Video vs Audio Podcasting: Which is Better?

Podcasting comes in two main formats: audio-only and video. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, audience, and budget. Let’s take a look at each format and help you decide which is a better fit.

• Audio Podcasts:
  • Cost: ~$100 for basic setup (microphone, headphones).
  • Best For: Multitasking listeners (commuters, drivers).
  • Strengths: Personal connection, lower production cost, shorter editing commitment.
  • Platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
• Video Podcasts:
  • Cost: $500–$2,000+ for cameras, lighting, and editing tools.
  • Best For: Visual learners, engaging content (tutorials, product demos).
  • Strengths: High engagement, discoverability on YouTube, visual storytelling.
  • Platforms: YouTube, social media.

Quick Comparison Table

Factor	Audio Podcast	Video Podcast
Cost	~$100–$200	$500–$2,000+
Audience	Multitaskers	Visual learners
Editing Time	2–4 hours	4–8 hours
Platforms	Spotify, Apple	YouTube, social
Best For	Conversations	Tutorials, demos

Key Insight: Audio podcasts are simpler and less expensive, while video podcasts offer better visibility and engagement. Pick the format that aligns with your audience and resources.

Audio vs Video Podcasting: Which One Should You Be Doing?

Production Requirements and Time Investment

When deciding between audio and video podcasting, understanding the production needs is crucial. This section breaks down the equipment, workflow, and resources required for each format.

Audio Podcast Basics

Creating an audio podcast is relatively straightforward, with a focus on sound quality. A simple setup might include:

• USB microphone: $50
• Studio headphones: $30–$40
• Boom arm: $25

If you’re looking for a more advanced setup, consider XLR microphones ($50–$400) paired with audio interfaces ($85–$700). For example, the Audio Technica ATR2100x-USB ($70) is great for beginners, while the Shure MV7 ($280) is a top choice for experienced podcasters. Check out our 4 Essential Podcast Equipment Pieces for Professional Podcast Audio.

Video Podcast Basics

Video podcasting requires all the audio essentials plus equipment for visuals. Here’s a quick comparison of basic and professional setups:

Equipment Type	Basic Setup	Professional Setup
Camera	Smartphone/Webcam	DSLR/Mirrorless
Lighting	Ring Light	Softbox/LED Panel Set
Microphone	USB Mic	Wireless Lavalier/XLR
Support	Basic Tripod ($25)	Pro Tripod ($70+)

For portability, a combo like the DJI Mic Mini wireless set ($170) and the ATUMTEK selfie stick tripod ($20-$30) works well.

Overall Investment

The costs and time commitment differ significantly between audio and video podcasting:

Format	Basic Setup Cost	Editing Time (45-min Episode)	Technical Expertise
Audio	$100–$200	2–4 hours	Basic–Moderate
Video	$500–$2,000	4–8 hours	Advanced

Video podcasts take more time due to tasks like syncing camera angles, adding captions or visual elements, creating thumbnails, creating social media posts, and uploading. The right format for you will depend on your budget, time, and technical skills.

Audience Connection Methods

When deciding on audio vs video podcasting, it’s important to think about how each format connects with its audience.

Audio Listener Experience

Audio podcasts offer a personal and flexible way to engage listeners. They fit seamlessly into daily routines, allowing people to listen while commuting, exercising, or working. This hands-free, distraction-free format encourages a stronger mental connection with both the content and the host. Without visuals, listeners can focus entirely on the message, often leading to deeper engagement and understanding.

Video Viewer Experience

Video podcasts bring a different kind of connection by adding a visual layer. Seeing hosts’ facial expressions and body language makes the experience more relatable and engaging. Visual elements also help explain complex ideas, showcase products, or build emotional connections. This format creates a more interactive and immersive experience for viewers.

Engagement Element	Audio Impact	Video Impact
Personal Connection	Builds intimacy through sound	Creates face-to-face familiarity
Content Absorption	Encourages deep focus on the message	Adds visual cues for clarity
Interaction Options	Limited to comments	Offers live chat, polls, and Q&A
Content Sharing	Shareable audio clips	Shareable video clips and screenshots
Platform Reach	Primarily apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify	Primarily apps like YouTube and Spotify

Video podcasts are more effective for showcasing products, explaining concepts visually, and fostering real-time interaction, while audio podcasts are more effective at reaching audiences who aren’t able to devote their full attention to watching a video.

Engagement Metrics

Beyond how they feel to audiences, the numbers tell an interesting story about the performance of each format. Research shows that 64% of podcast listeners prefer YouTube for their podcast consumption, pointing to a growing appetite for video content ^[7]. Video also tends to be shared more often, with a share rate that’s double that of audio-only content ^[9].

Here’s a quick look at key metrics for each format:

Metric Type	Audio Performance	Video Performance
Platform Growth	Consistent listener base	48% discovery rate on YouTube
Content Sharing	Standard rates	Twice the share rate
Marketing Impact	Steady growth	83% lead generation success
ROI	Reliable returns	89% report positive ROI

“Having a video strategy is really important. You can’t just record in a cupboard anymore.” – Dinos Sofos, former Head of Podcasts at the BBC and founder of Persephonica

While video podcasts often generate higher initial engagement, audio podcasts continue to attract loyal, dedicated audiences. Both formats serve unique purposes and can be powerful tools when used strategically. If you’re already doing a video podcast, we recommend also creating an audio-only version as the time and cost investment in adding it is relatively minimal.

Growth and Income Options

When deciding between audio and video podcasting, it’s essential to consider how each format aligns with your financial goals. Both offer unique ways to generate income, but their approaches differ significantly.

Audio Platform Benefits

Audio podcasts benefit from established platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, which provide wide reach and proven monetization models. The audio podcast market is growing fast, with advertising revenue expected to surpass $2.6 billion by 2026 ^[9]. For newcomers, ad slots can start at $50 each, while top podcasters can earn up to $180 for a 30-second ad ^[10]. While audio podcasts are lucrative, video podcasts provide even more diverse income opportunities.

Video Platform Advantages

Video podcasts require a larger production investment but open the door to additional revenue streams. Besides traditional ads, video content allows for visual sponsorships and can improve search engine visibility. A study found that 48% of podcast listeners discover new shows on YouTube, and 64% believe YouTube offers a better podcast experience. Platforms like Spotify have also embraced video podcasting, with video uploads increasing by nearly 70%. Additionally, 71% of monetized brand podcasts use YouTube ads to maximize earnings ^[13][12].

Revenue Comparison

The earning potential of each format highlights their differences. For example, The Joe Rogan Experience, which combines audio and video, reportedly makes around $30 million annually, with 190 million monthly downloads. On the other hand, audio-focused shows like My Favorite Murder generate approximately $15 million per year through ads, live events, and merchandise ^[11]. Interestingly, 69% of podcasters achieve consistent monetization after two years of regular content production ^[10]. While both formats can be highly profitable, video podcasting often stands out for its ability to leverage visual content and platform-specific tools for more varied revenue streams.

Conclusion: Making Your Format Choice

Main Points Review

Choosing between audio and video podcasts comes down to your goals and resources. Video podcasts bring visual appeal and better visibility on platforms like YouTube, while audio podcasts are easier on the budget and offer more flexibility for listeners. The cost difference is clear – video requires cameras, lighting, and editing software, while audio needs only basic recording equipment.

Next Steps Guide

Your decision should align with your content goals and available resources. Video podcasts are great for leveraging YouTube’s SEO benefits and delivering visual content. On the other hand, audio podcasts are ideal if you’re looking for a simpler, more affordable option.

Decision Checklist

Use this checklist to finalize your choice:

• Budget Check: Audio podcasting is easier on your wallet.
• Time Commitment: Video podcasting takes more time to produce and edit.
• Content Style: Audio works well for interviews and storytelling, while video shines for tutorials and other visual formats.
• Audience Preferences: Think about how your audience prefers to consume content – on the go or visually engaged.

Whether you choose audio or video, consistency and connecting with your audience are key. Both formats offer strong earning potential, with nearly half of podcast listeners making purchases based on ads ^[1].

The benefits of podcasting are vast whether you choose audio or video as your format. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Pro Podcast Solutions can help you choose the right podcast equipment, edit your podcast, and more!

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