Blog Post

What is a Video Podcast? Video Podcast Production Guide

A video podcast, sometimes also known as vodcast – is simply a podcast which has been filmed.

Over the years the growth of video content across online and social media including YouTube, coupled with vast improvements in internet speed has made video more popular. As a result, podcasters are now embracing video podcasts to attract larger audiences and make episodes more engaging.

The lines are a bit blurred between what counts as a video podcast and what is just video content. However, video podcasts are still typically made available as audio, allowing more flexibility for those who are on the move or not able to watch easily on a device

This blog is a helpful guide on video podcasts for businesses and brands.Whether you’re thinking about commissioning a video podcast,  or making the move from audio to video find out more about this burgeoning sector.

The benefits of producing video podcasts with a business focus

two chairs and microphones

Pro-tip:

Lift the best bits of your video podcast and post it on TikTok for increased exposure. In the final quarter of 2023, the New York Times found that more than half of the 30 most popular podcasts in the US were available in video format. There were just 7 two years earlier.

The benefits of producing video podcasts with a business focus

According to online video recording company Riverside, 85.4% of companies are already recording video for their podcasts and it is a trend we’re noticing too. There are some obvious advantages to video podcasts:

  • Video is so much more engaging than audio and gives richer content. It allows, for example, a c-suite executive to show some personality and become the host or find some untapped talent from the marketing team who has a natural aptitude. It’s all about engaging with your audience and helping you reach a new audience. You need to dovetail your presenter and content to your audience and mirror them with your presenter.
  • Seeing as well as hearing the podcast allows potential customers and clients to form a closer bond with the brand and that drives higher engagement.
  • Google tends to give priority to YouTube videos ( they own them).This gives YouTube video podcasts a big advantage over audio-only podcasts in getting new subscribers. So our advice is if you optimise your YouTube videos with search terms people are searching for on Google. Your YouTube podcast will rank higher and be more accessible, adding SEO value.
  • Video podcasts can also give you more opportunities to monetise with monetisation options like ad revenue or super chat.
  • Advertisers are investing more in podcasts. More than two-thirds of U.S.-based marketers say they see a return on investment of between $2 to $6 for every dollar spent on podcast ads. That’s a high ROI compared to other mediums, and it will keep advertisers coming back for more.

 

The different video podcast formats:

Audio podcast with pictures

This first suggestion may be of interest if budgets really are constrained. Some may view it as a bit of a cheat, but you can record your podcast upload it to a basic editing software programme and add an image or series of images over the top. Export it as a video file and you have a video podcast. You can always add images of your host and guests to make it more engaging

 

On-location video podcast

This is when the production team bring their audio and video kit to you and create a pop-up studio. This is a cost-effective way of producing a podcast, particularly if you have a great visual space at your offices or business premises. This will inevitably take longer than a simple static image podcast, with more production including editing required.

 

In-Studio Video Podcast.

We’d call it the works! If budget allows, we’d recommend going into a studio and this type of podcast is becoming more common place.  Its visually interesting, with multiple camera angles and amazing sound with quality mics. This type of professional video podcast is proving popular with audiences, helping them to connect with the host and guests as if they were in the studio with them. You can control lighting and sound better and typically they provide autocue to ease the life of the host.

 

The stages of creating a video podcast, from planning to publication and promotion

There’s so much to think about but these are questions to ask yourself when creating a video podcast

Here are the key steps we recommend that you follow when commissioning a corporate video podcast

Below is a very simple template to follow which is a great starting point

> Intro: Something interesting to hook your audience.

> First segment.

> Segue (music or ads)

> Second segment.

> Segue (music or ads)

> Episode summary.

> Call to action: Encourage your audience to rate, review, and subscribe.

> Cliffhanger: Motivate your audience to listen to the next episode.

 

Here are the key steps we recommend that you follow when commissioning a corporate video podcast

Using video podcasts for PR and promoting a video podcast

Summing up

Outcome

Succinct soundbites along with cinematic, scene-setting montages of the event and location make for some beautiful videos. Founders Forum used the videos to promote future events and create brand awareness.

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