Is adding video to your podcast worth it?

Having the ability to hop in the car or turn on your speaker and listen to your podcast while accomplishing other tasks is one of the biggest draws towards podcasting. It is something that you do not have to sit down and give it your full attention, but are there benefits to adding video to your podcast?

Absolutely. If you’re anything like myself, I love to work and have background noise. Typically I will turn on a streaming service and put on a series. Now, I will admit that there are times when I get distracted and will end up watching a few minutes of the show - but in this case that is a benefit to you as the show host. You want your viewers/listeners to be distracted by your content. One of the biggest added benefits to adding video to your show is to repurpose it and use it for marketing purposes.

Anyone that uses Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok has most likely seen a 30 second clip of an interview on a podcast. This is a great tactic to use as long as you have 30 seconds of quality video content that will “hook” people in and draw them to your show. No, I am not saying that when you post a 30 second clip on social media it is instantly going to blow up. I am saying that by making this 30 second or even 60 second clip - it gives you versatility and helps you simplify your marketing strategy.

How does a simple media clip give you versatility and help you simplify your marketing strategy? When you as the podcast host are starting out, you most likely don’t have a team of individuals assisting you in this endeavor. Trust me, I was where you are and the majority of podcasters are. The biggest factor that comes into play when you are managing your own podcast is time. This 30 to 60 second video clip is an easy thing to obtain because you have already recorded it. The hard part is now over and you just have to find that one or two pieces that you want to be out on social media. On top of using video for your social media marketing endeavors - this allows you and your guest to become more personable to your viewers.

One of the most important goals of a podcast is to connect with viewers. When you connect with those viewers - they are most likely to come back and become a “die hard fan”. With the video option, it gives viewers the ability to see both you and your guest’s facial and body language. Reactions can always be heard, but they can also be seen. If you as the interviewer are emotionally invested into your guest’s story - we want your viewers to be able to see that! If they see that, then odds are they may be feeling the same thing as you are.

Overall, adding video may seem like another added stress and may put you over the edge of your work load. But this may be something that is worth the sacrifice short term to benefit yourself long term. If you look at any of the larger named podcasts - they all have video clips or even their full episodes are uploaded for video for a reason. This is your sign to take the leap and add video to your podcast.