How to Start a Video Podcast

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of video podcasts. Even though you haven’t sought them out, you’ve definitely noticed clips of podcasters in studios filling feeds on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and even LinkedIn.

Using short clips or excerpts from podcasts to episodes across channels is nothing new. What’s changed is that many shows now publish full video episodes, either recorded in a studio or enhanced with supporting footage and visuals.

Video podcasting expands how and where your show can be discovered, giving audiences another way to engage with your content. If growing your reach is a priority, learning how to produce and distribute video podcasts is a great place to start.

This guide covers the fundamentals of starting a video podcast or adding video to your existing show.

Why Brands Are Tapping Into Video

Video podcasting is still far from the norm, but it’s getting there. The biggest advantage of leveraging this format is discoverability, particularly on YouTube.

Widely considered to be the second-largest search engine, Google-owned YouTube has become a staple platform for long-form content, and being on it is now essential for podcasts looking to reach new audiences.

At the same time, video has emerged as the leading format in content marketing overall. Podcasting is moving in the same direction, with more creators recognizing the value of pairing audio with a visual experience.

Despite this momentum, uptake remains relatively low. Currently, only about 17% of podcasts currently publish video, which leaves room for new shows to stand out.

At the same time, listener behavior points in the opposite direction. More than half of Americans aged 12 and over say they’ve watched a video podcast, and many do so regularly.

In the U.S., roughly 37% watched a video podcast in the past month, with over 70% saying that they watched attentively rather than treating it as background content. These trends show that demand for video content is growing, even while most podcasts remain audio-only.

It’s also worth considering that on platforms like YouTube, video podcasts sit alongside established channels who already command attention in long-form formats. This makes clarity of format and purpose especially important.

A video podcast is still, first and foremost, a podcast. Audio remains the core experience, and the show should work without visuals. Video adds context and accessibility, but it’s not the primary driver of engagement.

Crucially, video podcasts follow the same distribution model as audio shows. They connect to an RSS feed and can be shared across platforms as audio-only.

This raises the question of what makes a video podcast a podcast and not just a YouTube channel. A video podcast is still above all a podcast: audio is the focus and you don’t need the visual element to stay engaged.

The video is just an extra bonus. A video podcast aligns with the audio-only podcast, connects to an RSS feed, and can be distributed on other platforms as audio-only as well.

Want to hear the Lower Street Team’s thoughts on video podcasts? Tune into our episode of The Podcast Book Club. For a deeper look at what video podcasts are and why brands are investing in them, explore our guide on video podcasting.

Getting Started

Some teams add video to an existing podcast and many others build a video podcast from scratch. Either way, the starting point is the same and before you think about equipment or editing, you need a clear plan.

Begin by defining what you want the show to achieve and how it should present itself. A simple working document is enough to map this out. Here’s a baseline structure to get you started:

• Why you are starting this podcast and what you want it to achieve

• Who the podcast is for

• Your primary goals, both editorial and strategy-oriented

• The type of content you will produce, including an initial list of episode themes and ideas

• How video will be used as part of the show

Much of this mirrors the planning process for an audio-only podcast. The key difference is the need to think through the visual element early on.

Decide what viewers will actually see. Do you want a front-angle video of the host? Do you want multiple angles in a studio setting, or a mix of recorded conversation and complementary footage such as B-roll or archival material?

You can refine and experiment over time, but having a clear vision from the outset will make it much easier to design your setup and produce episodes consistently.

1. Planning, Ideation, Target Audience

Deciding on the format of your show is the fundamental first step that impacts everything moving forward.

There are huge differences in the needs of a video podcast with static images compared to one that incorporates interview and B-roll footage, everything from purchasing equipment to calculating the hours required for post-production editing.

Get this step right by spending considerable time in the research and planning phase. Define what success will look like for your show, what greater business outcomes you hope to achieve, and determine the best format to make that happen.

Analyze competitors and evaluate listener data to make an informed decision. Get a clear podcast outline, know your audience, and get your podcast title, description, and artwork together. After laying this groundwork, you can really get started.

2. Sourcing the Right Equipment

Once you’ve committed to video and outlined your show, the next step is deciding what equipment you actually need. The goal here is not to overcomplicate things, but to build a setup that delivers reliable audio and clean visuals. Start with the essentials:

• An external USB microphone: Some of our favorites include the Audio Technica AT2005 USB, or the Shure MV7 USB

• A pop filter: if not included with the microphone

• Wired Headphones: not your AirPods, those chunky headphones podcasters use serve a purpose, they let you hear exactly how the recording is going.

• Recording & Editing Software

Further Reading: The Best Podcast Equipment for Every Budget

For the video side, your needs depend on how you plan to present the show:

• At least one video camera per angle you’d like to have: Apple users, your iPhone can connect to your Mac and act as a higher definition camera for front-angle only. Another budget-friendly option is the Sony Alpha a6000, and for those who want something higher-end, we recommend the Canon VIXIA HF G50.

• Tripods for said cameras

• Ring Light: Natural light is wonderful, but it’s rare we have it stable at all times, a ring light lets you control the lighting better.

• Remote Recording Software: If you are recording remotely, you’ll need a recording software that will support the quality you are looking for. Yes, Zoom is an option, but frankly, not one we’d recommend. It’s well worth investing in Riverside or SquadCast for a better quality recording both for audio and video.

• An editing software that supports video: find our favorites below.

For more insight, have a look at our blog on how to create a video podcasting setup.

Although smartphones are increasingly capable these days, having a good-quality camera is a non-negotiable for delivering the most engaging content. It allows you to capture crisp visuals, showcase facial expressions, and enhance the production value of your episodes.

If you have budget constraints, an external webcam can be a cost-effective option to deliver decent video quality. We recommend Insta360Link.

Using a handheld video camera is also an option. They’re not as expensive as DSLR cameras and offer the added advantage of continued filming even when placed on a tripod. By comparison a DSLR switches off automatically after 30 minutes.

Note: don't rely on the audio-capturing functionality of your video equipment and instead record, and edit, each episode's audio footage independently of the video.

Additionally if you plan on incorporating stock footage, or even sound effects into your video podcast, you’ll want to look into royalty-free sound, and footage services.

When it comes to editing software, there are loads of options for creators of every skill level. If you are a single creator, looking for a software that does the basics, Descript might be a good option.

You can edit video and audio side by side by editing the text of the transcript directly. You can add basic effects, adjust audio, and add footage. However you don’t have a lot of control over the finer details of sound and video editing.

For more control, Adobe Audition and Premier work side by side for editing sound and video. DaVinci Resolve can also be a great option that has a free version, as well as a paid version with more extensive features.

If you’re just starting out, check out our recommendations in our posts on the best podcast equipment for every budget or the best video podcasting software.

3. Set Up Your Hosting

Your hosting platform is effectively another piece of core infrastructure. To launch a podcast, you need an RSS feed, and that is exactly what a podcast host provides. There are plenty of options on the market, so it is worth comparing a few before committing.

When evaluating hosts, focus on practical considerations such as monthly cost, upload limits, and distribution support. In particular, look at where your podcast can be published automatically.

Platforms like PodBean and Transistor are popular choices because they offer straightforward pricing, broad distribution to platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as built-in monetization features.

Your hosting platform is where your audio episodes will live, but video requires a slightly different setup. Many podcast hosts now support video podcasting, which allows you to distribute video episodes to platforms beyond YouTube.

If multi-platform video distribution is part of your strategy, this is worth factoring into your decision. PodBean, for example, currently supports video podcast hosting.

If you already have an established presence on YouTube, you may prefer to publish your video podcast there directly. In that case, set up a dedicated playlist and treat it as an extension of your podcast feed.

Just be sure the content, tone, and visual identity of your channel align with the podcast itself, so the experience feels consistent for both listeners and viewers.

Further Reading: Starting a YouTube Podcast

4. Make a Calendar

Your setup is good to go, you’ve got the equipment, and your hosting and channels are set up, but… what are you going to record? Don’t just wing it. Come up with a podcast calendar, and outline your episodes or interviews ahead of time.

There’s no magic number for how many episodes you need to have ready ahead of time, but planning in monthly batches can really help with time management. It also is good to stay ahead in case any unexpected situations arise and you can’t record.

5. Record

Ok, you now have our blessing, you can hit “record” and get podcasting. This step is going to look different for all of you depending on the format you have gone with for your show.

Just a little tip: make sure you test all your equipment and filming angles beforehand, especially your microphone levels and camera focus. It is also worth recording a short test clip to check lighting, framing, and background distractions.

Taking a few minutes to do this upfront can save you a lot of time in post-production and help you start each recording session with confidence.

6. Edit

Time to take that raw recording and transform it into a compelling episode. Upload your files into your editing software and get started.

You’ll want to edit for technical quality: making sure the audio levels are where they should be, background noise has been taken care of, and the lighting or colors of your video are where you want them.

Then you’ll edit for creativity and flow. Cut any parts that were “off-record”, mistakes, and long pauses.

Then you’ll want to cut for content value; make sure whatever you’ve got is serving your audience, if you go on a long tangent about the coffee you’re drinking, or your dog’s walk this morning…maybe cut it.

But hey, it depends on your podcast, your format, and your audience. You know them best so make the right choice! It’s not all cutting though, this is when you can add sound effects and extra footage if you planned on it.

If you’re filming a front-angle single-host video podcast, that doesn’t mean you should skip video editing all together. Varying zoom levels and framing can add a lot of character and keep the audiences engaged.

Even something as simple as a static image to explain a point you discuss can enhance the final video podcast episode. Lastly, round out your podcast with the essentials. You’ll want to include an intro, an outro, and maybe a little theme music.

If you are looking for more engagement, a cold-open teasing part of the episode can be a great way to get listeners hooked. When it comes to this stage, you’ll want to have a look at our blog on how to edit a podcast.

7. Upload

Your video podcast is READY. Well ok, there are few details to cover as you upload your new video podcast episodes. First, don’t forget the audio of your podcast. Export your final episode in both mp3 for your RSS and mp4 for your video.

While some platforms like Apple Podcasts support lossless formats like WAV, FLAC, and ALAC, we generally recommend against them due to their exceptionally large file sizes, higher hosting costs, and slower downloads.

Prepare your episode title and show notes. These should be relevant to the topic, but also aim to use SEO keywords in both to maximize reach. Your audio-only episode can then be uploaded to your hosting site and either published immediately or scheduled for later.

For YouTube, there’s one more step to prepare: your Thumbnail. The YouTube thumbnail is incredibly important. It’s what most users skim when deciding to watch a video or not. You should make it visually appealing, while incorporating elements of the podcast branding.

Once this is all ready, head to YouTube, head to your Podcast Playlist and click the “New Video” button. You’ll be prompted to upload the mp4 file, enter the title and show notes, add tags, and upload your thumbnail. This video can then be published immediately or scheduled for later.

A note on YouTube’s RSS connection: You can connect your RSS feed to YouTube so that episodes automatically load. However this will only connect the audio-only episodes with your cover art as a static image.

It will copy over the title and show-notes as they are on your RSS feed. You can still do this and have them available as Audio-only episodes, but make sure you edit the description on YouTube to clarify that this is the audio only. Then link the video episode in the description, and as a “card” on your YouTube video.

8. Share & Promote!

With your podcast out there and ready for listeners, you might want to look into ways of promoting it. Using the right podcast SEO tactics is a no-brainer. This is how you make sure your podcast is showing up in the right searches.

If you need help finding relevant keywords for YouTube, you can always use web tools like Google Keywords or Ubersuggest, or you can use TubeBuddy which specifically focuses on YouTube keywords.

Within YouTube you can use a few extra features to help promote your podcast. You can:

• live stream episodes,

• use the community tab to connect with your audience, or

• create clips of episodes and publish them as shorts.

Beyond the sphere of YouTube you can start using classic, but proven strategies of podcast growth. These include cross-promotion by collaborating with other podcasters or other leaders in your niche, using social media channels to share clips, growing a newsletter, and launching a podcast website.

Further Reading: How To Promote Your Podcast

If the goal was video podcasting, rather than share your podcast RSS link, you can link your YouTube channel to all your social media, your email signature, and anywhere else you’ll be spreading the word.

Other Considerations

By now you know how to start a video podcast, but your podcasting journey doesn’t end there. Chances are some of your objectives with launching a podcast revolved around growth, and/or monetization.

We’ve covered a few ways to promote your podcast, but one last consideration is to always keep track of your podcast metrics.

Keep an eye on the analytics to see which topics are more enticing to listeners, what style thumbnail seems to get more clicks, and how long are people watching a video for.

You can get most of this information directly from YouTube. It also helps to compare it to your audio-only podcasts to see how they are each performing.

When it comes to monetization, video podcasts can still take on sponsors like audio-only podcasts.

You can still include host-read ads. The only big difference is that once you are eligible, you can sign up for YouTube’s monetization and earn through ads.

Further Reading: How to Monetize a Podcast

Starting with Confidence

We hope this step-by-step guide helps you feel much more confident when considering how to start a video podcast. As you can see, if you’ve already been podcasting for a while, the only new thing you’ll have to experiment with is creating compelling videos, and getting familiar with YouTube.

Ultimately, Video podcasting should still be about the core content. While visual effects and footage can be a bonus to your audience, the valuable information should be the center of your focus. Make content your audience loves, that’s what it all comes down to.