Howard Stern is one of the most famous radio personalities - and eventually podcasters - in the world.
He was already polarizing and provocative.
But when he introduced cameras into the station and created the Howard Stern Show, things really took off. People got the best of both worlds. They got to hear and see the drama unfold.
It was gold.
Nowadays, it’s not unusual to see a podcast with video.
My Brutally Honest Podcast is actually accompanied by a video that I upload to YouTube.
Interviewing Dan Salazar
So why have podcasts and videos become two friends sitting in a tree? For starters, some listeners want to see the response of the podcaster or interviewer, especially when there’s a controversial aspect involved.
Others just want to connect with the podcaster visually as well.
A great advantage is the SEO capabilities of YouTube. Podcasts aren’t very searchable, so uploading them on a search engine like YouTube can expose the show to a wider audience.
Finally, adding video expands the ability to share your content on social media and monetize content with YouTube ads. Now you know the advantages of a podcast with video, let’s help you set one up!
Setting up your video podcast
Some podcasters just upload the content onto YouTube or Vimeo with a static image. You can convert your podcast into a video this way with just a few clicks. You’ll need video editing software.
The audio file will also need to be converted into a video format (mp4). If you have an Apple computer, IMovie works just fine.
You can add your logo and upload the video for persons to consume on YouTube. While this works, you lose the essence and purpose of a podcast with video.
Chances are you won’t attract the audience you were looking for on YouTube and since they aren’t listening to the podcast itself, it’s not counting toward your downloads. To really get the best out of video podcasts, it should be an actual video recording of the podcast. Let’s explore two versions: the in-person video and the remote interview video.
The In-Person Interview/Live Podcast
Most of the episodes on my Brutally Honest Podcast are in-person interviews. Video podcasts work well for this podcast format, though you can do a single podcast video as well. These are some key things you’ll need for your setup:
- A well-treated space for the interview
Invest in a nice comfortable setup for you and your guests, if any. This does not need to be expensive, just a simple table and comfy chairs will do. Some persons opt for a comfortable feel and use a dressed up sofa. Whatever the decision, make sure it’s clean and clutter-free, adding some accent pieces to give it character.
- A camera and tripod
The camera should be at a wide enough angle to capture all the persons in the room and the backdrop. Some video podcasters invest in multiple cameras that can focus on each speaker. While editing, the videos can be layered to cut to the person speaking at the point in time.
- Separate audio input - microphones and audio recorder
You are running a podcast so audio still takes precedence over the video. That means both podcaster and guests (if any) need a high-quality microphone connected to an audio recorder. This ensures that you get audio specific to posting on your podcast hosting and can be edited into video later.
- Editor/Editing software
You’ll need to edit both audio and video. There is a range of free and paid tools available. Editing both audio and video for podcasts can be time-consuming. Make sure you have the best quality audio software available. If possible, hire an editor who has the skills to make your production look amazing. It may cost a bit more but it will pay off in the long run.
Set up tips:
- Invest in the audio - it’s still a podcast after all. The camera will have built-in audio but you should be recording your audio separately. Purchase high-quality microphones, an audio recorder, headphones, and even a preamp. This ensures you have the amazing sound quality to start off with during the editing process.
- Use your iPhone for another camera angle: For an awesome, professional look, consider setting up multiple camera angles using multiple cameras. In editing, the video can cut to the person talking. This setup can be a bit expensive, so use your iPhone or another high-end smartphone for an additional angle. Phones can shoot continually in 1080p or even 4K, so you can get quality without breaking the bank.
- Add some soft, colored light to your space: To bring a little personality to the interview space, have a soft, colored light in the background to compliment your lighting. It just looks like you spent some extra time making things look right.
Set your scene with the right camera angle that can cover everyone in the room. Make sure to adjust the lighting accordingly and do a quick test of equipment before starting. Test audio levels and camera quality. Keep some backup power for your cameras and audio equipment, especially for long-form interviews.
The Remote Video Interview
In the past, I would only do remote video interviews if it was a guest I really wanted but was not in the same state or country. Now with the pandemic, I’ve had no choice but to have remote video interviews going forward. While you lose some of that personal touch. You can still have a solid conversation at a far cheaper cost.
A remote interview usually needs a way to record both persons at the same time remotely. Luckily, there is a range of free and paid screen recording software available to have an effective show. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Proper recording software
Zoom has got a serious boost since the pandemic. It’s a great tool to record your interview that you can then post on your video provider of choice. There is some interview software that’s specifically designed for podcast recording. Riverside.fm and Wistia allows you to record HD video. Zencastr recently launched its Hi-definition video podcasting in Beta. Other software like Ringr can be used with Zoom or FaceTime.
- Mic and audio recorder
I hate to harp on audio equipment but it can be the difference between success and failure. Make sure your audio input and output comes from a quality mic and audio recorder and not from your default computer settings.
- A backup internet connection
Imagine this. You’re 60 minutes into one of the best conversations you’ve ever had, and your internet connection drops. You lose your recording or the timeframe you had carded for the host. Invest in some backup if you’re going to be doing consistent remote interviews.
Quick tips:
Like in-person interviews, do a quick audio test before you hit record. Make sure your background is distraction-free and turn off any notifications like email or messages that may distract the viewer and listener. Download your content later so you can edit in your video editor of choice.
Are You Ready For Video?
A podcast with video can be exciting and fun. It’s a great way to build engagement and you can establish a great rapport with your audience and guests. Set up does not have to be a huge task. All you need is a comfortable space, a solid camera, and audio equipment. From there, you can upload your video podcast and start earning your next subscribers and listeners.
I've spent a lot of time and money creating a podcast studio for my own podcast. If you need more help in terms of setup, podcast growth, and monetization, feel free to connect with me here.
