How to create a video podcasts for Spotify and YouTube: Is a vodcast or video podcast worth it?
Vodcast definition
The term vodcast is an abbreviation for “video-on-demand-cast”. It is therefore the video form of a podcast. We also have an article on the definition of the word podcast: Podcast definition.
Vodcast - The future of podcasts?
Spotify took its first big step back in 2021: the platform allowed the publication of video podcasts. The first so-called “vodcast” was of course a major Spotify original production for advertising purposes:
This makes Spotify a video platform, but of course you can also upload your podcast perfectly on other platforms such as YouTube. So it can be worth creating if you already have a larger YouTube channel.
More effort through your video podcast
For a video podcast, you not only need a podcast microphone for recording, but you also need at least one camera. If you want to make the videocast really professional, you should work with several cameras to make the whole thing more visually interesting. However, you will then have to edit each episode.
This video editing can be done in programs such as Adobe Premiere. The practical thing here is that you can then use Adobe Audition for audio editing without having to export anything or anything similar. With DaVinci Resolve it is also possible to edit video and audio seamlessly and professionally in one program.
Video editing often takes more time than audio editing alone! Plan for this in any case – sound and image should look professional, otherwise the step to the video podcast is only worthwhile if you are confident enough as a podcaster to publish both at a good level!
Another point why you should use at least two cameras (these should ideally have at least a full HD resolution) is the presence of voiceovers. You should of course cut these out, but if you only have one camera with a static image, you will see a jump in the image. By cutting you have different perspectives, which on the one hand offers more variety, on the other hand it can be helpful in case of a slip of the tongue or too long pauses to remove disturbing sequences before uploading.
Something else you should pay attention to is the podcast intro. After all, this also needs film footage or an animation. So you can’t just insert it like in the audio files in the classic podcast!
So in addition to the microphone, you need
- at least one camera per person
- at least one light per person
- an aesthetic and relatively quiet and not too reverberant room
- a video editor
Of course, you can expand this setup further depending on the format, but these are just the basics that you should definitely have at the start.
In which cases should you create a video podcast?
As already mentioned, it is only worthwhile as soon as you can ensure the quality of the audio and video. This format requires more than just a cheap webcam. You should also have some experience in recording with cameras, as your spoken words are not only heard, but your body language and reaction can also be seen.
You can also do a few tests without any obligation as a small experiment, because before you really get into the video game, you should definitely know your workflow for the respective platform. It will also make you a little warmer to speak in front of the camera. So: Let’s go, just start a test run of your video podcast!
Video podcasts and their statistics
To get away from the creative side of things, let’s take a look at some figures. If you want to create a classic audio podcast, you can start with just a few hundred euros. You can get started with good equipment for a one-off cost of around €150. (More on this in the article: Podcast costs)
If you want to create video podcast episodes, then with at least one camera and microphones you are easily over €500, if not €1000. An investment that must first be worthwhile.
But does the video version get more views?
In general, video content is the big winner of digitalization.
Not only do 55% of users consume videos daily (78% at least once a week) according to SocialMediaWeek.com, 95% of users understand the message of a video. So attention is significantly higher. You can find more Video Statistics here: Video Marketing Statistics.
If you want to sell products, it’s also worth it: 59% of customers prefer video content over written content!
According to statistics, it can therefore be worth going in the direction of video.
Why Spotify and co want to advance the video podcast
The green giant is taking the plunge and is currently investing in this sub-form of podcasting; video content is in demand and vast amounts of video content are consumed every day. TikTok and Instagram are also making the recording of videos more and more normal, as these can then be shared and disseminated on social media channels more easily than just audio tracks or an audiogram. This is a clear advantage for podcasts such as “The Joe Rogan Show”, as new episodes can then be perfectly promoted directly. And with success: some of the short clips have several million views on social media platforms! Visual elements are therefore perfect for marketing, also because you create a stronger bond with a face.
The advantage of this is that if you don’t want to see the hosts for an hour, the podcast still works because the concept hasn’t changed. Graphics and animations are rare, so you can simply ignore the video.
Where can I host or upload video podcasts?
Of course, you can easily upload and distribute your episodes on YouTube. But on podcast platforms like Spotify there is no upload button. So you also need a podcast hosting provider.
Spotify for Creators is an example that also allows you to upload video podcasts.
Conclusion: Are video podcasts a trend or does the future of podcasting belong to the audio format?
Visual contact makes the topic of customer loyalty particularly interesting for influencers, but you still need to pay attention to the costs. Video files take a little more work, but if you have recorded your podcast episodes in the best quality and have developed a good workflow, then nothing stands in the way of your video podcast. Because: “Downgrading” to a classic podcast is always easy. You switch off the screen and you have an audio podcast.
To ensure the audio quality of your podcast recordings, we have loads of blog articles: Podcast microphone, how to start a podcast and many more!
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