Podcasting has come a long way from being audio-only. It’s all about the visuals now. And if you want your show to grow, engage, and connect with your audience, it’s time to consider stepping into frame. 

That’s where Cue comes in, offering expert support for video podcast production, from filming and editing to marketing. Cue helps podcasters bring their shows to life on screen, making it easier than ever to connect with viewers and expand your reach.

On that note, it’s National Camera Day! To celebrate, we sat down with Rowan Walsh, one of Cue’s Podcast Video Producers, to get his insights on why video is so crucial for podcasters, its undeniable advantages, and what challenges creators might face.

Let’s get into it.

Why Video is No Longer Optional for Podcasters

"Most of the content we take in now is visual", Rowan says. "You're watching stuff constantly: TikToks, YouTube, [Instagram] Reels. So when someone finds a podcast, they almost expect to see it too. If you're not doing video, you're basically shutting the door on half your potential audience".

But it’s not just about pointing a camera at yourself.

"It’s about making the experience feel more real", he explains. "You see someone’s face when they’re telling a story, or how two co-hosts bounce off each other. That kind of stuff doesn’t always come through in audio. Video gives people another way to connect with what you’re saying".

• Expanded Reach: Platforms like YouTube act as powerful search engines. Publishing a video version of your podcast increases discoverability and helps you reach new audiences who might not find your show on traditional audio platforms.
• Increased Engagement: Video adds a dynamic visual layer that holds attention for longer. When viewers can see the host or guests, it builds a stronger connection and encourages more sustained engagement.
• Repurposing Power: A single video recording can be repurposed into multiple shorter clips for social media, email campaigns, or trailers. This allows you to extend the value of each episode and engage audiences across different platforms.

Why Video Podcasts Shine

Video adds a whole new dimension to podcasting by bringing your show to life in ways audio alone can’t. Rowan shares some of the main benefits that video offers, from helping you connect with your audience to opening up new possibilities for growth:

“Honestly, one of the best things is just how much closer it makes you feel to the person talking”, he says. “Seeing someone’s face makes it feel like you’re having a proper chat with a mate; not just listening to a voice on the radio. That’s how you build trust and get people coming back”.

• Enhanced storytelling: Visuals let you do things audio alone can’t do: like showing a product in action, taking viewers behind the scenes, or capturing a guest’s genuine emotion in the moment.
• Better discoverability: Video tends to rank higher on Google and YouTube. With smart SEO, your video podcast can reach listeners who might never find your audio-only episodes.
• Monetisation opportunities: Video opens up fresh ways to earn: from ads to sponsorships that work seamlessly on screen, giving podcasters more options to grow their income.
• Accessibility: For some people, watching a video with captions is much easier than just listening. That way, you’re making your show accessible to a wider audience.

“It’s not just about planting yourself in front of a camera”, Rowan adds. “You’ve got to think visually from the get-go: how do you make the conversation more interesting? Can you throw in some B-roll? Would some graphics help explain what you’re saying? Those are the kind of things we focus on to take a video from just alright to really good”.

Navigating the Hurdles: Shortcomings and Solutions

While the benefits are clear, Rowan is quick to point out that video podcasting isn't without its challenges. “It’s a different skillset and usually needs more resources than just audio”, he says.

• Increased Complexity: “It’s not just about audio anymore”, Rowan says. “Now you’ve got to think about lighting, camera angles, backgrounds, and editing video. It’s a whole other ball game, so I get that it can feel overwhelming if you’re new to it”. His advice? “Keep it simple at first. A decent webcam and natural light go a long way. You can always upgrade as you go. And platforms like Cue help you along with easy tools and guides”.
• Higher Production Costs: “Getting good video gear and editing software or even hiring someone like me can quickly add up”, Rowan admits. “But there’s plenty of free or cheap tools out there to get you started. You don’t need to do every episode in full video; maybe just the big ones”.
• Technical Learning Curve: “Things like frame rates, codecs and export settings can feel like a foreign language”, he laughs. “But there are loads of tutorials and friendly communities out there. Just jump in and learn as you go. It sounds cliché, but practice really does make perfect”.
• Time Commitment: “Editing video takes way more time than audio”, Rowan points out. “You’re handling bigger files and more complex timelines”. His advice: “Batch your recording. Get several episodes done in one go. Or if you can afford it, get someone else to handle the video editing”.

“The main thing is don’t let it scare you”, Rowan finishes. “Start small, try things out and add more video bits as you get confident. The payoff in audience growth and engagement is definitely worth it”.

Q&A with a Podcast Video Producer

Q: Why do you think visuals are becoming such an important part of podcast production?

“I’d say it’s because people naturally want to connect on a deeper level. It’s like, if you’re just listening to a voice, it’s one thing, but seeing someone’s expressions or body language adds so much more. It’s not just about showing up on camera; it’s about making that connection feel real. Plus, with so much video content everywhere these days, people are used to seeing what they’re consuming, so podcasting is catching up”.

Q: Do you think every podcast needs video?

“Not at all. If audio works for your show and your audience, stick with it. But if you’ve got the time and the interest, adding video can bring a whole new energy. It helps people connect with you more, and you’ve got more options when it comes to promotion. That said, it adds a layer of work too. Editing, lighting, framing, all stuff you don’t worry about with just audio. So it’s about what fits your workflow. If it feels like a chore, it’ll show”.

Q: Is there a particular piece of gear like a camera, lens or tool you always rely on for podcast shoots?

“The best camera is the one you use. People say this all the time, but it’s true. A cheap camera you enjoy and feel comfortable using will be better than a super expensive one you don’t understand. Because of that, I tend to stick with Sony cameras, like my Sony A7 III for photography, and the Lumix GH5 for video, as I’ve grown my skills using them. I know there are better options out there, and I know I could upgrade to the Sony A7 IIII, for example, but it’d be an unnecessary purchase. Camera marketing and reviews will always suggest you need the new model, but in reality cameras got really good in the 2010s, and most modern DSLRs are really good”.

Q: What role does your camera choice play in how you capture the feel of a podcast show?

“Honestly, the camera sets the technical base but it’s how you use it that counts. A nicer camera lets you play with focus and colour to create a certain mood, which can really elevate the storytelling. But it’s not about having the fanciest gear; it’s about using what you have to tell your story visually. Sometimes it’s better to know your equipment inside out than to have the newest model and not use it well”.

Q: How do you plan the visual look of a podcast episode?

“Honestly, I just think about what would feel natural to watch. What would keep me engaged if I was the viewer? That could be switching up angles, showing little bits of behind-the-scenes, or using B-roll to add some energy. It’s more about feel than perfection. You don’t need a storyboard, just a rough idea of the vibe you’re going for. I usually plan for a few wide and close shots, and I try to make the space look clean and lived-in without being distracting. It’s more about building atmosphere than creating a polished set”.

Q: How do you approach lighting for a podcast shoot?

“Keep it simple. You don’t need a full studio setup to make it look good. Natural light is your friend. If I’m shooting during the day, I’ll always try to work near a window so I’m getting soft, even light across my face. If that’s not an option, one softbox or even a cheap ring light can do the trick. The goal’s just to make sure your face is well lit and not full of shadows. You don’t need to overthink it, but you do need to avoid looking like you’re sitting in a dark cave. A bit of effort goes a long way”.

Q: How do you balance quality with speed in post-production?

“I keep my workflow tight. Reusing templates, presets, anything that saves time. I’ll batch edit when I can, so I’m not stopping and starting every time. And honestly, I try not to obsess over every tiny detail. Good enough and out there is better than perfect and unfinished. If you’re tweaking things for hours that no one will notice, you’re just burning time. I’d rather have three good videos live than one ‘perfect’ one sitting on a hard drive”.

Q: What’s a common mistake you see in video podcasts?

“Overcomplicating it. People think they need a full studio setup on day one, but that can actually slow you down or put you off. I’ve seen people spend more time messing with gear than actually recording anything. It’s way better to keep it simple, especially at the start. Use gear you know. Focus on clear audio, decent lighting, and not having a cluttered background. Once you’ve got that locked in, then you can think about fancy extras. Don’t let the tech get in the way of the content”.

Q: Any tips for staying relaxed on camera?

“Yeah, stop trying to ‘perform’. Just talk like you would to a mate. A lot of people freeze up because they’re too focused on sounding professional or polished. But audiences connect with real people. Take a breath, shake out your nerves, and just chat. If you mess up, who cares? You can edit it or leave it in, and honestly, leaving it in makes it feel more human. The more you do it, the easier it gets, and eventually the camera just becomes background noise”.

Q: What’s one thing you think every podcaster should know before filming themselves or their show?

“Don’t overthink it. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect, but that can kill the natural vibe. Start with what you’ve got and focus on being yourself on camera. Think about lighting and sound because those really make a difference. Also, don’t be scared to make mistakes and learn as you go. Every shoot teaches you something new. The more comfortable you get, the better your videos will feel”.

Video Podcasting Is Essential. But You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

Video has become a non-negotiable part of podcasting: it grabs attention, builds trust, and opens the door to massive distribution across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and more. If you want your show to grow, connect, and convert, video needs to be part of the plan.

But creating a high-quality video podcast isn’t easy; especially if you’re trying to do everything yourself. From planning and scripting, to filming, editing, and promotion, the workload adds up fast. Most people underestimate what’s involved until it becomes overwhelming.

That’s why we built Cue.

We handle the entire podcasting process from start to finish: concept development, guest sourcing, video production, publishing, marketing, and performance reporting. Our team becomes your team: making your podcast look, sound, and feel world-class. We handle everything:

• Studio-quality recording: Whether remote or in-studio, we give you access to the tools and environments that make your show look as good as it sounds.
• Professional editing: We cut, colour, and format your content for maximum impact across platforms.
• Short-form clipping: Need reels or TikToks to promote your latest episode? We create them for you.
• YouTube-first strategy: We help you design and distribute your show with YouTube’s algorithms and user behaviour in mind.
• End-to-end production support: From concept development to final uploads, our team acts as an extension of yours.

We work with everyone from solo creators to global brands across industries like tech, healthcare, education, media, and more. Whether you need a polished interview series or a documentary-style narrative show, we make it happen. All you have to do is show up; we take care of the rest.

Final Thoughts: Rowan’s Take on Video Podcasting

Ready to get behind the camera? Just remember, video podcasting isn’t only about the tech or the setup. It’s about telling your story in a way that keeps people watching and listening.

Rowan stresses that success comes from creativity, consistency, and having a clear vision. It’s about making content that feels authentic to you and resonates with your audience. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your style and message.

At the end of the day, the camera is just a tool. Your story is what truly matters. As Rowan puts it, “Great video podcasts aren’t about perfection; they’re about connection. If you can connect, you’ve already won.”

Want to see how video can take your show to the next level? Explore Cue’s podcast video production services or get in touch today.

Let’s get your show camera-ready.