How to Start a Video Podcast: Beginner’s Guide to Recording & Publishing
- Sam Hajighasem
- Oct 2
- 5 min read
Wondering how to start a video podcast that looks and sounds professional? With the rising popularity of video podcasting, content creators, entrepreneurs, and educators are turning to this engaging format to grow their audiences. Whether you're aiming for YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, knowing how to successfully launch your visual podcast is crucial. In this guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step how to produce, record, edit, and publish your very first video podcast with ease, no prior experience required. If you’re looking for a broader overview of podcast planning before diving into video, check out our step-by-step podcast planning guide.
Why Start a Video Podcast?
Video podcasts are transforming the way audiences consume digital content. Unlike audio-only podcasts, a video podcast combines rich storytelling with facial expressions, gestures, and visual aids, offering a more engaging experience.
Expanding Reach Through Multiple Platforms
Video podcasting allows content to be published on audio platforms and video-based platforms like YouTube and TikTok. This visibility multiplies your opportunities for organic discovery.
Enhanced Audience Trust and Connection
Seeing a host’s face builds trust, which leads to higher engagement. Spotify’s Fan Study Report even shows people are more likely to finish a podcast episode when there's a video component.
Essential Steps to Launch Your First Video Podcast
Step 1 – Plan Your Podcast Format and Concept
Before recording, decide your format: solo talk, co-hosted discussion, interviews, or narrative-style stories. Also set goals, target audience, and episode frequency.
Examples of video podcast formats:
Static images or animated audiograms
In-person studio recordings
Remote Zoom-style interviews
Multi-camera interview with B-roll extras
Pre-production planning ensures smoother production and better quality content.
Step 2 – Choose and Set Up Your Recording Equipment
Depending on your podcasting style, you can opt for either in-person or remote setups.
In-Person Video Podcast Setup
Microphone: Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica ATR2100x
Camera: Sony A5100 or DSLR
Audio Recorder: Zoom H6
Lighting: Viltrox 30W Dimmable Light with stand
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro or Apple Earpods
Tips: Record in a quiet, well-lit room with a visually appealing background. Use props or branding items to add personality to your set.
Remote Recording Setup
Webcam: Logitech BRIO 4k
Microphone: USB mic similar to Samson Q2U
Recording Software: Zoom, Riverside.fm
Headphones: Stick with wired headphones to prevent echo
Pro Tip: Always record a backup audio file locally using QuickTime or Audacity. Remote recordings can fail, and backups save your content.
Need help selecting the right mic, camera, lighting, or accessories for your budget? Check out our Comprehensive Podcast Equipment Guide for Every Budget (2024) for gear breakdowns, from budget-friendly to premium setups.”
Step 3 – Record Your First Episode
1. Test your audio and video before recording.
2. Use a clap or slate to sync audio/video in post.
3. Record uninterrupted sessions and take notes during the process.
Step 4 – Edit Video and Audio
Post-production transforms raw footage into polished content. Here’s what to do:
Sync audio and video
Edit out noise, pauses, or filler speak
Add visual elements: intro/outro bumpers, lower thirds, animations
Export high-quality files for each platform
Optional Enhancements
B-roll footage (cutaways, reaction shots)
Background music or sound effects
Color grading and lighting correction for visual aesthetics
Step 5 – Export and Upload to Platforms
Export your video and audio files in platform-specific formats.
To publish:
YouTube: MP4 video with SEO tags
Spotify (via podcast host): Upload MP3 with the video optional via compatible hosts
Apple Podcasts: RSS feed with optional video support
How to Optimize Your Video Podcast for SEO
YouTube SEO is essential to help your content gain visibility.
YouTube Optimization Checklist
Title: Include your keyword (e.g., “How to Start a Video Podcast”)
Description: Write a keyword-rich summary and include show notes
Tags: Use keyword variations like “video podcast,” “podcasting video”
Custom Thumbnail: Create attention-grabbing graphics
Chapters: Add timestamps for better UX and audience retention
Share Short Clips on Social Media
Pull 1–3 impactful moments from your podcast episode and post them on:
YouTube Shorts
TikTok
Instagram Reels
Include a link to the full episode in each caption to drive views.
Monetization Opportunities for Video Podcasts
Video podcasting opens several monetization avenues:
Sponsorships and advertising
Affiliate products linked in video descriptions
Gated content on platforms like Patreon
Selling merch or premium episodes
YouTube Partner Program for ad sharing (once eligible)
Best Software for Video Podcast Production
Depending on your budget and needs, here are tools to consider:
Descript: For transcription, editing, and timestamps
Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional-level video editing
Audacity: Free, open-source audio editing software
Riverside.fm: High-quality remote interview recordings
Anchor.fm: Distribute to Spotify and other platforms
FAQs on Starting a Video Podcast
How do I start a video podcast?
Start by defining your concept, getting the right gear, recording your first episode, editing it well, and publishing to YouTube, Spotify, or other platforms that support video.
What equipment do I need for a video podcast?
To start simple, you'll need a camera or webcam, a microphone, headphones, and lighting. A quiet recording space is also crucial.
Can you podcast on YouTube without video?
Yes. YouTube allows podcast uploads via RSS feed or audio uploads with static images. This helps creators without a video workflow to still reach platform users.
How is a video podcast different from a vlog?
While both use video, a podcast centers around structured audio content—often episodic, topic-focused with intros and outros, while a vlog is primarily visual storytelling, often informal.
What are the best platforms to publish a video podcast on?
Top platforms include YouTube, Spotify (video support via certain hosts), Apple Podcasts (select hosts support video RSS), and your own website or blog.
Video Podcasting Tips for Beginners
Start Simple and Scale
Begin with the basics, clean background, webcam, and mic, and upgrade as your audience and content strategy evolve.
Focus on Visual Engagement
Use slides, B-roll, lower thirds, and branded backgrounds to make your video podcast more captivating.
Invest in Brand Aesthetics
Custom intros, color schemes, and video thumbnails help your podcast stand out and feel polished.
Conclusion:
Starting a video podcast doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear plan, the right equipment, and basic editing skills, you can launch a visually dynamic show that builds trust, reaches new audiences, and adds value to your niche. Whether you're producing interviews, solo shows, or tutorials, video podcasting enables deeper connections and broader distribution. So dive in, grab your mic and webcam, your first episode awaits.
Starting a video podcast may be the first step, but growing it with ROI and scalability is next. For businesses, explore our guide to cost-effective B2B podcasting strategies in 2024.
We specialize in helping founders, marketers, and growing brands turn their podcasting ideas into high-quality video podcasts that build genuine trust and reach on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
