platforms such as Riverside.fm and Squadcast.fm.
Check out our favourite Podcast Recording Platforms here.
Don’t forget that things can always be edited, so don't be afraid to restart any sentences that don't come out correctly. When you have podcast guests, try to avoid talking over one another.
You can prepare a script beforehand to help you relax and to have a clear idea of what you would like to discuss on the episode.
Don’t expect your first recording to be perfect, and remember you can edit anything you are not happy with.
When it comes to editing your video episodes for your own podcast, prioritise your audio first, then you happy with that, you can edit the video.
You can use free programs like Garageband (Mac) and Audacity (Windows and Mac) for audio editing. Taking the time to make sure your audio quality is polished, and the listening experience is pleasurable will help you to produce a high-quality podcast that will grow in success and listenership.
Once the audio is prepared, you can edit the video using video editing software such as iMovie, AdobePremiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro X. You can do as much video editing here as you feel comfortable with - for instance, adding a professional introduction to the show can increase its perceived value and make it stand out. Additionally, you can experiment with transitions and effects if you want. However, it's important to remember that in the context of a business video podcast, a more professional and minimalist approach is typically best. You do not need to be an expert in using video editing software to create high quality video podcasts.
When you have finished editing your video, you are ready to upload it to the hosting platform of your choice. There are several platforms that will support video, such as Buzzsprout, Anchor, Podbean and Castos. Alternatively, the most popular option for video podcasts is to upload the video directly to video platforms such as your YouTube channel.
To publish your video podcast, you should consider the following:
• The thumbnail you want to appear as the preview for your video. A great thumbnail can have huge impact on how many people will click to watch the video podcast. Try using Canva to create high-quality thumbnails.
• The podcast description to give your listeners a concise overview of the podcast show and entice them to listen. As with an audio podcast, you should include keywords in your podcast description to enhance your SEO and to help search engines find your show.
• You should also provide an episode description to inform your audience what this episode is about and how they will get value from listening.
• The episode title, along with your thumbnail, is what will initially capture your audience’s attention and draw them in to watch your video podcast.
Your preparations are complete, so now you can upload your video podcast to the various podcast directories and podcast listening apps. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube all support video podcasts.
When posting to Apple Podcasts and Spotify, you will need to obtain the RSS feed of your hosting platform and submit it to each directory. Bear in mind that each podcast directory necessitates a one-time manual setup process that can take up to two weeks for approval, so it is wise to plan ahead.
Check out our blog post Everything you need to know about Podcast RSS Feeds for more information.
If you are posting your video podcast episodes to YouTube, a channel is necessary to post YouTube videos so you will need to set one up.
For a successful video podcast launch, we recommend creating a trailer or promo video. These types of videos can be shared across multiple channels and platforms for additional reach and create hype and interest in your upcoming podcast release.
Additionally, it is a good idea to release two to three episodes for video podcasts at once when your first launch. This will give your new listeners the opportunity to binge on multiple episodes, helping them to form a quick connection with the show.
If you would like to construct an effective and robust launch plan and investigate some creative approaches to spread the word about your podcast with our eBook Launch a Podcast for your Business in 7 easy steps.
Now that your video podcast show is launched, you need to start advertising and promoting each video podcast episode. Your promotional tactics should be akin to those used to promote an audio podcast.
Our blog offers a wide range of ideas for podcast marketing strategies, such as the Top 10 Podcast Marketing Strategies
If you think starting with an audio podcast would suit you better, check out our eBook Launch a Podcast for your Business in 7 easy steps instead.
If you would prefer to have someone else help manage each stage of the process you can always find a professional or a podcast production agency.
