How to Start a Video Podcast in 2025

If you haven’t noticed yet, video podcasts are kind of taking over the podcasting world. It’s not exactly a secret at this point, as nearly 42% of U.S. adults now prefer watching podcasts. That’s a 10% jump from just late 2022! There’s a clear reason platforms like YouTube are jumping on the podcasting bandwagon and why Spotify’s making moves to incorporate video, too.

Adding video to your podcast creates a new way to engage with your audience on an entirely different level. But figuring out where to even begin can feel like staring at a blank canvas. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’re going to go over a few podcast formats and show you exactly how to get started with your own video podcast!

What Is a Video Podcast?

A video podcast is exactly what it sounds like, even though the term might initially sound like an oxymoron. A podcast, by definition, is an audio-based show that people listen to on-demand, right? Well, a video podcast simply adds, you guessed it—video.

It still follows the same rules as a regular podcast, meaning it’s typically episodic, can cover a variety of topics, and is easy to consume on-demand. The big difference is that you’re now offering your audience the option to watch as well as listen.

This can be as simple as slapping a static image on screen while your audio rolls or going all out with a documentary-style format, complete with visuals, interviews, and a B-roll. Video podcasts are a great way to attract a wider audience since some people just need to see what’s going on. Plus, they feel a lot more personal.

Types of Video Podcasts

Static Image

Let’s start with the easiest option: the static image podcast. This one’s as straightforward as it gets. All you need is some basic editing software, an image (could be your podcast logo, a relevant photo, or maybe a nice branded graphic), and your audio file.

The image you choose should represent your podcast, so if it’s about true crime, maybe go with a moody backdrop. If it’s a comedy show, you might want something playful and fun. Make it relevant to your content, and you’re halfway there!

If you’re feeling fancy, you can step it up a notch by adding a moving waveform or captions! It’s an easy win that doesn’t require much technical expertise.

However, while this method is a breeze to put together, it’s not exactly the most engaging. It’s basically finding a loophole to upload your audio onto a video platform.

If you really want to spice things up, you could add a GIF to keep things interesting!

Remote Interview Videos

Ah, the remote interview video. If the pandemic taught us anything, you don’t need to be in the same room (or even the same city) to have a legitimate conversation!

Remote interviews have become a solid go-to format for video podcasts, especially when you’re interviewing guests far away or when it’s just not practical to get everyone in one place.

The best part is that you don’t need a ton of fancy gear. All you really need is a laptop, a solid internet connection, and a video call platform like Zoom or Skype. You can go the extra mile with professional microphones and cameras to improve sound and video quality, but the basics will get you through just fine.

That said, you're putting a lot of trust in both parties' internet connections and the software. And, as anyone who’s dealt with laggy video calls knows, both of these things can fail you at the most inconvenient times.

So, while it’s easy to set up, it’s also a format that requires a little more flexibility on your part.

In-Studio Recordings

In-studio recordings are where the magic happens. There’s something about having everyone in the same room that just brings the energy up in the room. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s undeniably engaging.

That said, it’s still a happy medium in terms of effort. You don’t need to go too overboard, but you will need at least one camera to record the conversation. Of course, if you want to step it up, you can add more cameras for different angles, including close-ups, wide shots, and even a side angle to show off the room’s vibe. A multi-cam setup helps make the video dynamic and adds that professional touch. Plus, it allows you to cut between different perspectives, making your podcast feel more polished and lively.

Of course, there are a few more hurdles here. Cameras can be expensive, and video editing has a bit of a learning curve, especially if you want to make it look smooth. You’ll also need a dedicated space to record or the ability to rent one, which can be an added cost. But if you’re willing to invest in quality, the results are worth it.

In-studio recordings with B-Roll

In-studio recordings with B-roll are where your podcast starts to flirt with documentary territory. With this format, you can add extra shots that illustrate what you’re talking about. It might be footage of your guest’s workspace or action shots that visually explain the topic.

This is definitely the most engaging way to keep your audience’s attention, though the format is no walk in the park. In post-production, you’ll need to edit your footage together and find ways to incorporate your B-roll. It can get pretty expensive, too, especially if you're licensing a B-roll or hiring someone to shoot it for you.

Animated

If you're ready to take things to the next level, then animated video podcasts are where the real work happens. This format is definitely the most time-consuming of them all, but if you’ve got the dedication (or the budget), it can also be one of the most rewarding.

Now, this can be a lot of work unless you're already a pro animator or getting paid the big bucks to create high-end animation. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still create an amateur version with just a few simple images or characters and then use video editing software to keyframe them around the screen.

What You Need to Make a Video Podcast

Make a Plan and Decide on a Format

Before you start making your video podcast, you need to have a plan. It’ll save you so much time later on. The key to smooth post-production and a steady flow of episodes is knowing your style and format upfront.

Pick a topic that excites you! This is your podcast, so choose something you genuinely care about. If you’re passionate about the subject, it’ll show.

Now, if you’re leaning towards something simple, like a static image video podcast, don’t stress. The beauty of a podcast is that you can always evolve as you go.

Gather Your Equipment

Video podcasting requires a bit more than your typical audio podcast, though that doesn't need to be anything fancy to get started. The equipment you’ll need really depends on the format you choose.

If you're going with something like remote interviews or static images, you don’t need all the bells and whistles of a full-on studio production. But if you're considering in-studio recordings, you'll want to invest in a few more pieces.

Here’s a beginner-friendly list to get you started:

• Microphone: A good mic is non-negotiable. For beginners, the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2020 are solid, affordable options that offer great sound quality for the price.
• Headphones: You’ll need these to monitor audio while recording. Get a comfortable pair like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or even something budget-friendly like the Sony MDR7506.
• Audio Interface: If you're using an XLR mic (a good choice for pro-quality sound), you’ll need an interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. However, USB mics don’t need an interface, so you can skip this if you're starting simple.
• Laptop or Computer: This one's obvious, but make sure your computer has enough processing power for video editing. If you're on a budget, a MacBook Air or any Windows laptop with at least 8GB of RAM should do the job for recording and editing.
• Camera or Smartphone: A decent camera makes a big difference for video. Logitech C920 webcam is a good starting point, but if you’re using a smartphone, any recent model will work just fine for the first few episodes.
• Tripod: For steady shots, you’ll want a tripod. A basic Joby Gorillapod or something like the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod can work well for stationary setups.
• Lighting: Lighting is crucial for looking good on camera. Softbox lights or ring lights like the Neewer Ring Light Kit can help give your face a soft, flattering glow.

Remember, you don’t have to buy top-tier gear to start (or new gear, for that matter). You can always upgrade as your podcast grows and you get more comfortable with your setup.

Record Some Episodes

Before you hit record, let’s discuss the best setup for recording. Ideally, you’ll record somewhere quiet with carpets or soft furniture to minimize echoes. If you’re in a pinch, even recording with a blanket fort around you can do wonders for sound (trust me, I've done it).

Then, test everything before going through a full episode’ Run through your mic, camera, and lighting setup to ensure it’s all working as it should. You don’t want to record a whole episode only to find out your mic wasn’t plugged in properly or your camera decided to go on strike halfway through.

Once you’re ready, I’d consider recording a few episodes at once! It might seem like a lot, but batching episodes can save you time in the long run. If you’ve planned out your content calendar, you’ll have a few topics ready to go, and it’s way easier to stay in “podcast mode” if you knock out a few in one session.

Polish Your Raw Recording

Once you have your footage and audio, you’ll need to edit it to make it publish-ready.

First off, sync your audio and video. If you’re recording with separate audio and video tracks, you must line them up in your editing software.

Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even DaVinci Resolve make this process super easy with automatic syncing options. If you’re doing it manually, just find a loud sound or visual cue (like a clap or a finger snap) and match them up in the timeline.

From there, you can add transitions between cuts or fun effects like zooms, split screens, or even animated text to emphasize key points.

Music is a must, too, and you can find high-quality, royalty-free music on Pro Tunes!

The trick with all these add-ons is not to overdo it. You don’t want all the bells and whistles to distract from your content.

Publish and Promote

You’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to share your video podcast with the world!

Start by exporting your video, and choose the right file format and resolution for your platform. Also, ensure your thumbnail is clean but eye-catching, as it’s the first thing people will see!

Next, it’s time to choose your hosting platform, such as YouTube or Vimeo, or a dedicated podcast platform like Anchor or Libsyn. Note that each platform has its own set of uploading guidelines as well!

Lights, Camera, Podcast

There you have it, your guide to creating a quality video podcast!

While you must have all of the right tools and promotional content, you can’t forget one crucial element that can set your podcast apart: the music.

However, don’t settle for a generic sound! With platforms like ProTunes One, you can easily access a wide library of royalty-free music, ensuring your podcast sounds as professional as it looks. Plus, our AI-driven search means you’ll find the perfect track in no time, with no worries about copyright issues or sneaky royalties. And with flexible subscription plans, adapting to your needs as your podcast evolves is easy.