How To Create A Video Podcast
filed in Uncategorized on Jun.25, 2010
If you’re creating a video podcast, the process is pretty much the same as an audio podcast. For the complete process, see my checklist for how to create a podcast.
The main difference is that you’ll need a video camera & video editing software. There are also a few more marketing angles you can use to promote a video podcast.
Keep in mind that you can easily do both. A podcast doesn’t have to be one or other other, but can be a combination of media files. See What is a Podcast? for details.
There are a variety of ways to create a video podcast. You have your traditional “talking head” video where you record yourself talking or giving a demonstration. You can also create screencasts for things like software or web-based tutorials. There’s also side-by-side Skype video interviews. Lots of options!
In addition to the items on the checklist for creating a traditional audio podcast, you’ll need a video camera and video editing software.
How To Create A Video Podcast: Hardware
I have a couple of inexpensive hand-held HD quality video cameras, similar to the Flip Video, which work great for shooting video on the go. Very compact and portable, and super simple to use.
I prefer the RCA EZ300HD Small Wonder for it’s simplicity, but mainly for it’s flip-out screen – which is ideal for self-recording. With a Flip and most other handheld camera styles, which do not have a flip-out lens, you’ll have a hard time framing yourself correctly in the video if you’re on the other side of the camera. 
I’m currently looking at upgrading to a higher quality camera to set up in my home office. Not necessarily pro-quality (or pro-price) but a good high quality mid-range HD video camera that also takes quality still pics.
While reviewing Jeff Walker’s free product launch formula blueprint, I noticed that he had a camera listed in the resources section – so I’m checking that out. It’s the Canon VIXIA HF S20 Dual Flash Memory Camcorder – 2010 MODEL
So the first step is a decent quality HD video camera to shoot your video podcasts. And yes, the Flip or similar will work. I’ve even seen people record video podcasts via iMovie on a Macbook Pro.
Tip: You want to record & publish your video podcast in HD format so make sure you have a camera that supports that.
Next is video editing…
How To Create A Video Podcast: Software
I use iMovie on the Mac for video editing, and Camtasia Studio on the PC. There is also an open source video editing software similar to Camtasia called CamStudio.
Anyone can shoot a video and upload it to YouTube, but for a video podcast I recommend you go the extra mile. Create a custom intro, use cool transitions, etc. I’m no video pro myself, but you can study the help files or tutorials for your video editing software. You’ll also find tons of tips & tricks on the web.
If you are not the creative type, you can get a video intro clip created fairly easy. Just post a job request at freelance sites, or ask around for recommendations. You can also purchase a stock video – or a video theme/template to customize yourself. Search Google for “video intro theme”, “video intro templates”, and “introduction video clips” as a start.
Once you create your first video podcast episode, you’ll want to upload it to the web and start building your subscriber base.
Just like with an audio podcast you’ll need a host that offers plenty of storage & bandwidth – at a low price. The ideal hosting solution is Amazon S3.
The PodPress WordPress Plugin, which I recommended for audio podcasts, also supports video podcasts. It will create an RSS Feed for your video podcast which you can then submit to iTunes. It will also allow you to embed your episodes into individual blog posts, which you can optimize for free search engine traffic.
In addition to these basic promotion strategies, with a video podcast you’ll have the added benefit of being able to submit your feed to video podcast directories.
Refer back to the checklist on How To Create A Podcast for links and additional resources for setting up your video podcast.
Have questions – or want to share additional tips & resources for how to create a video podcast? Leave us a comment below!
Best,
p.s. Subscribe for email notification below so you don’t miss a single post in this Podcasting series – which is also where I’ll send you the free report on how to create a podcast. That report won’t be available for free any other way so be sure you are subscribed now if you want to get a copy!
Original post by Lynn Terry and software by Elliott Back
