Video podcast trends (the best ones)

To say that video podcasts are popular is something of an understatement. On Spotify, 170 million people worldwide are watching them regularly. YouTube viewer numbers have reached over 1 billion.

According to Spotify, video podcasts are the future. Since 2020, their daily streams of video podcasts have increased by more than 39% each year — considerably faster growth than audio-only formats.

What’s more, the number of creators has risen by 50%… in just 5 years. Whether you’re a new adopter, or an experienced video podcaster, how do you compete for attention?

We take you through the latest and best video podcast trends to help you stand above a rapidly growing crowd.

Video Podcast Trends #1:

Go niche

Niche podcasts are thriving. Viewers can’t get enough of them, so don’t be afraid to position yourself in a unique space.

You may feel alone in your obsession with grammar, or the history of pencils — but the fact is, many people out there share your passion.

From beekeeping to ship disaster stories, niche podcasting is a smart strategy. It targets a specific audience with laser-like precision, drawing in people who are already enthusiasts. This type of viewer is likely to be highly engaged, so they’ll come back for more.

Video Podcast Trends #2:

Be conversational, not corporate

Not surprisingly, businesses have tapped into the commercial value of video podcasts. Branded podcasts are trendy.

But here’s the thing:

People aren’t interested in formal corporate speak. Today’s audiences actively seek out emotional interaction. In a world dominated by corporate messaging, they want to feel connected — as though you’re talking to them personally.

Feel free to share your thoughts, feelings, insights and stories in order to build an authentic human relationship with each viewer. That way, you’re no longer an anonymous corporate entity. They know you as a real person.

Start a conversation by inviting them to ask questions or tell their own stories. You not only get a direct link to your fan base, you also discover which type of content resonates with them.

Video Podcast Trends #3:

Creative formats

Video podcasts are moving away from the ubiquitous one-on-one interview. They’re favouring more creative formats such as:

• Storytelling — Steven Bartlett’s The Diary of a CEO is a good example. It’s a highly relatable, honest, unfiltered narrative about the reality of becoming a CEO.
• Hybrid formats — A blend of conversation, drama and documentary-style elements helps your audience to lose themselves in the story. Radiolab is one of the most popular examples.
• Panel discussions — A panel format, such as What Could Go Right?, delivers a mix of different viewpoints and a broad range of ideas. It starts a water cooler conversation.

Video Podcast Trends #4:

Short… or long

Back in the day, podcasts tended to be short. Few podcasters dared to go long-form. They were too worried about shrinking attention spans.

While short podcasts are still thriving, long-form content is on the rise. In fact, some sought-after video podcasts are close to Hollywood movies in length.

The reason why long-form content is gaining ground? It’s partly down to the attention-grabbing nature of video. Here’s the lowdown:

• 59% of people listen to audio podcasts while doing something else
• 70% of viewers watch video podcasts in the foreground

Video appeals to a basic human need for visual signals. Facial expressions, reactions and body language allow us to gauge a speaker’s personality. If we connect emotionally, we keep watching.

Video Podcast Trends #5:

Educational content

As we mentioned above, video podcasts gain more direct attention than audio-only formats. This is particularly true with educational or informational content.

Try tapping into this growing trend to share your knowledge. Through the power of visual demonstration, complex ideas can be made simple. Video helps viewers understand and remember information in a way that audio alone can’t do.

Informational video content is becoming increasingly valuable as an indirect marketing tool. It demonstrates credibility and proves expertise.

Most importantly, this type of podcast allows you to give customers what they need — answers and solutions.

Video Podcast Trends #6:

Live podcasting

Video podcast live streaming is still relatively new, although it’s likely to become more common. So far, audiences have embraced it with enthusiasm.

Podcast fans get the chance to be there in person while it’s happening. Or they can interact with their favourite podcasters in real time from wherever they happen to be watching.

Technical considerations may put you off the idea of live streaming. It requires more equipment — cameras, lighting, possibly a green screen. Plus, it can be challenging to manage live responses from the audience.

If you’re interested in giving it a go, get in touch with us. As live streaming specialists, we’re used to overcoming these kinds of challenges.

Video Podcast Trends #7:

Set dressing

The round table is out, comfy sofas are in. Video podcasts have started to feature studio sets which look like living spaces.

With long-form video podcasts gaining traction, hosts and guests sit together on a sofa, or separately in armchairs, so that they can talk comfortably for longer.

We’ve also noticed a trend for more muted lighting and home-style accessories. Comfy sofas, lamps and fake fireplaces, plants and bookshelves are common set dressing requests in our own video studio.

It has to be said that some podcasters appear to be wrestling with a microphone conundrum. Unfortunately placed mic stands or boom poles can be an awkward fit in this new, cosier recording environment.

Again, we can help with this. Our studio technicians know how to solve the issue without compromising on crystal clear sound quality.

In fact, if you’d like any help or advice about video podcast production, call the Videofrog team on 01962 870 408. We’d love to hear from you.