What is the significance of maturity in relation to video podcasts?
The popularity of video podcasts is evident, as 31% of new podcast listeners choose to play episodes in the background while 33% actively watch them. However, popularity alone doesn’t signify that the platform is fully developed.
A technology is considered mature when it has been used for a considerable period and has undergone sufficient advancements to eliminate or reduce most of its initial flaws and issues.
It can be argued that video podcasting has attained a measure of maturity based on how long it has been around (since 2003). Nevertheless, there are distinct obstacles that video must overcome within the podcasting realm in order to truly achieve maturity.
This section will delve into the fundamental shortcomings of video podcasting and offer solutions to overcome them.
Do video technology have any inherent shortcomings or imperfections?
There is no flawless platform. The usage and production of video podcasts have significantly increased in recent years, but there are certain drawbacks associated with this medium. It’s worth investigating the negative aspects of video podcasting to gain a comprehensive understanding.
15% of podcasters who participated in the survey stated that they do not include video recording in their podcasting procedure yet. Why is this happening? What are the main challenges preventing podcasters from fully embracing video?
Video requires more from the consumer
Remember how you listened to podcasts in 2018? The audio-only content gave you the ability to do other tasks simultaneously. You could listen and learn while carrying out other activities. Whether you were out for a walk, working or just had it playing in the background, podcasts let you lead your life freely.
Although technically possible with a video podcast, there is a greater inclination to fully immerse oneself in the content. This is beneficial for both content creators and consumers when it comes to retaining information, but it is not conducive to multitasking.
The visual aspect of podcasts demands complete focus from the audience, which may deter some individuals who are unwilling to switch entirely to video format.
Video requires more from the host
Brands and hosts who choose to include a visual element to their podcast must enhance various skills.
Brands must now take into account the visual aspect of each episode during the planning process. They should ensure that the content can be effective in both audio-only and video formats.
They should also avoid alienating any consumers based on their preferred medium, and consider incorporating unique footage from other sources into each episode as necessary.
When creating brands, it is important to add video recording to their existing tasks. It is essential to ensure that the video quality is high and the production setup is appropriate to enhance the brand’s visual appearance. Fortunately, it has become simpler than before to include video recording in brand creation.
When monetizing their content, brands must manage different streams of revenue such as podcast advertisements, YouTube advertisements, sponsorships and partnerships all at the same time.
Video causes a hike in costs
Adding video to podcasting involves an apparent drawback due to the additional expenses incurred in its production. Podcasts that wish to incorporate video must consider:
- Cameras
- Lighting
- Travel
- Other equipment
- In-person arrangements
Furthermore, including video content in an episode increases the likelihood of potential drawbacks. A survey conducted by several brands revealed that more than 57% are ready to eliminate video footage or even the entire content if it does not meet their standards for quality.
Initiating an audio-only podcast entails some expenses and a majority of podcast platforms do not provide a convenient way for brands to include videos without incurring extra charges.
Video causes a hike in production time
On the other hand, brands and content creators anticipate an increase in the amount of work needed to incorporate videos into their podcasts.
According to the survey, the primary reason for video podcasting not being more popular is the additional effort required for editing, as reported by 43% of businesses.
There are other things besides editing that brands will need assistance with. Some of these include:
- A-roll
- B-roll
- Animations
- Brand design
- Video templates
- And more
Audio First Fans Love the Original Media
A lot of podcast enthusiasts prefer listening to audio only and are not interested in switching to video podcasts, even though it is becoming more popular.
There is a good chance that a large group of audio enthusiasts will continue to favor audio-only content. To cater to this audience, video podcasting must modify its approach and prioritize the audio quality in their video productions.
What methods could be implemented to correct the issues with video podcasting?
We have identified the fundamental issues faced by video podcasting and the reasons why it is not progressing as a medium. It is now time to propose remedies needed for its advancement to the next level.
Make it audio-first video
Dan SanchezAccording to a knowledgeable podcaster from Sweet Fish Media, the key to ensuring the success of video podcasts is by approaching their creation from an audio-centric perspective.
This might sound contradictory, but it actually achieves several objectives:
- It enables people who prefer audio only to keep listening in the format they prefer, even if the content they are interested in starts putting more emphasis on video.
- Multitasking can be performed even while utilizing a visual medium.
- This ensures that all audience members feel included and helps to cultivate their loyalty.
The aim is not to make drastic changes to your program all at once. You hope to maintain your existing audience’s support while also gaining the chance to reach out to new viewers through the use of video.
Win audio fans over by offering more connection
One of the primary reasons why individuals enjoy podcasts is due to the sense of intimacy and bond that they experience with the hosts.
The presence of video should not detract from the experience, but rather add to it. Videos must feature the host’s facial expressions and physical gestures, as well as those of the guest.
Podcasts frequently require more emphasis on feelings compared to other forms of content. As a result, video podcasts should focus on this aspect.
Include hidden surprises in videos, but maintain the same layout.
Despite emphasizing audio, there is still a chance to provide concealed treasures to your viewer through video content.
These could be:
- Subtle visual cues
- Visual inside jokes
- Screen share content
This type of content can help expand your audience’s general feel for the host and podcast.
Create a collection of guides or manuals for video podcasting.
In order for video podcasting to fully develop, it is necessary for established brands to provide insight into their strategies. Both businesses and content creators will eventually figure out the key components for increasing viewership and this knowledge should be shared with the wider community.
The perception of needing more effort will only be overcome when people realize they can use a process that is equally uncomplicated.
With the growth of video podcasts, an increasing number of new ones will emerge, contributing to the development of a thriving community of shows that will advance the platform as a whole.
The new software must address a greater number of issues.
Recording, editing, and growth of ideas require particular attention. Riverside is an excellent option for effortlessly recording both audio and video simultaneously. Nevertheless, there are certain aspects where improvements must be made.
In order to efficiently work with videos and audios, brands require a simplified editing process. They also require a faster way to distribute episodes in various formats. To ensure the growth and profitability of video podcasts, reliable software is needed to facilitate their management.
There are generally available solutions to solve these problems, but having more specific software designed for video podcasts would greatly benefit many brands looking to make the jump.
At what point will video podcasting achieve a state of full development and stability?
There are software solutions currently available that aim to simplify the process of creating, editing and expanding, however, they have not reached the desired level of effectiveness.
Many brands are avoiding video podcasting due to the significant expenses and time commitments that are still major obstacles.
There are not many examples or proven methods for brands to effectively utilize video podcasting and achieve success.
In the near future, video podcasting is expected to become the standard for most content creators once these different fields merge together. Experts predict that this could happen in just five years or even sooner.