In a nutshell
- Video podcasts offer a unique advantage over audio-only formats by allowing viewers to see the speakers, enhancing engagement and shareability on social media.
- Successful conversion of podcasts into video content requires attention to pre-production essentials like camera and audio quality. Good video podcasts also use effective editing techniques to create visually appealing and high-quality content.
- Promoting video podcasts involves leveraging social media teasers, collaborating with other creators, engaging with the audience, maintaining a consistent posting schedule and utilizing SEO and hashtags for greater visibility and audience growth.
You’ve likely heard of podcasts; you may have even listened to one or a couple. This type of content is gaining steam, and here’s the kicker: They can seriously help you get more views on your YouTube videos. And when you mix them, you get something even better: a video podcast on YouTube that offers the best of both worlds.
Advantages of video podcasts over audio-only
Sure, audio podcasts are great, but video podcasts have some perks that make them stand out. For starters, viewers can see the people who are talking, which means viewers will automatically feel more connected to the speakers. Plus, video podcasts can use slides, charts, or even funny memes to help viewers understand what’s going on. And let’s not forget that people are more likely to share videos than audio podcasts on social media.
How to convert your podcasts into video content
So, you’re pumped to start your video podcast journey. However, before you hit that “record” button, let’s talk about how to make video podcasts.
Pre-production
You don’t need a Hollywood set, but you do need some basics like a camera, lighting and a quality microphone. This ensures that people can see and hear you clearly.
The good thing about technology becoming cheaper is that you don’t need much to start. Of course, the more money you put in, the better visually your video podcast will look. However, it’s important to start somewhere, even if that means using your phone on a tripod, wireless earbuds with voice pickup, such as AirPods, and a $20 ring light. Remember, while you don’t need an expensive setup, your video will attract more viewers if your podcast’s audio and image are clear. You can instantly improve your video podcast’s quality for free with practices like placing the microphone correctly and shooting in a well-lit room.
Production
When you’re ready, set up your camera and start recording your podcast. Make sure you’re in a quiet place, so background noise doesn’t ruin your audio recording. Foam panels can also dampen echoes and improve the acoustics of your room.
If you can, monitor your audio live through your headphones so you can set the right levels. Gain levels that are too high can cause distortion, which will decrease your sound quality. Some mistakes can be fixed in post-production, but the more mistakes there are, the harder it will be to correct. So, if you can, fix issues on set.
Post-production
Once you’re done recording, it’s editing time. Here, you will cut together your footage, but you will also need to do some basic audio editing. Software like Audacity or Adobe Podcast can help in removing any unwanted sounds and improve your overall audio quality. Use compressors to even out the highs and lows of your audio, and use noise reduction to eliminate as much of the background hums as you can.
For cutting your footage together, use video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Apple Final Cut Pro. Trim any fluff, then add neat visuals and background music if it fits.
While editing your podcast, keep your eyes out for clippable moments. The best thing about video podcasts is the potential for large volumes of content. With a podcast of 30 minutes to an hour, dozens of short-form clips (30 seconds to a minute) can be created. Create a vertical sequence in your video editing software of choice, then separate the different topics you talk about during your podcast. Once you’ve cut them down, you can export these vertical videos for use on TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
Strategies for driving traffic to video podcasts
You’ve got your video podcast. Now, how do you get people to watch it?
Social media promotion
First, leverage the power of teasers. Create short, engaging clips or highlights from your podcast episode and share them on platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Make sure to include a call-to-action that directs people to watch the full episode on YouTube.
Cross-promotion through collaboration is another effective strategy. Partner up with other creators or influencers in your niche. You can promote each other’s content through shoutouts or by sharing each other’s posts. This exposes your podcast to a new set of followers who are likely interested in similar topics. Just make sure the partnership is mutually beneficial and relevant to your audience.
Also, make sure to engage with your audience. Responding to comments and messages not only builds a loyal community but also increases the visibility of your posts. The more engagement your posts get, the more likely they are to appear in other people’s feeds.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of consistency. Being consistent is one of the most important things that allow successful creators to grow their social presence. Keep a regular posting schedule to remind your audience about your podcast. Over time, your followers will come to anticipate your content, increasing the likelihood they’ll tune in for each new episode.
SEO optimization and hashtags
Optimizing your SEO and hashtags helps put your videos in front of the right audience. When deciding on what terms to use, research what terms people are typing into the search bar when looking for content like yours. Use these words, known as keywords, in your video title, description, and tags. This helps your video show up when people search for those words. You can get started by looking at what your competitors are doing or by conducting searches yourself. You can also use Google Trends to see terms that are currently trending.
Hashtags are your friends as well. Use relevant and trending hashtags to make your posts more discoverable. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram have millions of active users searching for specific content. Hashtags categorize your posts and make them easier to find. But remember, don’t go overboard. Stick to a few relevant hashtags rather than flooding your post with them.
Measuring success
How do you know if your video podcasts are a hit? Look for signs like how long people are watching, if they’re leaving comments, or if you’re getting new subscribers. Websites have tools to help you see all these things, so use them. YouTube Studio is a great tool to gain insight into valuable information you can use in future episodes, such as your audience’s demographics and at what points they are losing interest.
Time to get started
So, there you have it. Video podcasts aren’t just the next big thing; they’re the big thing right now. And the best part? They can help you get more eyes on your YouTube channel. So what are you waiting for? Start turning your podcasts into video podcasts.