If you have no idea how to start a video podcast and what video podcast equipment is ideal, you will have to start from the basics.
If you haven’t already done so, read the Ultimate Guide to Creating Video Podcasts first.
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Camera – essential item for your video podcast equipment!
Not to mention, a good quality camera is a first and most important thing that you will need for a podcast. If you compromise on the video quality, you will be signing on to drop the number of your audience.
If you’re doing more video content marketing, then investing in a decent camera con be worthwhile.
Display and graphics play a crucial role in gaining and retaining an audience. Therefore, if these are neat, clear, and comforting to the eyes, people will continue to watch and listen to you.
Important: You can also set more than one camera if you want to take shots from different angles to make the podcast more dynamic.
You can use different forms of cameras, including:
- The built-in camera of mobile phones
- A webcam of your computer
- An external webcam
- DSLRs
Note: As some DSLR models can’t record for a longer time, you would need a camcorder that will.
Top Picks for DSLR category: Sony Alpha A6500, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.
Microphone
As much as people are concerned about video quality, audio quality is (jas if not more!) crucial as well. People who are relatively new at podcasting might think that their laptop or camera mic will work. But, usually, it doesn’t.
If you were to spend a bit of money, then I’d really start hire with the microphone. Your video podcast equipment should not be complete without one!
Ideally you should purchase an external microphone for audio or video podcasts. Especially if you have more than one host or guest, make sure that everyone has his own microphone. Considering that, you will have to invest wisely in equipment for video podcasting.
You can opt for any one of these microphones, depending on your convenience:
- USB microphone
- XLR microphone
USB Microphone
If you are a fan of ‘plug and play, a USB microphone will be the best choice. It can easily plug into Windows and Mac computers.
Likes:
- USB microphones are easy to use
- USB microphones are way cheaper than XLRs.
Dislikes:
- The audio quality will not be as good.
XLR Microphone
In comparison to a USB microphone, XLR is an analogue mic connected to a recording device.
Likes:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Easily customizable according to the needs of the user
Dislikes:
- A bit on the pricey side
Top Picks: Audio Technica ART 2100, Shure SM7B.
Tripod
If you plan to shoot directly from your podcasting studio setup, all you have to look at in a tripod is that it must support your camera and the attainable height. Other than these, there is no need to spend a good deal of money on it.
Benefits:
- A tripod will help you to capture a longer exposure
- It minimizes the possibility of movements
- A clearer view as it captures more light
Audio Mixer
If you are working with another host, you will need a good-quality audio mixer to mix up the voices without overlapping others and compile them in a single audio file.
For this purpose, you can even go for the music production program, which lets you simulate mixing individually recorded audios after you are done with the recording part. And you can also download effortlessly on your system.
Top Picks: Mackie ProFXv2 Series, Yamaha MG10.
Computer
Once you are done recording the podcast, the next piece of equipment you will need to work on that video is your computer. And the computer does most of the crucial parts, from importing the files to editing audio and visuals from the podcast and then uploading it on the pages and channels; all such things are done on the computer. And for this purpose, your computer should be suitable for running all these functions and having relevant software.
Top Pick: Apple MacBook Pro, HP Pavilion All-in-one
Internet Connection
The internet connection you are working on should be stable so that the video won’t take a long time to process. And once it’s all done, you can upload it on your YouTube channel, Facebook, or anywhere.
A solid internet connection is necessary if you want to record online interviews.
Video podcast software
Last but definitely the most important one among this list of equipment for video podcasts is the video podcasting software. You would definitely have to choose wisely to get the best software for a video podcast.
A video podcasting software, record your podcast with balanced audio and visuals, and you can edit it directly into the software. This software also allows you to record your podcast directly into it without transferring the audio and video afterward. And if you are using Imvidu, it will be even easier for you to edit it from the transcript, and you will automatically get the podcast’s subtitles.
In the market of video podcast editing software, Imvidu is popularly known for its extensive features.
Top Pick: Imvidu
What is ImVidu?
Transcript-based video editor Imvidu provides video editing services. This means that first, your video will be transcribed. Then, the transcript’s text can be used to do the editing. After your transcript for the video is generated, your video will have subtitles automatically added. You can even edit the text if you want.
If you want to edit the video, in Imvidu you can do that by editing the transcript. Just eliminate what you think is not needed or has some flaw, it will be edited in the video as well.
In contrast, when you use local software for editing purposes, it gets incredibly hectic and takes a lot of time because you have to keep the subtitles and the audio in sync.
Whether you want to edit your video podcasts, Interviews, Facebook, and other social media Live streams, presentations, or vlogs, Imvidu does the job for you. When you use this software for editing your important videos, it saves a lot of your time and comes easy.
Benefits of Imvidu:
With the use of ImVidu, you can:
- Edit the videos with text as if you are editing them on Word
- Subtitle generator for your podcasts
- Auto-transcribe your podcast
Audio VS Video Podcast equipment
Audio VS Video Podcasts
Both audio and video podcasts carry their own importance. However, here is a quick comparison between both:
- Audio podcasts can be heard, anywhere, anytime. Whereas that is not the case with video podcasts.
- Video podcasts are more lively and social than audio podcasts
- We can upload audio podcasts on various platforms, whereas; video podcasts are uploaded on YouTube mainly.
- Audio podcasts need less equipment than video podcasts.
Audio vs Video Podcast equipment
Audio podcasts are usually considered low maintenance than video podcasts. Don’t be fooled though, creating a high quality podcast takes just as much time as far as production and post-production goes.
| Equipment | Audio Podcasts | Video Podcasts |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | Yes |
| Audio Interface | Yes | No |
| Tripod | No | Yes |
| Mic Stand | Yes | No |
| Headphones | Yes | Yes |
| Video Editing Software | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best topics to make video podcasts?
Some of the ‘all-time-favourite’ niches for video podcasts are:
- Technology
- Sports
- News
- Health and Fitness
- Motivational
- Personal Finance
- Music
- Animals
If you’re doing vlogging in parallel, then here are some amazing ideas for vlogs also.
Tips to select the podcast topics:
- Always go for the topics that you are passionate about.
- If needed, update your podcast topics as well. Once you run out of sufficient data, switch it rather than repeating the same thing over and over again.
- Select the topics that are more likely to gain a good audience.
- How to make a video podcast?
If you are a beginner, you will have to take the following steps in order to make a successful video podcast:
- Start with deciding a niche for your podcast. Without direction, it might get hard for you to organize the ideas.
- Analyze and study different podcasts on a similar niche to collect data.
- Write a script for your podcast. You can either write the whole thing or just make a pointer for your video.
- Record the video
- Edit your video podcast. Do not skip on this step. You can use different video podcast editing software.
- Publish your video and promote it on social media platforms.
Read the Ultimate Guide to Making Money from Podcasts to understand what works well and what doesn’t.