When starting a video podcast, you’ll need the same basic podcasting equipment as you would for an audio-only podcast, but there are also additional things to consider. Learn about the equipment you need for a video podcast below!
Camera
You’ll want a quality camera for podcasting so that your video will look clear and professional—not to mention, social media algorithms favor high-quality content. You have many camera options to choose from, including internal and external webcams, DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, camcorders, and action cameras. When finding the best camera for your video podcast, think about your personal needs—what space will you be recording your podcast in? How long will your podcast videos be? Will you be moving around while filming? What’s your overall budget? Depending on how you film your video podcast, you should consider the camera’s battery life, memory storage options, extra settings, if it’s compatible with tripods—and whether you’re willing to splurge on this equipment.
Kahm Broham, Hurrdat Media’s Producer, says,
“I will always recommend putting more money into recording devices like the camera. You always want to be sure you have the best option to capture the content. If the content you record looks bad or grainy, you can’t make it look better. Good ‘in’ equals good ‘out.'”
Video Podcast Camera Recommendations
- GoPro HERO12: Action camera, waterproof, live streaming capabilities
- Logitech StreamCam: External webcam, USB connection, live streaming capabilities
- Sony FDR-AX43: Camcorder, action camera, camera shake suppression
When you’re ready to upgrade your video podcast equipment, think about getting extra memory cards, a tripod, and additional lenses or a second camera for a multi-camera podcast setup.
Lighting
Having proper podcast lighting helps maintain a consistent, polished look across your podcast videos. There are multiple podcast lighting choices for every budget, including LED lights, ring lights, or even strategically placed clamp lights. When looking into your lighting options, think about the vibe you want and the right color temperature of light for the type of podcast you’re recording. For most video podcasts, you’ll want bright lighting that isn’t distracting. Light diffusers like softboxes can help with this, since they spread the light around evenly. Don’t rely too much on natural light, which changes based on the time of day, weather, and filming location.
Video Podcast Lighting Recommendations
- Elgato Key Light MK.2: LED light, certified for eye comfort; comes with a stand
- NEEWER PL60C: LED light, a full-color RGB light panel; can be used outdoors
- NEEWER Ring Light 18 Inch: Lightweight; comes with a stand and carrying bag
Take your podcast lighting setup to the next level and get stands or tripods for more adjustable lighting, a fill light as a secondary light source to eliminate high-contrast shadows, or a backlight to add dimension and ensure whoever’s on camera looks sharper against the background.
Microphones
Good audio quality makes a huge difference to podcast listeners, and poor audio can cost you followers, so it’s crucial to choose the best podcast microphone for your needs—even though you’re doing a video podcast.
Pat Safford, Hurrdat Media’s Podcast Network Director, says,
“I wouldn’t recommend skimping on a microphone. The most important part of podcasting is the audio. If the audio is bad, you will never gain an audience.”
Mic options include internal and external microphones, USB vs. XLR connections, condenser vs. dynamic mics, and standing vs. headset mics. Each serve distinct purposes, so think about what type of podcast you’re recording, the number of people who will require a mic at any given time, and what extra equipment you’ll need to go with the microphones. That equipment could include an audio interface or converter, shock mounts, and microphone stands like the OnStage DS7200B. Some other considerations when choosing mics for video podcasting are ease of use and what will look nicest on camera. In general, standing microphones are better for sound quality, but a high-quality headset mic like the Audio-Technica BPHS1 can also be a good option for podcasters who want to prioritize portability, convenience, and freedom of movement.
Standing Microphone Recommendations:
- RODE Procaster: XLR connection, flatters any voice type; built specifically for speech
- Shure MV7+: USB & XLR connection, voice isolation technology, great companion software
- Shure SM58: XLR connection, durable; comes with a swivel stand adapter
Check out gain boosters, boom microphones, and swing mounts if you want to take your video podcast setup to the next level.
Pop Filter
Also called a pop screen, pop filters are a protective shield that clip onto your microphone to eliminate or reduce plosive sounds (k, p, pf, etc.) in recordings. This prevents spikes in the audio and preserves its quality so the recording is easy to listen to, which means even beginner podcasters should have one. Plenty of good podcast microphones come with built-in pop filters (including the three external microphones recommended earlier in this post), so check to see if yours already has one before buying an additional one. While researching pop filters for microphones, take a look at their ease of installation, how many layers they have, what they’re made of, and the fabric’s thickness.
Mic Pop Filter Recommendations
- Avantone PS-1: Metal, curved screen; easy to clean
- Nady MPF-6: Plastic, 6-inch screen, metal stabilizing arm
- Stedman Proscreen XL: Metal, 6-inch screen; easy setup
While pricey pop filters will likely clean up more unwanted sounds, an expensive one isn’t necessary. Getting a cheaper version means you’ll need to be more careful with your podcast microphone setup and may need to clean up more things in editing.
Headphones
Ideally, everyone on the podcast should wear a set of podcast headphones to improve their sound quality and hear each other—and themselves—clearly. Because headphones allow you to hear yourself in live-time, you can adjust your volume or enunciation as needed and save you or your editor time in post-production. There are several different types to consider when choosing the best headphones for podcasting, including open-back vs. closed-back, over-ear vs. on-ear, and wireless vs. wired. Though the right option for you will depend on the needs of your podcast, it’s usually best to opt for wired headphones, since wireless options can suffer from interference and connectivity issues. You should also consider factors like durability, comfort, frequency response, and surround sound.
Podcast Headphones Recommendations
- Audio-Technica ATH-M30x: Exceptional sound isolation, lightweight, durable
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO: Exceptional sound isolation, ultra-comfortable; designed for sound monitoring
- Sony MDR-7506: Comfortable, reliable; folds up for travel.
If you find yourself needing more out of your podcasting headphones, or you’re ready to splurge on top-notch equipment, check out a sound mixer like the RODECaster Pro II to help you rearrange and adjust sounds as you record.
According to Safford,
“The RODEcaster line completely changed the podcast game a few years ago. If you have a multi-host show, and you’re serious about building a successful podcast, a RODEcaster is a must.”
Video Recording & Editing Software
When creating a video podcast, it’s necessary to have either video recording software and editing software, or an all-in-one video podcast software. When determining the best podcast software for your needs, keep in mind what podcast editing skills you already have, what elements you want to add to your videos in postproduction, whether you want to live stream, and whether you’ll be recording separate audio and video tracks. You’ll also want to focus on recording quality, ease of use, whether your software can record remotely, and whether it gives you automated podcast transcriptions. All these things can save you time and trouble when recording and editing.
Video Podcasting Software Recommendations
- StreamYard (video podcast recording software): Free & paid versions, live streaming capabilities; easily lets guests join your podcast remotely
- Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing software): Has a free trial; allows you to mix audio & add video clips, transitions, effects, graphics
- Descript (all-in-one video podcast software): Free & paid versions; record podcasts & edit videos with an array of tools; provides quick, accurate video transcriptions
When you’re ready for a more professional podcast setup, you might look into podcast software with more editing and clipping tools, effect adding, and separate video recording and editing software. You can also opt for an all-in-one program to give you more control over every aspect of the recorded video podcast. Also, get separate audio editing software, like WavePad, if you want the highest-quality sound and control over your podcast’s audio.
Recording Studio Items
Though you can record a video podcast almost anywhere, having a specific space set up for the best quality video, audio, lighting, and comfort will help ensure a first-rate product. Think about the room you’re recording in, how much light it has, how quiet it is, and what seating you’ll need. Don’t forget to look into your space’s acoustics, whether you need to add soundproofing, and how many people you could have on your podcast at once. Options for setting up a podcast recording studio include finding an existing space in your home that works for your purposes, converting a room or closet into a recording space, renting out local podcast studio space, using a library’s recording studio, or joining a podcast network and using their studio space!
Podcast Recording Studio Recommendations
- Podcast backdrop: Gives your video podcast a clean look and helps avoid viewer distraction. Consider whether you want a background stand or if you’ll hang it yourself.
- Green screen: Offers flexibility by allowing you to change the background during editing. Make sure your screen is “chroma key green” for easier editing. Check out the Elgato Collapsable Chroma Key Panel for some inspiration.
- Bass traps: Come in panels or blocks, and improve room acoustics by reducing reverberation and standing low-frequency waves. Choose a bass trap with a depth between 4-18 inches for best results.
If you don’t want to invest in a backdrop right away, try using what you already have by filming in front of a brick wall, bookshelf, room divider, or an appealing piece of fabric. Other suggested recording space items are an attractive and sturdy table or desk for all your video podcast equipment, acoustic panels, and soft decor to boost acoustics (like rugs, curtains, wall hangings, and even plush furniture).
Video Podcast Equipment FAQs
Do I need multiple cameras for a podcast?
One camera is enough to start a video podcast. However, if you plan on video podcasting long term, two cameras are best. This provides additional visual interest because you can record from two angles. Also, if you plan on having in-person guests on your podcast, an extra camera means one can film a wide angle of you both and the other can focus on one person at a time. Then during editing, you can create a more engaging, varied video podcast!
How many microphones do you need for a podcast?
Ideally, each speaker should have their own microphone for a podcast, since separate mics will pick up the best sound from each person. Trying to share one microphone will result in different levels of audio and shuffling sounds every time a speaker makes an adjustment to be heard—plus, it can look awkward on camera to have multiple speakers crowded around one mic. Having separate microphones for each speaker also means having separate audio tracks when you’re editing your podcast, which gives you more control over the final result.
Should I record audio and video separately for a podcast?
For the best recording quality, you should record podcast audio and video separately. Afterward, it’s fairly simple to sync up your audio and video recordings manually, or you can get podcast editing software that automatically syncs. Having separate audio and video tracks provides flexibility while editing your podcast, allowing for a more professional look and sound. Plus, if you decide to upload your audio to additional podcasting platforms that don’t allow video, you’re freely able to upload just the audio, making it possible to distribute your podcast more widely.
Need help creating and distributing your podcast videos? Hurrdat Media can help you do it with our podcasting services, which include hosting, production, advertising, and studio rentals. Contact us today to get started!