Vodcasts: Understanding the basics of video podcasting

You might already be running a successful podcast or you might be thinking of venturing into the world of podcasts for the first time. During your research you might have come across something called a vodcast (also known as a videcast, video podcast or videocast). So what is a vodcast and how is it different from a podcast?

What is a vodcast?

A vodcast is basically a podcast which is presented as a video. So instead of just capturing audio during a podcast recording session, you’re also filming video of your host and guests having their discussion or interview, for example. 

Vodcasts aren’t limited to just interview podcasts, they can be used for many different podcast formats.

A vodcast provides another way for audiences to engage with your content, with many platforms like Spotify allowing listeners to switch between listening to the audio (podcast) and video (vodcast).

You can record a vodcast both in person, using cameras in a studio or a recording space and virtually over a video call.

How is a vodcast different from a podcast?

There isn’t really much difference between a podcast and vodcast, apart from the fact that a vodcast gives your audience the option to watch a video instead of only listening to the audio you have recorded.

Podcasts have become hugely popular because of their convenience. You can listen to episodes on the go, at work or at home, whilst doing something else.

Vodcasts on the other hand offer your audience the opportunity to watch your interview or discussion. They might do this on their TV, on their laptop or on their phone when on the go.

What are the benefits of a vodcast?

Vodcasts can have the added benefit of providing another way for your audience to engage with your content, watching clips on social media or the full episode on podcasting platforms.

You can use the footage you capture for promotional purposes, cutting short clips together to share on social media and digital channels. This can often be more engaging and better capture the attention of your target audience.

How do you make a vodcast?

Whilst you might be able to record an audio podcast quite easily with limited equipment, a vodcast has a few more barriers to entry because of the video element. 

The first step is working out your idea for your vodcast. What are you going to offer audiences that they can’t get already elsewhere? Are you going to interview people who haven’t been given a platform before? Are you going to focus on a topic that few others are talking about?

Vodcasts best suit interview or panel discussion formats, so take your pick and decide who is best placed to host. 

With your idea and format decided, you’ll need to get things ready for recording your vodcast. If you’re going to record virtually over a video call then maybe think about purchasing USB microphones to enhance the audio quality and higher resolution webcams for filming.

If you plan to record in person then you’ll need to find a suitable space for filming your vodcast. This will need to have enough space for all your equipment (including microphones, a recording device or sound desk, and at least one camera) and for your host and guests to sit comfortably.

The location will also ideally need to provide a visually appealing background. A plain white wall for example is probably best avoided if possible.

Make sure you allow time to rehearse your vodcast before hitting record. With the addition of cameras you’ll want to make sure that everything sounds and looks great.

Can all podcasts be turned into vodcasts?

In theory, yes. But some podcasts might be better suited to being filmed than others. 

Podcasts which are based around an interview or discussion format will be best placed for adding a video element. So this could include a podcast where a host interviews a different guest each week or a roundtable of co-hosts discussing topics. 

If the podcast is recorded virtually, then filming each participant using their webcam is an easy extra step to add. 

If you record in person however, then adding multiple cameras could be more complicated. You’ll want to make sure that you’re filming your vodcast in a visually appealing location, rather than the broom cupboard you might have been using when it was audio only.

Some podcast formats aren’t as well suited to making the switch to vodcast particularly if they are not recorded in one location. An example could be a documentary podcast where the host travels to many different locations in one episode to interview a variety of voices. 

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We’re Sheeran Media

You might have reached the end of this article and thought that you’d like some help from the professionals to create your vodcast. 

We’re Sheeran Media. An all in one content creation company with expertise in video, podcasts, animation and social media graphic design. If you have a project you need support with, then get in touch. We’d love to help!