Before exploring the idea of why you should use video during podcast interviews, let’s be clear on what we’re discussing. This isn’t a post about recording a video to post on YouTube. It’s about the benefits of SEEING your podcast guest or co-host during an online interview, even if the final product is only going to be distributed as an audio podcast.

 

Why Use Video When Recording Your Podcast?

Recording your podcast remotely is a great way to cast a wide net in terms of co-hosts or podcast guests. You can connect with virtually anybody, anywhere.

Although nothing quite beats the natural feel and conversational rhythm of being in the same room, online recording has come a long way in recent years.

With podcasts traditionally being an audio medium, recording remotely has traditionally followed that same path of connecting two people via audio only. However, there are benefits to using a video connection as well. Even though the video may not need to be saved or recorded, having the ability to see each other allows for a more authentic conversation.

Two of the best ways of doing this are Zoom and Squadcast.

 

Zoom

The advantage of using Zoom to record your podcast is that it is foolproof. Your guest doesn’t even need an account. A bonus is that most people are familiar with Zoom and already have the software installed.

In terms of audio, you need to remember to record separate audio tracks for each participant in the settings. In technical terms, the audio quality isn’t quite as good as Squadcast by default, but there are ways to tweak this. For a platform that’s low-cost and super simple to use, it’s a great choice. Zoom will allow you to see each other during the recording and now has the capability of capturing fairly good audio if configured properly.

 

Squadcast

Squadcast is a dedicated podcast recording platform. This means it’s optimized for capturing great podcast audio. Squadcast understands the importance of seeing each other while recording, which is why they offer a video feed which can be used either to just see each other, or capture the video recording as well.

Squadcast has excellent sound quality, which is a vital part of recording a podcast. Another similar service is Riverside.fm.

An additional advantage of Squadcast is the progressive upload function, which means that if your connection drops, your audio is automatically saved in the cloud.

 

How Does Video Help Me as a Podcast Host?

Podcasting allows you to have a conversation about your passion with thousands of like-minded people. Your audience subscribes to your show because they like how you talk about your topic, and it is a massive part of why your audience feels that they know, like, and trust you.

It is much easier to harness that authenticity if you have conversational chemistry with your guests. You can take advantage of being able to see someone’s face and respond to their non-verbal cues such as nodding. It’s much easier to see how your guest is responding to your questions or prompts if you can look them in the eye. The conversation is also more likely to flow genuinely. There should be less overtalking or lengthy pauses when someone is wondering whether it’s their turn to talk.

Of course, you can improve issues like pauses or speaking at the same time when you edit your podcast. However, it’s so much more relaxing for you and your listeners if they feel as if they are hearing a genuine back and forth conversation between two people who have rapport.

As well with the video recorded you may choose to upload it in full to a video platform like YouTube, or even just use it to create clips for social media promotion.

 

How Will Video Recording Help My Guests?

Is your guest a first-timer? It will be so much easier for them if you video chat for a few moments before you hit record. Not only does it help you get the tech issues such as volume sorted out, but it also gives you both the chance to feel comfortable with each other. Your listeners will undoubtedly be able to hear this when the show airs.

 

Note that having video enabled during the interview will use a little extra bandwidth. This typically isn’t a problem with most internet connections today. However, if you or your guest has flaky WiFi that can’t seem to keep up and is having dropouts, you might choose to disable the video so that audio is prioritized.

 

Love podcasting but find it takes too much time from your busy schedule? Focus on creating great content and let East Coast Studio handle the rest. We’re full podcast production service based in Canada. Schedule a call with us today!

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