If you’re one of those people who is always looking for the next big thing in content, you’ve probably already heard about video podcasts. Frankly, this format is making waves with newbies and experts alike. But are things as easy as they seem? And can you actually launch your new podcast as part of your YouTube channel?

In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about recording & producing a video podcast in 2023 - from the various benefits it offers to the steps to launch and, of course, video recording and podcast equipment, marketing, and monetization ideas. So, let’s get started!

So, What Is a Video Podcast?

A video podcast (sometimes also called a vodcast or vidcast) is a type of podcast that includes video content. That is, apart from the podcast staple component, audio.

Just like traditional podcasts, video podcasts are typically organized in episodes. And they are presented in digital media files that are available for streaming or downloading.

As you might guess, there are some differences between a video podcast and an audio podcast. The main one is that video podcasts incorporate visual elements, such as footage, animations, or slideshows (along with the audio content). These visuals improve the overall podcasting experience and can help keep your audience engaged and entertained.

Why Start Your Own Video Podcast?

There are many reasons why starting a video podcast is a great idea for 2023. Let’s take a look at these in some detail.

  1. Content ownership: When you create a video podcast (just like it happens with audio ones), you have complete control over the content you produce. This means you can choose the topics, format, and style that resonate with you and your target audience. So, this type of content allows for a lot of freedom and creative expression and gives you a chance to showcase your unique style and personality.
  2. Accessibility: Video podcasts can be watched on various platforms and devices, including your audience’s computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Viewers can also either stream them online or download episodes for offline viewing. Plus, your video podcast episodes can be repurposed into various formats like blog posts, social media clips, or YouTube videos.
  3. A dedicated audience: Video podcasts can help you build a dedicated and engaged audience. Over time, those who appreciate your content may become loyal followers, forming a community around your podcast. Just like audio podcasts, video podcasts are also typically distributed through RSS feeds, allowing users to subscribe to them using podcast apps or software. This, for example, enables automatic updates when new episodes are released.
  4. Monetization: Once your video podcast gains a substantial following, you can explore monetization options such as advertising, sponsorships, merchandise sales, premium subscriptions, or crowdfunding through platforms like Patreon.
  5. Thought leadership: Lastly, a video podcast can position you as an authority or thought leader in your field. Sharing valuable insights, expertise, and knowledge on your podcast can enhance your reputation and credibility, which in turn can allow you to define and showcase your personal brand and advance your entrepreneurship career. \

Video Podcast Types and Formats

Because video podcasts cater to different interests, niches, and styles of content, they also come in various types and formats. The choice of type and format will largely depend on your goals, target audience, and preferences.

Before we jump into our podcast recording and producing guide, let’s first see some common types and formats of video podcasts.

  • Talk Shows and Interviews: One-on-one interviews with experts or celebrities discussing a specific topic or their work, panel discussions with multiple guests and diverse perspectives on a particular subject, or late-night remote interview talk shows with a humorous and informal approach.
  • Educational and How-To: Tutorials and guides teaching viewers how to do something, explainers for complex topics or concepts, or longer-form video podcasts that delve deep into a subject.
  • Entertainment and Pop Culture: Movie/TV show reviews and comedy podcasts that aim to make viewers laugh through sketches, stand-up comedy, humorous commentary, or pop culture commentary discussing and analyzing current trends, news, and events.
  • News and Current Events: News recap, political analysis, or tech and science news.
  • Lifestyle and Personal Development: Health and wellness, fitness, nutrition, mental health, personal well-being, travel and adventure, and personal growth.
  • Other topics: Gaming and esports, game reviews, hobbies and interest-based channels, history and documentaries, true crime, food and cooking, vlogs and personal journals, live streams, and Q&As.

Get Started With Yours: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of starting your own podcast as a content creator (which includes planning, creating, and launching) can be broken down into five main steps. So, let's cover everything you need to keep in mind, from the initial concept to post-production, distribution, audience growth, and sustainability.

Note: If you feel this guide gets a little overwhelming, don’t worry. Keep reading, and you’ll find a way to simplify the whole process and have your video podcast running in no time!

Step 1: Planning Your Video Podcast

Every project starts with planning. So, it's no surprise that this is also a crucial phase in the journey of creating a successful video podcast. Before you dive into recording and editing, it's essential to lay a strong foundation by carefully considering a few dynamic aspects.

Identify Your Niche and Target Audience

Start by identifying the specific niche or topic that your video podcast will revolve around. This will help you narrow down your content and target a specific audience. Your niche could be anything that interests you and has an audience, from technology and gaming to cooking and self-improvement.

Once you've selected one, it's time to understand your target audience. Who are they? What are their interests and pain points? And what kind of content do they consume?

You can also research existing video podcasts in your chosen niche. What are their strengths and weaknesses? How do they engage their audience? What topics do they cover?

Define Your Podcast's Unique Value Proposition

Your video podcast should offer something unique and valuable to your target audience. So, it’s paramount to identify what sets your podcast apart from others in the same niche (for example, your expertise, a fresh perspective, a unique format, or your ability to simplify complex topics).

Remember to clearly articulate the value your podcast provides to your viewers. What will they gain from watching your episodes?

Set Clear Goals and Objectives

Define your long-term vision for the video podcast. What do you hope to achieve in the coming months or years? Are you aiming for a large viewership, monetization, or recognition in your niche?

Once you have the bigger picture, break down your long-term vision into short-term goals or milestones, such as reaching a specific number of subscribers, releasing a certain number of episodes, or securing your first sponsor.

This is very important: Always make your goals and objectives specific and measurable. This will help you track your progress and stay motivated.

Work on Your Branding

Selecting a compelling and memorable name for your podcast is essential. So, ensure it is not too generic and is available as a domain name and on social media platforms.

Then, develop a consistent visual identity for your podcast, like a logo, color scheme, and graphics representing your podcast's theme and personality. And don’t forget to craft a tagline that succinctly conveys what your podcast is about and its unique value!

Step 2: Preparing Your Equipment and Software

Once you've clarified your podcast's direction, it's now time to ensure you have the right tools and technology to create high-quality video podcast content.

Camera

The camera is at the heart of your video podcast production. While professional cameras offer excellent quality, many smartphones like iPhone and Android, as well as consumer-grade webcam cameras, can also produce impressive results. Aim for at least 1080p (Full HD) resolution, as this provides a crisp and clear image, and, if possible, choose a camera that allows manual control of settings like focus, exposure, and white balance.

Microphone

Invest in an external microphone for superior audio quality. Lavalier microphones (lapel mics), shotgun microphones, or USB condenser microphones are popular choices. You can also attach a windscreen or pop filter to reduce unwanted noise from wind or plosive sounds (like "P" and "B" sounds).

Lighting

Whenever possible, use natural light from windows to illuminate your set. Soft, diffused natural light is often preferred, but (depending on your podcast format) you can also repurpose any lights you have at home. If natural light isn't available or consistent, invest in affordable LED panel lights or ring lights.

Recording Software and Editing Software

Recording software is a crucial tool for capturing video and audio content. Popular options like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and Zoom enable you to record interviews, discussions, or presentations with ease. Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X (for Mac users), and DaVinci Resolve are also top choices for professional-grade video editing.

Step 3: Creating Content

Begin by establishing a clear content strategy that outlines your podcast's main themes and objectives. You can plan your episodes strategically, keeping in mind the interests and needs of your target audience.

It’s a good idea to explore various episode formats to keep your content fresh and engaging. For example, you can try formats such as interviews, roundtable discussions, storytelling, or tutorials based on your niche and audience preferences.

Effective communication on camera is also crucial. So, don’t forget to practice good posture, eye contact, and gestures. Speak clearly and at an appropriate pace, and be authentic and relatable. Also, incorporating Visuals, Graphics, and B-roll Footage: Visual elements can enhance your video podcast's quality and engagement. Don’t be scared to use visuals, graphics, and B-roll footage to illustrate points, provide context, or add variety.

Step 4: Recording Your Video Podcast and Working in Post-Production

The fourth step involves the actual creation of your video podcast content, starting with the recording process and continuing into post-production to refine and finalize your episodes.

Recording Your Video Podcast

Before recording, ensure your recording space is well-lit and free from distractions. Then, position your camera according to your desired framing (it’s better if you use a tripod or stabilizer). Pay special attention to framing rules like the rule of thirds to create visually pleasing shots.

Place your microphone in a suitable location, ideally close to your mouth, to capture clear audio (and always monitor audio levels to prevent clipping or distortion). If you have multiple hosts or guests, you should use separate microphones to ensure everyone's voice is captured distinctly.

In terms of software, you want a tool that records in HD quality that allows you to invite guests. Ideally, it should record locally so that you’ll have great looking video and great sounding audio regardless of you & your guests’ internet connection. StreamYard is the perfect tool for this and offers a free-forever plan if you want to get started — learn more here — or better yet, get started now.

Working in Post-Production

Don't worry if you make mistakes during recording; this is very common! You can pause, correct errors, and continue from where you left off - or you can edit out mistakes in post-production.

Edit your video by cutting out any mistakes, adding transitions, and incorporating visuals and graphics. You can also enhance audio quality by removing background noise, adjusting levels, and adding music or sound effects if desired, and adjusting colors, brightness, and contrast to achieve a consistent and appealing look.

Don’t forget to also balance audio levels between different speakers and elements and apply effects like EQ, compression, and reverb to achieve a professional sound.

Lastly, design an engaging intro and outro for your podcast so your content has a cohesive identity. Once your episode is ready, export it in the appropriate format and resolution for your chosen distribution platforms.

Step 5: Distribution and Monetization

Okay! We have covered the main steps from planning to recording and editing your video podcast. This means that now, it's ready to be released into the wild!

Well, after creating and refining your content, the last step is not just to let your podcast out to the world but also to explore ways to monetize all of this effort.

Distributing Your Video Podcast

Let’s talk about distribution first.

The first thing you should do is choose a reliable podcast hosting platform to host and distribute your podcast episodes. Platforms like Libsyn, Podbean, Anchor, and Podomatic are popular options; just make sure they support video podcasting, provide adequate storage and bandwidth, and offer all the features you need.

Upload your episodes to your hosting platform, and don’t forget to include relevant metadata, such as episode titles, descriptions, and tags, to optimize searchability and discoverability. Your platform will typically generate an RSS feed for your podcast, but you will have to manually submit your video podcast to popular podcast directories and platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and YouTube.

Each platform may have specific requirements and submission processes, so make sure you check them carefully.

Monetizing Your Video Podcast

Many video podcasters monetize their content through the use of sponsorships and advertisements. As your podcast grows in popularity, some companies may approach you to promote their products or services in your episodes. However, you can always seek out sponsorships by reaching out to relevant brands and companies yourself.

In most cases, a better option when you're just getting started is to partner with affiliate programs that are somewhat related to your podcast's niche. You can, for instance, promote affiliate products or services in your episodes and provide unique affiliate links. This way, you will earn a commission for each sale generated through your links.

Some podcasters also offer premium or exclusive content to subscribers for a fee. This can include ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, or access to a private community. Of course, you can also create and sell branded merchandise, such as T-shirts, mugs, or products related to your podcast's theme.

Next Steps: Start Recording Your Video Podcast!

We've covered the essential steps in this guide, from defining your niche and selecting the right equipment and ideas for audio recording, editing, podcast platform selection, and even distribution. Remember that consistency, authenticity, and engaging content are key to building and retaining your audience!

And if you’re looking for an easy to use podcast recording tool, you should check out StreamYard.

It's a video & audio podcast recording platform that works directly in your browser — you don’t need to download anything. And neither do your guests.

We offer local recordings as well as separate audio & video tracks, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of your content. Plus, you can make your show look unique by picking your own colors, logo, and overlays.

What are you waiting for? Get started for free today.

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