There’s numerous chatter within the podcasting world proper now about video. You’ve most likely seen the headlines, the YouTube clips, and perhaps even a couple of TikToks telling you that in case your podcast doesn’t have a video model, it’s already falling behind. However right here’s the factor: that’s simply not true for many podcasters.
At Buzzsprout, we’ve at all times constructed our instruments for audio-first creators. Not as a result of we’re anti-video, however as a result of audio continues to be the core of podcasting. And extra importantly, we’ve seen that it’s the place most podcasters thrive!
So on this submit, we’re digging into what’s actually taking place with video podcasting, why it’s not the default subsequent step for each podcaster, and why it’s okay, truly, sensible, to not leap into video simply because everybody else appears to be doing it.
Most High Podcasts Aren’t Utilizing Video Like You’d Suppose
There’s this concept floating round that each large podcast is now on YouTube or publishing full video episodes on Spotify. However once we truly regarded into it, the numbers advised a special story.
Out of the highest 50 podcasts on this planet, solely 37 publish something on YouTube. And simply 8 use Spotify’s video options! Which means 1 / 4 of probably the most profitable exhibits on the market don’t publish video in any respect, and solely a small group are utilizing full video podcasting platforms.
Consider Crime Junkie, The Every day, and even Serial, these are podcasts with the most important groups, greatest budgets, and probably the most entry to assets, and plenty of of them are nonetheless targeted completely on audio!
So whereas video is perhaps getting numerous consideration, a lot of the high exhibits are sticking with what works. For a lot of of them, which means specializing in robust audio manufacturing, publishing persistently, and constructing a loyal viewers via nice storytelling.
Why Audio-Solely Nonetheless Works (and In all probability Works Higher for You)
Audio podcasting is an extremely highly effective medium by itself. It’s versatile, intimate, and allows you to join along with your viewers in a approach few different codecs can. And most significantly? It’s manageable.
Including video to your workflow isn’t nearly establishing a digital camera. It means investing in lighting, enhancing software program, file storage, and infrequently a completely new distribution technique. For some podcasters, that funding is sensible. However for a lot of, it’s a quick monitor to burnout.
Buzzsprout is deliberately targeted on making audio podcasting as highly effective and accessible as attainable. That’s why we don’t host video podcasts—as a result of most podcasters don’t want further complexity to achieve success. Loads of profitable podcasts are thriving with out ever hitting file on a digital camera!
What If You Need to Do Video?
Some podcasters love experimenting with video, and that’s nice too. Numerous podcasters are having success with quick clips or behind-the-scenes footage. You possibly can completely use video as a promotional software with out turning your entire podcast right into a video present!
However when you’re not fascinated by filming clips or sharing footage? That’s completely effective, too. You’re not lacking out. You’re truly making a strategic alternative to remain targeted on what works to your present!
You are Not Falling Behind
Video could be an effective way to broaden your podcast and take a look at one thing new, however it’s not a requirement for fulfillment. Audio-only podcasts proceed to thrive, and what issues most is creating content material you’re happy with. If video excites you, go for it—simply be certain it’s one thing you need to do, not one thing you are feeling such as you have to do.
