How to make a video podcast

Many people who start a video podcast already have an audio-only show and are just
branching out to visuals. If that’s you, this workflow is more your speed. But if you’re
starting from scratch, read on:

Step 1: Plan your production and choose a

podcast format
Planning a podcast production becomes easier as you flesh out your identity and style.
So to start, pick whichever topic interests and excites you the most. And the good news
is, you won’t be stuck with your initial choice for all of eternity. For example, you can
experiment with an easy static image to get the hang of it and try working your way up
to something more challenging.

Planning checklist:

1. Choose a topic: Pick a subject that you're passionate about and that will
interest your target audience.

2. Define your target audience: Determine who your ideal listeners are, and tailor
your content to their interests and preferences.

3. Decide on a format: Choose between solo, co-hosted, or interview-based

formats, depending on your preference and resources.

4. Create a content plan: Outline your episodes, including topics, guests, and key
talking points.

Step 2: Decide on a setup and purchase

equipment
In-studio recordings or interviews will require a lot more setup. You’ll have to figure out
how you want to angle cameras, and make sure the room you’re filming in is clean with
plenty of good light. In terms of new podcast equipment, the microphone can make all
the difference so that’s where you want to invest your money.

Equipment and software checklist:

 1. Microphone: Invest in a good quality microphone for clear audio.

2. Camera: Use a high-quality camera, iPhone, or webcam for video recording.

3. Lighting: Ensure proper lighting to enhance video quality.

4. Recording software: Choose a reliable software app for recording audio and
video, such as Descript, OBS Studio, or Zoom.

5. Editing software: Select a video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro,
Final Cut Pro, or Descript for post-production.

Step 3: Record and build a catalog of

episodes
The recording process involves setting up a quiet, well-lit space with minimal
distractions and testing your equipment for optimal audio and video quality —
especially if you’re live streaming.

During the recording, follow your content plan, speak clearly, and maintain eye contact
with the camera to create engaging and professional video podcast episodes.

Recording checklist:

1. Set up your recording space: Choose a quiet, well-lit location with minimal
background noise and distractions.

2. Test your equipment: Check your audio and video quality before recording.

3. Record your episode: Follow your content plan and record your podcast,
ensuring that you speak clearly and maintain eye contact with the camera.

Step 4: Edit your recording until it’s a

polished full episode
Once you’ve edited your audio, sync it with whatever visual you went with. If you’re
doing a recording of an interview, it will take some editing work to line everything up.
Here again we’ll note that if you’re using Descript, you can edit the audio and the video
in the same project — otherwise you’ll need two different editing tools, and have to
export, import, and generally burn a lot more time.
If you can find ways to incorporate fun edits and effects, you can create an even more
engaging piece of content for your audience. Even simple things like zooms, cuts, and
transitions can raise the video production value of your podcast.

Editing checklist:

1. Import your footage: Transfer your recorded files to your editing software.

2. Trim and arrange: Cut out any mistakes or unnecessary parts, and arrange
your clips in the desired order.

3. Add intro and outro: Create and insert an intro and outro to give your podcast
a professional touch.

4. Add music and sound effects: Enhance your podcast with background music
and sound effects, if desired.

5. Export your video: Save your edited video in a suitable format for your chosen
platform.

Step 5: Publish and promote your video

podcast
You’ve recorded the audio and video, you’ve synced it up, and you’ve made an
engaging thumbnail. All that’s left is to send it into the world. Wherever you upload it —
YouTube has the largest audience and strongest search tool, but there are other
platforms — make sure you share it out across all of your social media channels.

Publishing and promoting a video podcast checklist:

1. Choose a hosting platform: Select a video hosting platform like YouTube,

Vimeo or Libsyn (which comes with an RSS feed) to publish your podcast. Now,
the two popular podcast platforms, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, have video
hosting options.

2. Upload your video: Follow the platform's guidelines to upload your video,
including adding a title, description, and tags.

3. Promote your podcast: Share your podcast episodes on social media, your
website, and through email marketing to reach a wider audience.

4. Repurpose content into small clips: TikTok and Instagram make perfect
places to post quotable moments or hooks that will pull in new listeners. And if
you’ve uploaded to YouTube, you can publish clips to YouTube shorts directly
from your full-length video.

5. Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and feedback to build a

community around your podcast.
Remember to be patient and consistent in producing and promoting your own podcast.
It may take time to build an audience, but with dedication and quality content, you'll see
growth over time.