Video Podcasts - Must have or good to have?

More and more podcasters are looking to jump from audio into the video space.

Understandably, it seems to be a "natural evolution" and a "norm". I thought that getting into the video space would be great - I could repurpose content, get clips and share them on socials. Visuals are great and I get to feel like "I'm on camera!"

What's great about video?

1. For starters, it's about content repurposing - you get to extract a ton of clips from your podcast! It makes it easier to share, spread your message and increase the amount of digital assets that you put out there!
2. Video is definitely more captivating and has a sense of familiarity with the current generation. Unless you're off the grid, you've most likely binged on a couple of clips, doom scrolled through the night, or simply enriched yourself while "seeking inspiration on the porcelain throne". (If you don't understand the reference, it's watching videos in the toilet) Video makes your content easier to consume and if done right, be the gateway content that helps boost consumption for your main titles.

Things I didn't know about video when I first started and what to look out for

I didn't know how to get started though - from styling, to backgrounds, to camera angles! Well, if you're thinking that you've got to get your podcast onto a video platform, here are some tips to help you get started with your video podcast - Quick and Easy!

1. Find a reference podcast to model, in terms of your look and feel. By mirroring them, you learn about the type of shots, what equipment you may need, and see where the gaps are between your current standard, and the desired standard.

2. Video can be recorded using platforms like Zoom, Streamyard, Squadcast and much more! If you don't want the hassle of finding a set, a studio, or loads of equipment, a webcam, a mic and a laptop will solve your problems! Here's an example of what results you can get with a standalone webcam, an audio interface and OBS!

3. Learn to "stare down the barrel". In a podcast that I did with Sharon Tong , she gave some awesome tips on how you could get used to the camera. (Check out here tips here!

Ok, Truthbomb time. Here are some hard truths about video podcasts:

Truthbomb #1: Drop off rates are high.

If you don't know how to create visually captivating teasers - we're spoilt for choice with loads of enticing videos, many of which are influenced by short-form media that's eye-catching and enticing. I believe that many are swayed by the idea of having your very own high-budget production and are led to believe that such productions are the Gold standard of podcasting.

It's nice to have, but not necessary.

FYI - Over 70% of podcast listeners LISTEN to podcasts, even if they are in video format.

Truthbomb #2: Time is money. Editing takes time.

Editing needs a lot of time than you think. From synching audio, colour correction and multicam arrangements - it's a handful to start with! To speed things up, AI tools like Descript are great! However, if you have a podcast with lots of fillers and conversations with a broken rhythm, your podcast is going to look and sound like a badly produced stop-motion video.

If you want something good, you need a solid editor that has knowledge and skills that can leverage on these tools, as well as have the right fundamentals in editing to deliver a polished product. But does the budget seem justifiable to you?

3. Podcast equipment is affordable, but lights and cameras aren't.

Audio equipment is affordable, and video cameras are expensive.

"Use a camera phone" they say. Yes you could do that. Film in 4K and see the difference between what you generic camera phone can do, versus a proper Mirrorless camera or DSLR. The colours, depth, focus and overall visual quality shows up in the editing process.

Oh, did I forget about the various types of lights and all the other peripherals like softboxes, tripods, sandbags etc?

If you're looking to start your podcast, be it video or audio, I've spent dollars and hours, trying to get it right. Let me help you get started.

Are there other things that you've tried, learnt and like to share? Comment here and let me know what you think

Article written by: Edric Poon "The Podsmith"