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One of the most common questions I get as a podcast producer is: Should my podcast have video? I wish there were an easy answer, but even I wrestle with the pros and cons of adding video to my own podcasts.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but by the end of this post, you’ll have the tools to make an informed decision about whether video is right for your podcast.

The Most Important Thing: Master Audio First

Before we even get into video, let me be clear: you have no business trying to make a video podcast if you haven’t mastered audio first.

Most people will listen to your podcast rather than watch it. Whether that’s on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or even YouTube playing in the background—audio quality is everything. If your podcast sounds bad, people won’t stick around, no matter how great your video looks.

Some podcasters tell me, “Morgan, I’m working with a studio, so I don’t have to worry about audio.” That’s great—if you have the budget. A high-quality, turnkey audio and video production setup can cost anywhere from $5,000–$15,000 per month. I’ve seen full-service podcast production quotes over $10,000 a month, and that’s because video requires serious work and multiple professionals to make it shine.

So before you even consider video, ask yourself: Is my audio setup as good as it can be?

Why You Might Want a Video Podcast

Let’s talk about the benefits of video. And when I say video, I mean everything from recording on your laptop to a full production setup.

1. Video Helps You Grow Your Audience

If you’re actively trying to grow your audience, video can help. Clips of you and your guests are more engaging than audio alone. They perform better on social media and give potential listeners a reason to check out your show.

For example, let’s say you’re an interior designer launching a podcast. If you’ve been in business for 40 years and already have a following, video isn’t as critical. But if you’re new and trying to make a name for yourself, you need face and name recognition. Video helps people connect with you faster.

2. You’ll Have More Content to Repurpose

One of the biggest advantages of video is the sheer amount of content you can create from a single episode.

With video, you can:

• Publish your full episode on YouTube
• Create short clips for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts
• Upload highlights to LinkedIn and Substack
• Embed video in blog posts or newsletters

You can repurpose a single video podcast episode into 10+ pieces of content. That’s a dream for content marketing.

3. You’ll Get Better at Speaking on Camera

In 2025, if you want to be a brand or industry leader, you need to be comfortable on video. Podcasting with video is a great way to sharpen those skills.

Who Absolutely Needs Video?

While video isn’t for everyone, there are a few types of podcasts where I’d say video is a must.

1. If You’re Interviewing Recognizable Guests

If your podcast features celebrities or industry leaders, recording video is essential. It allows you to visually associate yourself with these guests and leverage their credibility to grow your brand.

2. If Your Podcast Is Ultra Long-Form (2+ Hours)

Podcasts that are 2+ hours long and conversational—think The Joe Rogan Experience—benefit greatly from video. Long-form podcasts work well as background content, and video helps create that immersive “hangout” experience.

The Downsides of Video Podcasting

Now, let’s talk about the challenges. Because while video can be powerful, it’s not always the right move.

1. Video Takes More Time and Effort

Editing, formatting, and repurposing video is a full-time job. I’ve done it, and let me tell you—it’s no joke. If you’re a solo podcaster, ask yourself:

Would my time be better spent improving my audio podcast rather than adding video?

2. Video Can Distract from Audio Quality

I see this all the time: podcasters focus too much on video and forget about their audio listeners.

A big mistake is relying on visual cues that don’t translate to an audio audience (“Look at this image I’m pulling up”). If your audio listeners are confused, you’ve failed at making a true podcast—it’s just a YouTube video.

3. The Costs Add Up Quickly

Even a basic video setup can get expensive fast. If you’re serious about video, consider how you’ll monetize your podcast to offset these costs—whether that’s through YouTube ads, sponsorships, or premium content.

So, Should You Add Video to Your Podcast?

Here’s how to decide:

• Are you consistently producing high-quality audio? If not, start there.
• Would video actually add value to your podcast? Or would it just be extra work?
• Do you have the time and resources to edit and repurpose video?
• Do you know how video fits into your podcast’s long-term strategy?
• Will video help you reach a specific business or audience growth goal?

If you’re still unsure, book a strategy call with me. I offer coaching to help podcasters make these decisions and build a content plan that actually works.