How to get started with video

Why should podcasters care about video?

If you want to reach as many listeners who are interested in your topic as possible, you should care about video. For starters, YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, providing automatic transcription (in the form of closed captions) and language translation into more than 80 languages. 

But research has shown that people either watch podcasts on YouTube or listen on podcast apps. There’s very little crossover. So when you add your podcast to YouTube, you’re reaching a whole new audience that you wouldn’t reach if you just stuck to podcast platforms. Podcasters need to decide what’s more important to them: the medium or the message. There’s no harm in either choice but it’s important to make an informed, conscious choice. 

So some people are resistant to embracing video – why is that?

To be honest, I don’t know why there’s a resistance to doing both but there is. From what I’m hearing, some folks like the characteristics of audio-only and they feel like the pressure to embrace video is too strong. To be fair, it is strong but I think there’s a reason for the excitement. An audio-video combination for a podcast is super powerful. Double trouble, you know? 

What’s the simplest way podcasters can start to get to grips with the video side of podcasts?

You can get set up in just a few quick steps: 

1. Start a basic YouTube channel. Add banner art and a description 

2. Develop a quick video podcast workflow that includes: 
a) adding a static image to your MP3 audio (making it an MP4 static video)
b) adding a fun thumbnail to each video
c) promoting the video in addition to the podcast audio wherever you market your podcast

3. Check your YouTube analytics monthly. Make a note of what video gets the most attention and possibly adjust your content accordingly to meet this need. 

What tools should podcasters consider using to help their videos stand out?

There are lot of options out there but I would recommend starting with the following:

– Tubebuddy for YouTube optimisation;
– a thumbnail-creation tool such as Canva or Stencil;
– simple video-editing software like DaVinci Resolve or Movavi.

What makes YouTube different to other platforms that use video, such as Instagram or TikTok?

YouTube has been building up its platform since 2005, which is much longer than video-focused social media platforms. YouTube is a platform people know and understand how to use, much more so than more current media. It also doesn’t change as fast as social media. Whereas TikTok, Instagram Reels, etc change their look, algorithm and functionality, YouTube feels more stable.

Spotify has started making video more integral – what does this mean for smaller shows?

It’s too soon to tell. Video podcasting is very different to YouTube videos. YouTube started as a video platform whereas Spotify started as audio and is still primarily an audio experience.  

What if creators really don’t like filming themselves?

There are a number of ways around this. You can use static images, simple animation, a series of static images, or video something other than yourself. During National Podcast Post Month 2021, rather than filming myself, I filmed the area around me as I was walking for most of the videos. It’s a creative medium, so experiment with many things until you find something that works for you. Have fun – video does not have to be stressful!