What You Really Need To Know About Video Podcasts

Video podcasting is where it’s at these days (We aren’t biased). It’s like your regular podcast but with a bit of craic. You get to show your face, share your story and really connect with folks. The mix of sound and vision makes it easier to grab people’s attention and build a legit loyal following.

Why bother with video podcasts, you ask?

Sure, everyone knows a picture is worth a thousand words. If you’re on Spotify or YouTube, you’ll see loads of people are all about watching as well as listening. YouTube is actually the go-to spot for podcasts now-a-days because people love seeing the hosts in action.

Just a heads up though. It’s not a walk in the park. Being comfy on camera and putting in the work to make it look good takes some effort. But if you’re up for it, it’s well worth it.

Getting your video podcast sorted

Planning is everything.So know who you’re talking to and what kind of visuals they’ll like. Maybe your crowd likes something slick and modern or maybe something more relaxed and homely. Find your vibe.

Write a loose script or storyboard so you don’t go all over the shop mid-episode. Pick a spot that suits the chat whether that’s a cosy corner stacked with books or somewhere outdoors with a bit of buzz. Don’t be shy with props or backgrounds either as they add character.

Gear you’ll need

You don’t need to break the bank but decent gear does help. A camera that shoots in HD or better is a must. Low light? Get something that handles that well so you’re not all shadowy. For sound, grab a good mic. USB ones like the Audio Technica AT2005 or Samson Q2U are sound and easy to set up.

Light up your face nicely with softbox or LED panels. No one wants to watch a shadowy figure. A tripod will save you from shaky footage. Keep your background tidy. A plain wall or neat shelves work wonders. For editing, pick software that feels easy enough for you like Veed or Invideo.

Making it look great

Play with your camera angles and try out different shots to see what feels right. Adding B-roll footage, extra clips to illustrate your points, makes things less flat. Chuck in some graphics and text to highlight key info. It keeps people’s eyes interested.

Cut out the clutter and pauses in editing and be consistent with colours and fonts to keep it looking professional. Use smooth transitions so it doesn’t feel jumpy. Don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s how you find your style.

Keeping people hooked

Tell stories that hit home. Share personal bits or examples people can relate to. Guests are a great shout too for more visibility. New voices keep things fresh. Mix up your content and bring in things like Q&As or polls if you can.

Chat back with your viewers in comments. Make them feel part of the journey. And stick to a regular schedule so folks know when to expect you.

Getting your podcast out there

Put your full episodes on YouTube and get the audio up on a podcast host so you’re on Apple, Spotify and all that. Cut some clips to post as Shorts or quick social vids, perfect for grabbing attention. Make sure your thumbnails pop and your titles and descriptions are clear and catchy. Use words people search for.

Join online groups related to your topic and don’t be shy about sharing your show. Team up with influencers or other podcasters for a bit of cross-promotion too. And always remind folks to subscribe and hit the bell so they don’t miss a thing.

At the end of the day, making a video podcast takes a bit of graft but it’s a grand way to connect and get your message heard. With a bit of planning, decent kit and some good promotion, you’ll have people tuning in and coming back for more.