Podcasting has evolved way beyond just audio, more creators are turning to video to expand their reach, improve engagement, and maximise content distribution. Whether you’re recording solo, hosting guests remotely, or producing a multi-camera show, knowing how to record a podcast with video is essential. If you’re going to produce a video alongside your podcast, you need to make sure it’s as high quality as possible – keeping an air of professionalism is absolutely everything!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from equipment to software, including how to record a video podcast from two locations and how to record a video podcast on Mac.
Why record a video podcast?
Before diving into the technical aspects, let’s explore why video podcasts are worth the effort:
Increased engagement
Video podcasts capture visual cues, expressions, and interactions, making content more engaging. As much as we all love to listen to a podcast on the morning commute, it’s much easier to fully engage with an audience if video is part of it.
Expanded reach
YouTube and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok love video content, offering wider exposure. Even LinkedIn is getting in on the video action, meaning the ability to come across video content is easier than ever.
Repurposing opportunities
A single recording session can be turned into multiple content pieces, including full episodes, short clips, and Reels. As long as the editing is on point, you can chop and hack your full piece of video content into an entire content plan.
Let’s talk essential equipment for recording a video podcast
To record high-quality video and audio for your podcast, you’ll need the right gear. And by the right gear, we mean something that will show you in the best light to your audience. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, which is why companies like Open House Pictures can help with your video production should you not have the ability to go it alone.
1. Camera Setup
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera – Best for professional-quality video.
- Webcam – A really good option for beginners and remote recording. Webcams are capable of recording excellent quality video, but you might want to think about pairing this with a separate microphone to ensure smooth sound.
- Smartphone – Modern smartphones can capture high-quality 4K video. Just think how far this technology has come in the last decade.
2. Microphones
- USB Microphones – Easy to use, perfect for solo or remote setups and relatively inexpensive too.
- XLR Microphones – Higher-quality audio, best for professional studios – but they come with a higher price tag and don’t just plug straight into a computer.
- Lavalier Mics – Ideal for movement and interview-style video podcasts. These can pin to clothing meaning they’re perfect if you’re planning to be on-the-go while recording. They look great, but they’re not always the best quality.
3. Lighting
- Ring Light – Great for solo recordings. A ring light gives you a nice glow from the front, highlighting your features without causing glare on the background.
- Softbox or LED Panels – Provide professional lighting for multi-person podcasts. However, these can be quite expensive, so it’s important to understand what budget you have before going mad with the credit card.
How to record a video podcast
1. Choose your recording setup
There are multiple ways to record a podcast video, depending on your needs:
- Single Camera Setup – Best for solo creators.
- Multi-Camera Setup – Offers different angles and a dynamic look.
- Remote Recording – The best option for interviews with guests in different locations.
2. Select your recording software
The right software makes it easy to record video and audio for a podcast:
- For Mac Users:
- QuickTime (basic recording)
- Ecamm Live (for high-quality Mac recordings)
- Riverside.fm (for remote guests – and the software we use for Sound Media remote projects)
- For Windows & Mac Users:
- OBS Studio (free and open-source)
- Zencastr (remote audio and video)
- Riverside.fm (high-quality remote recording – again, it’s what we use and recommend)
- Zoom / Teams / Google Meet (easy to use and usually cost effective – but likely to have major issues with sound and visual quality compared to other options)
3. Record high-quality audio and video
- Use an external microphone instead of a built-in camera mic. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
- Record in a quiet, controlled environment. Background noise is one of the biggest killers of video and audio.
- Ensure proper lighting to avoid grainy video. Unless that’s the look you’re going for of course.
How to record a video podcast remotely
It’s not always possible to have every guest with you at the time of recording, and you also can’t guarantee the standard of equipment they’ll be working with their side. Recording a video podcast from two locations requires special software to sync high-quality video and audio. Follow these steps:
Choose remote podcast software
- Riverside.fm – Records in high quality for both guests and hosts.
- Zencastr – Records separate audio and video tracks.
- SquadCast – Syncs high-quality video for interviews.
If you don’t feel like using special software, you can have guests join through remote communication softwares like Microsoft Teams, Google Meets and Zoom – but just set the expectation that the quality may not be as good as it would be with specialist software.
Test your internet connection
- Ensure a stable, high-speed connection to prevent lag.
- Use an Ethernet cable for a more reliable connection.
Use quality microphones and cameras
- Both host and guest should use a good microphone and webcam.
- Set up proper lighting for better video quality.
Record Locally for Backup
- Ask all participants to record audio and video locally in case of internet issues. That’s the last thing you’ll want to happen after all the effort you’ve put in to setting everything up.
Editing and publishing your video podcast
So you’ve recorded hours of footage – where do you go from here? Well, it’s time to start editing down your content.
Editing your podcast video
Once you’ve recorded, you’ll need to edit your video podcast to ensure quality and engagement. Use:
- Final Cut Pro (Mac) – Best for professional video editing.
- Adobe Premiere Pro – Industry-standard editing software.
- DaVinci Resolve – A free, high-quality editing option.
- Descript – AI-powered editing that simplifies podcast production.
- A pro! – Another option of course is to use a professional editor.
Exporting and publishing your podcast
- Upload to YouTube – Optimise with titles, descriptions, and timestamps. Don’t just leave your video podcast bare – the YouTube algorithm will reward you if you take the time to properly upload your video and fill in as many details as possible.
- Distribute on Spotify & Apple Podcasts – Some platforms now support video – be sure to check out which ones work with your podcast theme.
- Repurpose Clips for Social Media – Create short clips for Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
Recording a podcast with video is an excellent way to enhance engagement, grow your audience, and repurpose content across multiple platforms.
Whether you’re recording on a Mac, from two locations, or looking for the best way to record video and audio for a podcast, the right tools and setup will make a huge difference, and you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic piece of content that can be used across lots of different social media platforms.