Are you feeling that familiar panic as Apple announces video capabilities for podcasts? I get it, you're sitting there thinking, "I'm an audio-only podcaster!" But before you start hyperventilating about having to show up on camera, let's talk about what this really means for your show.
Apple just dropped the news that video is coming to their podcast platform this spring, joining Spotify in the video game. And while part of me wants to celebrate this upgrade, another part of me is concerned about what this means for the magic of audio-only content.
Here's what's happening: if you're going to make the effort to record video for Apple Podcasts, you might as well set yourself up to win on YouTube too. But, and this is a big but, you cannot just take your full podcast episode and slap it on YouTube expecting it to perform. It won't work, and it might actually hurt your channel.
Before you get swept up in the video excitement, determine what it will actually take for you to show up on video:
Remember, only 7% of podcast listeners exclusively watch video content. That means 93% still prefer audio. So ask yourself: is the effort worth it for that small percentage, or are you better served by focusing on what makes podcasting magical - that intimate, audio-only connection?
Ready to explore video without overwhelming yourself? Consider whether you want to simply add video to Apple and Spotify, or if you're ready to strategically leverage YouTube's superior searchability to grow your audience organically.
The choice is yours, but whatever you decide, make sure it aligns with your capacity and your audience's needs. Your story deserves the right platform whether that's audio-only or includes video.
