Should You Add Video to Your Podcast?
So, should your podcast be on video?
The short answer is: maybe.
And I know, that’s not exactly the bold industry prediction you were hoping for.
But video can give podcasters some real advantages, especially when it comes to discoverability, connection, and monetization opportunities.
What Video Can Add to Your Podcast
1. More opportunities for discovery
One podcast episode can give you multiple clips to share across social platforms. Someone who would never search for your podcast might stop scrolling because you said something interesting, funny, controversial, or just slightly unhinged.
2. A more human connection
Video lets people see your facial expressions, reactions, and body language. Those little moments can make a conversation feel more personal and help potential listeners connect with you and your guests.
3. More ways to share and monetize your content
Visual content gives you additional places to distribute your work and opportunities to reach and engage with new audiences.
Suddenly, you’re thinking about lighting, backgrounds, hair, clothes, and whether your face looks like you’ve been awake since 2007.
And honestly, not everyone wants that.
The good news? You don’t have to be on camera to give your podcast a visual identity.
Hate Being on Camera? You Still Have Options.
Animation, illustrations, graphics, and photos can help you tell stories visually without sitting in front of a camera every week.
For example, Armchair Expert has used illustrated, comic book style visuals for stories shared by anonymous guests on its Friday episodes.
The point isn’t to copy someone else’s format. It’s to find a visual approach that works for your show.
Want to Find the Right Video Format for Your Podcast?
Knowing video can help with discovery is one thing. Deciding what to record, which moments to turn into clips, and how to create visuals without adding unnecessary work is another.
In the paid section, I’ll walk you through how to choose a video approach that fits your podcast, identify moments worth turning into clips, and explore visual options if you don’t want to be on camera.
Upgrade to paid to get the practical framework and plan a video approach that supports your podcast instead of taking it over.
How to Make Video Work for Your Podcast
1. Decide what you want video to achieve
Are you trying to reach new listeners, make your storytelling more engaging, or create additional opportunities to distribute your content?
Start with the outcome. It will help you decide which format makes sense.
2. Choose a format you can sustain
You don’t necessarily need to film every episode or invest in a complicated setup. Your format should fit your content, resources, and comfort level.
3. Turn strong moments into shareable content
Look for moments that stand on their own: an unexpected insight, a funny exchange, a compelling story, or a question that makes people think.
The Question Isn’t Whether Your Podcast Needs Video
It’s what video can add that audio alone can’t.
If it helps people discover your show, connect with your stories, or engage with your content in new ways, experiment with it.
Just don’t let the camera become the boss of your podcast.
Want to experiment with video without making podcast production more complicated? Upgrade to paid for the practical framework to choose your format, identify clips, and make video work for your show.
Are you considering adding video to your podcast, or are you happily staying audio only?
PS. You don’t need to become a full time video creator to explore visual storytelling. Upgrade to paid to find a format that fits your podcast, your resources, and your comfort level.