This is a post about how to start a podcast on YouTube.
I must preface this with my current advice as of March 2026: do not let video stop you from launching your podcast. If you don’t want to be on camera or maybe you don’t have time for the extra video editing nor the budget to hire someone for that, just leave it for now. There are many reasons you SHOULD have a video podcast. However, not having one is not the end of times. A recent study showed that only about 8% of podcast consumers watch the video. So many of us started listening to podcasts while doing chores, commuting, working out, driving or anything else that allowed us to listen and so many of us STILL consume podcasts this way.
Now, for the advice PRO having a video podcast…if you are launching a podcast in 2026 and you aren’t recording video, you are essentially leaving potential audiences AND revenue on the table. For years, the debate was “Video Podcast vs. Audio Podcast,” but today, that divide has disappeared. Spotify is now a video platform, Apple Podcast has recently announced they’ll support videos and YouTube has officially become the world’s most popular podcast player. And you know what can happen with YouTube…your audience grows and you monetise it.
The “audio-only” era isn’t over, but the “video-first” era is not going anywhere. The good news? You don’t need a Hollywood film crew or a dedicated studio to make it work. You can start a video podcast with the tech you already have in your pocket. Here is how to transition from a voice in a pair of headphones to a face on a screen, and why YouTube is the secret to your show’s discoverability.
Why You Should Start a Video Podcast on YouTube
The biggest challenge with audio-only podcasts is discoverability. Apple Podcasts and Spotify are getting better, but they still don’t have a recommendation engine as powerful as YouTube’s.
When you upload a video podcast to YouTube, you aren’t just putting it on a video site; you are putting it on the world’s second-largest search engine. YouTube’s algorithm is incredibly good at finding people who are interested in your topic and placing your video right in front of them. Besides, having a video component allows you to create the high-impact clips we discussed for your Pinterest and Instagram strategies as well as other socials. It is much easier to grow a podcast when people can see your expressions, your guest’s reactions and the vibe of your show.
Video Podcast vs. Audio Podcast: Making the Choice
Many creators worry that adding video will make the process too complicated. While there is an extra layer of editing involved, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
- Audio Podcasts are great for multitasking listeners (people driving, at the gym, doing chores, etc). They are easier to produce and require less “set design.”
- Video Podcasts build a deeper level of trust. Seeing a person speak creates a psychological connection that audio alone can’t match. It also opens up the “YouTube Shorts” and “TikTok” ecosystem, which is the #1 way new shows go viral in 2026.
The best strategy? Don’t choose. Record a video podcast, upload the full version to YouTube and strip the audio to send to Spotify, Apple and others. This “Record Once, Distribute Everywhere” model is how you scale without burning out.
How to Start a Video Podcast Without a Hollywood Budget
You do not need a £2,000 4K camera to get started. In fact, some of the most successful video podcasts in the world started with a webcam or a smartphone.
Start With Your Smartphone
If you have an iPhone or a high-end Android from the last three years, you already own a 4K camera. The lens on your phone is significantly better than almost any built-in laptop webcam. Buy a simple tripod for £15, set your phone to the “cinematic” or “portrait” mode to get that blurry background look, and you are ready to go.
Lighting is More Important Than the Camera
A £5,000 camera will look terrible in a dark room. Conversely, a smartphone camera can look professional with good lighting. The cheapest way to “level up” your video podcast is to face a window during the day. If you record at night, a simple Ring Light or a Key Light placed at a 45-degree angle from your face will remove harsh shadows and make your video look crisp and professional. Not to mention natural light! The morning sun in my flat is GLORIOUS! I got a new puppy and have been taking the most gorgeous pics of her in that early light.
The Set Design and Podcast Aesthetic
Your podcast aesthetic matters. A bit. You don’t need a custom-built set, but you should be mindful of what is behind you. A cluttered bed or a messy kitchen doesn’t scream “authority”.
- The Minimalist Look: A clean white wall with one plant or a framed piece of art.
- The Professional Look: A bookshelf (this also helps with your audio quality!).
- The “Vibe” Look: Using LED neon lights or coloured Govee strips to add a pop of colour to the shadows.
The Technical Setup: Recording Your First Video Episode
When you are recording a video podcast, you have two main ways to capture the footage:
- Solo/In-Person: If you are in the same room as your guest, you can use a single “wide” shot of both of you, or two separate cameras if you want to get fancy with the editing later.
- Remote Interviews: If your guest is in a different city, don’t just record a Zoom call. Zoom compresses the video, making it look grainy. Use a platform like Riverside.fm like most pros or Zencastr. These tools record high-quality video locally on each person’s computer and then upload the studio-grade files to you once the call is over.
Optimising Your Podcast for YouTube Search
Simply uploading your video isn’t enough; you need to play by YouTube’s rules. To rank for keywords like “how to start a podcast” or your specific niche, you need to focus on three things:
The Podcast Thumbnail
Your “podcast thumbnail” is your billboard. It is the only thing that determines whether someone clicks or scrolls past.
- Use high-contrast colours
- Include a close-up of a face (human faces drive higher click-through rates)
- Keep text to a minimum, usually 3 to 4 words that create curiosity
The First 30 Seconds (The Hook)
YouTube viewers have a short attention span. Don’t start with a 2-minute intro song. Start with a Cold Open; a 15-second clip of the most exciting or controversial thing said during the episode. This proves to the viewer that the video is worth their time before you move into the formal introduction.
YouTube Podcast Playlists
In 2024, YouTube launched a dedicated “Podcasts” feature within YouTube Music. To ensure your show appears there, you must go into your YouTube Studio, create a New Playlist and mark it as a Podcast. This gives your show a special badge and ensures it is distributed across YouTube Music as well as the main site.
Final Thoughts: Video is the New Standard
Starting a video podcast on YouTube might feel like a big leap, but it is the single best investment you can make in your show’s future. It gives you more ways to be found, more content to share on social media and a much stronger connection with your audience.
If you are worried about the video editing part of the process, that is exactly where a podcast manager or a dedicated editor comes in. You focus on the conversation; let someone else handle the colour grading and the thumbnail design.
This is a post about how to start a video podcast on YouTube.
