Should I Add Video to My Podcast?

People often consider adding video to their podcast. It’s an interesting consideration, and there is definitely a market for adding video to your podcast under the right circumstance. Here is a list that may be helpful to decide if you should be adding video to your podcast or not.

There are pros and cons to both audio and video podcasts:

Video Podcasts:

Pros:

• Gives your audience the choice to watch as well as listen
• More sponsorship/branding opportunities
• Can use video on social media platforms for clips to be able to promote your podcast more
• Will be able to add more visual production to your show by adding lower thirds, pictures, or videos

Cons:

• More difficult and time-consuming to edit
• Camera equipment needed to be able to film your podcast
• Cost more money to get your podcast up and running if need to purchase or rent camera equipment
• You and your guest may worry more about what you’re wearing while doing your podcast if being filmed
• Guests may feel less comfortable if they are being filmed if they are camera shy
• If your video isn’t the best quality it might actually make your podcast look less professional

Audio-Only Podcasts:

Pros:

• Less technical requirements and equipment
• Easier editing work
• You and your guest may feel more comfortable and relaxed if only having to worry about audio
• Smaller file sizes that will take up less space on your computer

Cons:

• Harder for success on YouTube
• No visuals for your audience to reference while listening

What kind of podcast do you have?

When you create a story-driven podcast like a true crime or history podcast, it may not add much to incorporate yourselves talking on video. If it’s scripted and you aren’t used to reading scripts, lines might take several retakes. This is problematic for video editors, and it’s much easier stitching audio sentences together than making video look unedited. Interview style or a conversation with a co-host is an easier style for video.

What platforms will you be posting to?

If you have a following on YouTube already, it may be wise to incorporate a video component for your viewers. Instead of posting a video with only a photo, if they can see you while you’re talking it can be more engaging. If you’ll be posting clips to social media in order to promote your show, then video is a great option for you. This can draw viewers to the full episode while watching your social media clips.

Would it help the listener if they could see the conversation?

If you’re an artist, clothing brand, etc., or have lots of visuals in your studio, video would be a great option. If you have something visual to show, your listeners will appreciate the video to go along with what you’re talking about.

How much will your podcast be edited?

If you’re the type of person that wants to be able to take a lot of retakes if need be then video would be a harder option. A podcast is different from a vlog, it may look strange and seem very edited if you have lots of quick cuts like how vlogs are typically made.

What will the future of podcasts look like?

With Spotify recently entering the world of video podcasting, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if Apple made the next jump to video. Podcasts will always be a great source of entertainment and education on the go when video isn’t always easy to watch. Having both has the advantage to let your audience decide how they want to consume your podcast. It will be interesting to see where the future of podcasts will go.

Jamie Allison of Big Idea Big Moves podcast recording a remote video podcast at Toronto Podcast Studio.