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On my podcast Diabetech, I report on the latest diabetes technology and research through both interviews and solo episodes. I chose to produce a weekly video podcast because I've worked in video production for a decade and already had a YouTube channel with a large audience, so I knew I had the experience to make it happen.
What I didn't have at my fingertips was a big fancy video production studio. So I've had to be very intentional with my setup to establish a routine on minimum space and keep my tech nice and lean. In fact, I currently run my entire operation from a bedroom desk.
Video podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium for communicating information. One study from research company Morning Consult found that 46% of podcast listeners prefer podcasts with video and that YouTube is actually the platform most preferred for regular listeners, even over Spotify and Apple.
You don't need to start with video to be successful, though. Many new podcasters opt to go audio only to start. The most important step is to start putting yourself out there. (As Nike likes to say: "Just do it.") Record, post, learn as you go and ask for feedback along the way. Your presentation and production value will get better over time.
My instructions below will help you get a running start, whether you're starting on audio alone or want to incorporate video from day one. Here's the hardware and software I use to produce a successful weekly show from my apartment bedroom.
My video podcast equipment
The most important part of a podcast is audio. This should be the first piece of equipment you upgrade because it's key to both video and nonvideo podcasts.
In my research, I found two leading players in this space: Logitech and Shure. I went with the Blue Sona from Logitech and an Elgato Wave XLR mixer. I'm very happy with the quality, although I find that my "Ps" pop sometimes in recordings.
For video recording, I first used my Macbook Pro's webcam, then switched to using an iPhone with Continuity Camera. This allowed me to use my iPhone's much better camera as a webcam. I also picked up a Belkin MagSafe Camera Mount to clip my phone to the top of my Mac screen. This is the easiest way for an Apple user to have great video quality. I've since graduated to using a Canon DSLR camera for more control over the shot.
When I moved to using a DSLR camera, I also got the Elgato Teleprompter, which mounts to a camera that peers through a reflected view of an extra computer monitor. This allows me to look directly at an interviewee and stare right at the camera lens so I appear to be looking right at the audience. I can pull up my interview questions on this screen too, so I never need to look away.
The Elgato Teleprompter doubles as an additional screen, making it easy to look at the camera lens directly, even during video calls.
Justin EastzerThe Elgato Teleprompter mounts a phone, DSLR or proprietary Elgato camera for filming. I've used both my iPhone and Canon on it, and it's been incredibly helpful. I mounted both my camera and microphone to an Elgato Wave mic arm so they're easy to swivel into position when it comes time to record.
Lighting is another key component for filming a video podcast. The better the lighting, the higher quality video you can capture. I am using the Nanoleaf Lines above my desk as lighting. This was a fun way to use decorative smart lighting as key lighting for my show, and I find that 10 to 12 lines on my wall do the job, which comes out to the starter kit and expansion pack. Elgato also sells some great key lights at an affordable price.
The author's Nanoleaf smart light decor doubles as his key light when it comes time to record video.
Justin EastzerThis tech will make everything look and sound good, but ultimately it's your voice and your ideas that will shine through to listeners. Don't get stuck on the tech side -- just speak your truth.
Software I use to record and distribute episodes
There are a few things you'll need to actually record and distribute your show.
First, you'll need to choose a platform to host your show. Podcasts don't live directly on podcast platforms but rather are sent over what is called an RSS feed. Podcast hosting sites provide servers for users to upload podcasts and send out an RSS feed to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.
The host I decided to go with was Podbean. I found Podbean to offer the best value, viewership analytics and ad integration tools. Spotify offers its own platform, but I didn't want to be beholden to a single platform's control. Podbean allows me to stream my show on all podcast platforms and offers the ability to upload directly to YouTube (audio only). I encourage you to do your research and find the best option for your needs.
Next, you'll need a platform to record the podcast. Of course, there's Zoom, but I've found that it compresses video files and relies heavily on internet stability. I chose to use Riverside because I can film interviews using the web browser or smartphone app and each person's footage is recorded locally, so quality is retained. Footage can be recorded up to 4K, Riverside servers hold onto all interviews, and the app has an intuitive interface during recordings. It also has an advanced editor platform to edit podcasts directly on the site and uses AI to type out transcriptions and cut social clips for you.
A screenshot of the author's monitor when using Riverside.fm for interviews.
Justin EastzerSet yourself up for podcasting success
When your tech setup is easy to use, you'll be more freed up to do what really matters, which is share valuable information and insights with your listeners. Set up a workstation that works for you so you can do more of what you love and have fun along the way.