Former US First Lady Michelle Obama, actress Kate Hudson, supermodel Ashley Graham, and comedian Dax Shepard all have something in common: podcasts. Welcome to the world of video podcasts, where celebrities, influencers, and content creators are fully embracing this trend! Video podcasts have changed digital content, offering engaging experiences that let hosts connect authentically with audiences by showing emotions and personalities. While there are about 420 million podcast listeners worldwide, compared to YouTube’s 2.1 billion users, the difference in consumption is huge, creating a big opportunity to reach more people. This is because visual content has a big impact on the viewers—It is reported that about 30% of the brain is dedicated to processing visuals.
As podcasting grows, experts predict that video will become the default format for company podcasts in the next decade.
Considering starting your own video podcast? This article can guide you with essential knowledge, focusing on equipment for pre-production and post-production.
Pre-production
First things first.To start your podcast, you first need an idea! While it may seem simple, having a concept is the primary requirement for a podcast. Define the concept and theme of your video podcast by considering your target audience, the topics you want to cover, and the overall tone and style you wish to convey. Your podcast could be about anything—from casual chit-chat to interviews with guests, or even discussions about topics you care deeply about, such as environmental issues, mental health, life coaching, social commentary, or satire. The possibilities are endless. TO getthe right intro and outro music, you can explore Beatoven.ai that can generate original royalty free music.
Once you are decided with the theme, you need a little equipment for recording the podcast episodes.
Camera
Modern smartphones provide high-quality video recording capabilities, rendering them suitable for beginner podcasters on a budget. With the addition of accessories like external microphones and tripods, smartphones can produce professional-looking video content. As a budget-friendly option for new podcasters, consider the GoPro Hero 8 Black, Logitech C920 HD Pro Webcam, Canon EOS M50, Sony Alpha a6000, or Panasonic Lumix G7.
Microphones
Quality audio stands crucial for a successful podcast, whether it’s audio-only or includes video. Consider utilizing external microphones to capture clear, professional sound. Options include dynamic microphones, condenser microphones, shotgun microphones, or lavalier microphones. Choose the microphone type that aligns best with your recording environment and budget.
For beginners, here are three microphone suggestions: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB, Blue Snowball Ice, and Fifine K669B USB Microphone. If you have a slightly higher budget, consider options like Blue Yeti, Shure SM7B, or Rode PodMic.
Tripods or Mounts
Sturdy tripods or mounts are essential to keep your camera stable during recording. This helps prevent shaky footage and ensures a professional-looking final product. Look for tripods with adjustable height and stability features.AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod And UBeesize Selfie Stick Tripod.
Lighting Equipment
Proper lighting is essential for achieving a visually appealing video podcast. For beginners on a budget, consider the Neewer 660 LED Video Light Kit. This kit includes two dimmable LED panel lights with adjustable color temperature and brightness settings, providing soft, diffused lighting ideal for small to medium-sized setups. Another good alternative is the Fovitec StudioPRO Softbox Lighting Kit. Additionally, the Emart 60 LED Continuous Portable Photography Lighting Kit offers a portable solution with two LED lights featuring adjustable brightness levels suitable for smaller recording spaces or on-the-go podcasters.
Backdrop or Set Design:
Consider creating a dedicated backdrop or set design to enhance the visual. Using green screens is the best way to start for beginners.
Post production
Setting up a post-production workflow for a video podcast requires the right equipment for high-quality audio and video production. With the proper gear, you can streamline your process and create engaging podcasts. Here’s what you need:
Computer with high-resolution monitor
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Series is a budget-friendly option for beginners.Acer Aspire 5,HP Pavilion Desktop Or Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5: This 2-in-1 laptop are budget-friendly options for beginners in editing. I am keeping Apple MacBook Air away from the list due to its high price range despite it offering a high-resolution Retina display and sufficient processing power for light video editing tasks. Consider refurbished or older models for better affordability.
Video Editing Software
Invest in professional-grade video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. These tools offer advanced features for editing, color correction, and audio mixing.
Audio Interface
A high-quality audio interface allows you to connect microphones and other audio equipment to your computer. Focusrite Scarlett and PreSonus AudioBox are popular options known for their reliability and sound quality.
External Hard Drive
Video files can quickly consume storage space on your computer. An external hard drive with ample storage capacity is essential for storing and backing up your video podcast files.
Some of the notable video podcasts that one must check out
Here are a few of my favorite video podcasts recommendations. You can use it as a reference for your podcast. These podcasts have garnered widespread acclaim and large audiences globally, reflecting the diverse interests and tastes of listeners across different cultures and regions.
The Joe Rogan Experience: Hosted by Joe Rogan, this long-form podcast features a wide range of guests discussing topics like comedy, science, health, politics, and more.
Lewis Howes Podcast: Lewis Howes is a New York Times best-selling author, American athlete, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. His podcast shares inspiring interviews from the most successful people on the planet—world-renowned leaders in business, entertainment, sports, science, health, and literature.. According to his bio, his podcasts are created to “inspire you to unlock your inner greatness and live your best life.”
Jay Shetty Podcast: Jay Shetty is a British podcaster, author, and life coach. Shetty hosts the podcast that lasts for over 60 minutes. He chats with his guests on life and learnings from life. He has interviewed experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes
UNFILTERED by Samdish: One of the popular Indian podcasts which is worth mentioning is Unfiltered by Samdish. His interviews are quite literally ” unfiltered” at their core. Samdish, a journalist turned content creator, tries to explore the democratic fabric of India by interviewing various politicians, celebrities, gatecrashing election rallies, and reporting from the ground.
The Tim Ferriss Show: Hosted by author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss, this podcast features interviews with high achievers from various fields, discussing their routines, habits, and insights.Tim Ferriss has been listed as one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People” and one of Fortune’s “40 under 40.” His business/interview podcast has now exceeded 900 million downloads.
Armchair Expert: Hosted by actor Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, this podcast features candid conversations with celebrities, experts, and thought leaders about life, relationships, and personal growth.
Pro tips for beginners
For new podcasters looking for advice, it’s important to know that patience is really important for your podcast to grow. Understand that how many people listen to your podcast can change over time. Keep putting out episodes regularly to keep your audience interested. Also, make sure your content is good, offering something valuable or entertaining to your listeners. Overall, stick with it, make good stuff, and let your podcast grow naturally.
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