If you’re launching a podcast in 2026, you should be thinking video first.

Audio isn’t dead—not even close. But the shows growing fastest, getting discovered daily, and unlocking the biggest revenue opportunities are the ones pairing audio with video. Viewers want the visual connection: your face, your energy, your reactions, your authenticity. That trust builds faster on camera than it does in audio-only.

The good news: starting a video podcast is easier than it’s ever been. You don’t need a studio, a team, or a pile of cash. You just need a simple setup and a repeatable process.

Here’s a straightforward way to get up and running.

Step 1: Keep the Video Setup Simple

A lot of new podcasters get stuck thinking they need “the best camera.”

You don’t.

The more expensive you go, the more complicated the workflow becomes (lenses, lighting, file management, focus, color, and a hundred tiny problems). When you’re starting, your goal is consistent reps, not cinematic perfection.

Start with what you already have:

• Your phone

• A webcam

• A basic camera you already own

What matters most:

• The camera is eye-level

• You’re framed cleanly (not looking down at a laptop)

• Lighting is “decent,” not dramatic

Forget multi-camera setups at the start. Wide angles, close-ups, switching shots—none of that matters if you don’t ship episodes consistently.

Step 2: Prioritize Audio Over Everything

Here’s the truth: audio quality matters more than video quality.

Most people will tolerate average video if the audio is clean. But if the audio is harsh, echoey, or noisy, they’re gone—fast.

If you’re going to spend money anywhere, spend it on your microphone.

Beginner-friendly mic options (easy plug-and-play)

USB mics make life simple because they plug directly into your computer:

• Samson Q2U

• Audio-Technica ATR2100x

These are popular starter choices for a reason: they work right out of the box.

Extra small upgrade that helps a lot

Add a pop filter or windscreen. It reduces the harsh “P” and “B” sounds and makes your voice easier to listen to.

If you’re going to look “pro” in one way, make it audio.

Step 3: Use a Remote Recording Platform for Guests

Guest interviews are one of the easiest ways to grow:

• You borrow attention from other people’s audiences

• You build relationships fast

• You get better stories and better conversations than solo content alone

For guest episodes, you need a recording platform that handles:

• remote recording

• clean audio/video capture

• easy file exports

• simple guest onboarding

A tool like Riverside is popular for this because it’s designed for remote video podcasts and streamlines the whole process (recording, basic edits, and clip creation).

What to look for in any recording platform:

• Your guest can join easily (no tech headache)

• It checks audio/mic settings before recording

• You can download separate audio/video tracks if you want to edit more seriously later

Step 4: Edit Like a Normal Human

Editing is where most people burn out.

If you’re solo, don’t overcomplicate it. The goal is to remove the junk and publish.

Modern tools make editing feel closer to editing a document:

• cut sections quickly

• remove long pauses

• clean up filler words

• create basic layout switching for interviews

You can still do “real editing” later, but early on, speed wins. You’re building the habit first.

Step 5: Turn One Episode Into Multiple Pieces of Content

This is the biggest advantage of video podcasts: clips.

Short clips are how new people discover you. And here’s the key mindset shift:

The goal of clips isn’t always to pull people to the full episode.

Some people will subscribe. Great.

But many people will only ever see you on the platform where they found the clip. That’s still a win, because your ideas and your brand get in front of people who never would’ve searched for your full show.

A single episode can become:

• 5–10 short clips

• quote graphics

• teaser snippets

• topic-specific mini posts

That’s how you grow without recording every day.

Step 6: Pick Your Format and Commit

You don’t have to choose one style forever, but you do need a clear starting format.

Interview episodes

Great for networking, borrowing audiences, and adding variety.

Solo episodes

Great for becoming known for a point of view. If you do solo, do your best to speak directly to the lens (notes are fine—just don’t live in them).

Most podcasts benefit from a mix.

Step 7: Nail the Hook in the First 10 Seconds

The hook is the make-or-break moment.

People decide almost immediately if they’re staying. Your job in the first 10 seconds is to answer:

“Why should I care?”

Be clear about what they’re getting:

• the outcome

• the takeaway

• the promise

• the pain you’re solving

If you can’t explain it fast, the audience won’t stick around long enough to find out.

Step 8: Choose the Right Episode Length

There’s no magic time.

There are successful shows under 5 minutes and successful shows that run for hours. The real rule is:

• Don’t pad it with fluff.

• Don’t cut it short before you deliver what you promised.

Make it the length it needs to be to deliver value.

Step 9: Add Simple Visual Variety

You don’t need flashy editing, but a little variety helps retention.

Easy upgrades:

• occasional B-roll

• simple on-screen text (especially near the start)

• bullet points for key ideas

It keeps the video from feeling like one static shot forever.

Step 10: Distribute Everywhere That Matters

At minimum:

• Publish the full video on YouTube

• Publish the podcast audio to the major audio platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

• Post clips to wherever you already have attention (Instagram, TikTok, Shorts, Facebook, LinkedIn—pick a few and stay consistent)

Video podcasts win because they’re discoverable in more places, in more formats.

Final Thought

Starting a video podcast in 2026 is one of the best bets you can make for visibility and long-term growth—if you stay consistent.

Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Don’t overbuild the setup. Don’t get stuck in gear research.

Record the first episode. Publish it. Learn. Repeat.

You get better by doing.