11 Audio vs Video Podcasts: Production Complexity

In this Geelong Podcasters episode, we dive into the complexities of producing audio versus video podcasts.


Topics Discussed This Episode:

0:00 - Intro to production complexity for audio vs. video podcasts.

2:01 - Pros of audio podcasts: simplicity, affordability, and ease of use for solo creators.

4:01 - Pros and cons of video podcasts: enhanced visual engagement, higher costs, and greater technical demands.

This episode of Geelong Podcasters explores the pros and cons of producing audio-only versus video podcasts, helping creators decide which format best suits their goals. Join us for insights on production simplicity, costs, and how each format connects with audiences.

The production differences between audio and video podcasts are as follows: Audio podcasts offer ease, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness, which is why many creators find them ideal for starting out. Their lower production demands make them accessible for solo creators or those on tight budgets, offering listeners flexibility for passive listening. In contrast, video podcasts require a more substantial investment in equipment and time, but they offer a more engaging visual experience and are ideal for brand building, especially for creators looking to connect visually with their audience.

For podcast creators trying to choose between formats, the episode emphasises that the best choice often depends on resources, audience goals, and the level of engagement you’re aiming to create. If you’re ready to experiment with video or start with audio and transition to video later, tune in to discover the approach that fits your needs! Catch the next episode for insights on monetising your podcast!

  • 0:00

    We've talked audience, engagement and reach when it comes to audio and video podcasts, but now it's time for production complexity. Welcome to Geelong podcasters, your weekly podcast for tips and tricks to grow your audience. We are a group of passionate podcasters located in Geelong and the bellerine in Victoria, Australia. If you're down our way at the end of the month, why not come to one of our free monthly meet up events and also find the booking links and more in the show notes. This is part two of a three part series regarding audio and video podcasts. So if you haven't heard the first one, jump back in line and you'll learn about engagement and reach Well, today we're going to discuss production complexity audio podcasts focus solely on sound, while video has to add a both visual element and also keeping engagement to both the visual and auditory aspect, as you can probably imagine with production complexity audio podcasts, the reason there has been a very in a Very large influx of audio podcasts as of late, when I say as of late, within the past 10 years, is because it only requires the recording of sound. It has basic editing and you can use pretty basic software to edit audio because you're only thinking of one factor. And the audio hosting services are usually quite cheap to upkeep, or, in some instances, free, depending on the type of platform that you're using. And all in all, that is easier to produce, create and maintain for solo creators, or those of us who are on a budget. And as you can imagine, as I said, it is simpler setup. It is lower barrier to entry, which means a lot of people can do it. Not a lot of people can maintain it, but a lot of people can definitely start and there is a quicker production turnaround time, because you're not thinking of so many different elements that includes both a visual and an auditory aspect. The cons of this, as you can probably imagine, is that it's not as dynamic as video or engaging when it comes to being used on social media, that's where most of us actually see these little snippets from our podcast. Is usually the video aspect of it, and it is also harder to show personality and demonstrate products and services visually in an auditory medium, as you can probably imagine. Now, moving on to video podcasts. Now with video there is a camera involved, because you need to capture the visual aspect as well as there being a camera involved, you need to think about the lighting and also the sound as well, because we're in a podcast situation, in turn, then me, this means there is more complex editing tools, because you had now have to think about that visual element as well as that auditory element. And creators need to think about the visual audience as well as the auditory one. Now that you're straddling both, as I'd like to say, the reason for this is because when you communicate or when you present as a host on a podcast, or when you are interviewing or talking with someone else, yes, that requires a bit more complexity, because now you both have to get in the same shot. Or if you want to add another layer of complexity, multiple different cameras and multiple different shots, this also requires that you have to speak in a certain way. When you are on an audio only medium, you can focus on describing things using words and storytelling and bringing people along on an auditory adventure. When you're thinking of visual you need to think about both your audience who can be watching, but also your audience who can be listening as well. So making sure that when you hold something up to the camera to show the camera, you mention this to the audio and listeners, or you provide both context when you're providing something that is a only visual element, making sure that you prompt people to watch you on YouTube or watch you on the website, whatever you need to do, just making sure that you've got both of those elements when you have a video podcast. The pros of a video podcast, when it comes to production, complexity is a higher production value. It looks schmick. You have a more immersive audience experience, as you can probably imagine, because they can both see and hear you, and you have a bit a better opportunity of building better personal brands and visually connecting those two elements, especially if you are a small business owner, or you are building a personal brand. These things are very crucial. The cons of this, as you can probably imagine, the higher cost of equipment, because you are thinking now not just a microphone and possibly some soft furnishings. You're now thinking of lights, cameras, sounds, possibly different other ways of your background. You're thinking of other elements, not just the ones that are right in front of you, like a microphone. Also, there's a higher, higher cost of time, as you can probably imagine, because you have so much more work to do and requires more technical skills. Now I don't I'm not saying these cons to throw you off. I'm saying that if you are prepared to do something like this, with the strength and challenge. Challenges that that has, maybe a video podcast is the right thing for you, and if not, you can always start with an audio podcast and move to a video podcast when you've got a bigger audience, maybe you've got some money or some sponsor money to throw around, whatever works best for you. The next podcast in our series will be the monetization opportunities. Don't miss out. This podcast is sponsored by me, Zoe video confidence coach, connecting the dots of your personal brand with the power of video. See more in the show notes. Speaking of show notes, see all the show notes, including links upcoming events and details for this episode and many more in the episode description. Or just go to vcc, dot training slash Geelong dash podcasters, make sure you tune in for next week.

    5:46

    You.

The above episode description and transcript were generated with ai.



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Who are Geelong Podcasters?

Geelong Podcasters are a lively group of both professional and hobby podcasters based in Geelong and the Bellarine in Victoria, Australia. We release a weekly bite-sized podcast every Friday, exploring the wonderful world of podcasting, and host in-person catch-up events in the Geelong CBD on the fourth Friday of each month. Committed to community support, we regularly donate to local charities and use our podcasting efforts to make a positive impact.


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Zoë Wood, your Video Confidence Coach connects the dots between personal branding and video marketing. Helping women and non-binary folk in small business, find their way in the world of marketing their passion without the energy drain.

Find out more about how to grow your personal brand with the power of video right here on vcc.training


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12 Audio vs Video Podcasts: Monetization Opportunities

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10 Audio vs Video Podcasts: Audience Engagement & Reach