12: Is video podcasting for you? 15 things to consider before you decide

Apr 5

Is video podcasting in your future?

Do you want to understand what video podcasting is all about?

After working in video podcasting, livestreaming, radio, and audio-only podcasts for the past 10+ years, I can break down the decision to 15 key considerations before you decide.

As a podcaster, I know that starting a podcast can be a daunting task, especially when deciding between an audio or video format. In this episode, I share the benefits and drawbacks of video podcasting and how it can impact your podcast's discoverability and engagement.

First things first: can you afford it?

One of the main challenges of video podcasting is the bigger budget required for equipment and production. Unlike audio podcasts, video podcasts require setting up a camera, lights, positioning your table or screen, microphones, and invest in editing software, and potentially having to put on makeup, do your hair, and wear different clothes.

Additionally, editing, exporting, and uploading to platforms take longer than audio podcasts. However, if you're just starting out, audio is easier to learn and to master, and you can make yourself sound good with minimal work.

Body positioning, language, and skills

Video podcasting requires a different skill set in both body language, which can be a great challenge for hosts who are not naturally gifted speakers on camera. But, it can also be a great opportunity to learn a new skill and improve your hosting abilities if you’re up for a new challenge!

Maximizing Google and YouTube’s discoverability and built-in SEO abilities

Did you know that Google owns YouTube?

One of the main benefits of video podcasting is its impact on your content’s discoverability. Google ranks pages with multimedia content higher on search results, and YouTube audiences are pre-disposed to consuming content from unknown creators, making it easier to grow your audience.

Visuals are fun to play with

If you and your listeners are visually driven, it's easier to show than to explain, and video podcasts can help you get more subscribers faster, though it doesn't necessarily mean they're super engaged.

YouTube’s analytics are phenomenal

YouTube and YouTube Podcasts have excellent analytics that compensate for the lack of clarity on podcast hosting platforms. From understating where exactly listeners stop listening on, to being able to see exactly where they found your video - it’s great to make informed decisions!

Considering accessibility and non-native speakers

If you can’t find time to create a transcript, consider YouTube’s closed captions! Video also helps people who aren't native speakers understand better through captions and by reading your lips.

Plus…

Video podcasts require more planning and thinking through, which means they're not prone to impromptu recordings. Additionally, video podcasts boost your image and look more legit than audio podcasts, adding to the barrier to entry and added difficulty.

However, a lot of people are turned off by video podcasting, feeling overwhelmed by the technical side or uncomfortable being on camera. But, video podcasts provide more opportunities to get sponsorships as brands have higher affinity to image and you can show the product or just do product placement other than just talking about it.

Video is becoming essential in every podcaster's strategy, and if you're doing a video podcast, you can cut and repurpose it for your podcast. You can even get a video podcast without video by combining a static image and the audio and overlaying captions over a simple shot of you and your guest side by side on Zoom, requiring very little production.

In conclusion, video podcasting has its benefits and challenges, but if you're up for the challenge, it can help you grow your audience and provide unique and fun content for your listeners.

Extra TIP: Did you know that YouTube titles are limited to 100 characters? Most people under use them, or set them up incorrectly. Want an example? Check out our YouTube title above!

Topics covered on this episode:

Video Podcasting
Benefits of using YouTube for your podcast
Pros and Cons of video podcasts
Audio vs Video podcast - which one is best for you?

Takeaways from the episode:

Video podcasting isn’t in everyone’s feature, but YouTube has some serious benefits that you must consider: built-in discoverability features, integration with short form content, built-in SEO!
You don’t need to create highly complex videos: I’ve compiled a list of episodes for you to review and see if that’d be something you’d be comfortable trying!
Video podcasts are a great tool to develop interpersonal skills, as well as work as a training ground for public speaking endeavors!
If you’re easily overwhelmed, video may not be the right option for you. But if you’re looking for a new challenge, and to learn new skills, then it may be time to give it a go!
The barrier to entry to video podcasts is higher than audio, and setting up takes longer.