Why the Future of Podcasting is Video (and How to Get Started)
Hi, I’m Ben Erickson, and I run Erickson Media here in Kalispell, Montana. My wife and I built our business around wedding videography, and over the years I’ve developed a deep love for storytelling through both visuals and sound. Alongside video work, I have a strong background in audio engineering, and I’ve been fortunate to work on multiple podcasts — helping creators sharpen their sound and expand their presence.
In the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a major shift: podcasting is no longer just about audio. More and more creators are turning their shows into audio + video experiences, and for good reason.
Why Video is the Future of Podcasting
Audio-only podcasts still matter, but adding video can completely change the game. Here’s why:
Reach & Discovery – YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, and it’s now aggressively promoting podcasts. A simple camera setup instantly makes your content discoverable to millions of people outside of traditional podcast platforms.
Engagement – Seeing a host’s face builds stronger trust and connection. A voice can carry authority, but a face can convey personality and authenticity.
Social Media Growth – Tools like Opus Clip and platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok make it simple to cut short clips from your podcast and share them widely. These short-form videos are often what drive viral growth.
Sponsorship Opportunities – Brands love video. It feels more professional and provides multiple ways to showcase their message.
The Biggest Misconceptions About Video Podcasting
A lot of podcasters hesitate to add video because they think it means:
Expensive gear (it doesn’t — your phone camera plus good lighting is enough to start).
Complicated editing (you can outsource this).
Needing a studio (a corner of your office or living room can work with the right setup).
The truth is, you don’t need perfection to get results. Just a consistent camera angle, clean audio, and simple branding can immediately elevate your podcast.
How to Get Started with Video Podcasting
Start Simple – Record using Zoom, Riverside, or even your phone alongside your mic.
Focus on Audio First – Viewers will forgive average video, but poor sound will lose them instantly.
Add Branding – A logo watermark, intro screen, or simple overlay can make your podcast feel professional without heavy editing.
Repurpose Content – Chop up episodes into short clips for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn. This is where much of the audience growth happens today.
Upgrade Over Time – Once you’re comfortable, you can improve lighting, switch to a DSLR/mirrorless camera, or even build a dedicated recording space.
What I Recommend for Most Podcasters
I do edit professionally for podcast clients, but to be transparent — I’m not the right fit for everyone. The kind of editing I specialize in involves multi-camera setups, studio lighting, and top-notch audio capture. That’s the level I bring to professional productions, but most podcasters aren’t there yet (and don’t need to be).
For most creators just starting to explore video, I recommend keeping it simple. A great option is the Zoom Q8n-4K Handy Video Recorder. It delivers excellent room audio on its own, but you can also plug in your studio mics directly for even cleaner sound. From there, you can upload your episodes straight to YouTube, run them through Opus Clip, and let the software handle the heavy lifting of creating short-form clips for social media.
If you’re someone with a growing following, starting to generate income, and ready to step into a professional studio setup, that’s where I come in. Whether you’re looking for a simple consultation or more hands-on production help, I’d love to guide you in building a video podcast that feels polished, engaging, and ready for growth.
Ready to Make the Jump?
Moving from audio-only to audio + video opens doors:
More listeners, more platforms, more growth.
Stronger connections with your audience.
More opportunities for sponsorships and collaborations.
If you’ve been thinking about adding video to your podcast but aren’t sure where to start, that’s where I can help. At Erickson Media, I work with podcasters to bring their shows to life with professional editing and video production support.
👉 Let’s talk about how to turn your podcast into a true audio-video powerhouse, or just answer any video questions that you have: ericksonmedia.org/podcast