Should You Go Audio-Only, Hybrid, or Video-First?

Hi Reader,

One of the most common questions I see a lot with podcasters – right after “How do I grow my audience?” – is whether they should be doing video.

And honestly? It depends. I know, the usual cop-out phrase – but in this case, it really does.

So which one makes sense for your show?

Audio-Only

This is where most of us start. It’s just you, your mic, and your editing software.

Why it’s great:

• Super low barrier to entry. You can get started with just a decent mic.
• Easy for listeners to consume while commuting, working out, or cleaning the house.
• Faster to produce – no worrying about cameras, lighting, or what you look like.

Where it struggles:

• Discovery can be harder. Social media loves visuals, and audio-only shows can miss out on that.
• You can’t show your personality through facial expressions or body language.
• If you’re explaining something visual, it can be a challenge.

Best for: Storytelling podcasts, interviews where the focus is purely the conversation, fiction/audio dramas, news updates – anything where sound carries the whole experience.

Audio-First (with Video as a Bonus)

This is what I call the “best of both worlds” approach. Your focus stays on audio quality, but you capture video too – either the full episode or just clips.

Why it’s great:

• Lets you experiment with video without committing to a full video workflow.
• Repurposing is easy: TikToks, Reels, YouTube Shorts, audiograms.
• Sponsors love that their product/logo can appear visually as well.

Where it struggles:

• More time in post-production (syncing video + audio, editing clips).
• Requires a camera and lighting setup – poor visuals can hurt credibility.
• You might split your audience: some will watch, some will listen, which can complicate measuring success.

Best for: Interview shows, panel discussions, behind-the-scenes content, or anything where seeing the participants adds to the experience (but isn’t essential).

Video-First

This is where you flip the script and design the show for video – think talk shows, livestreams, or anything where visuals carry the experience.

Why it’s great:

• Massive discovery potential – YouTube search is a goldmine for discoverability.
• Viewers connect more deeply when they can see you.
• Endless repurposing possibilities (clips, memes, GIFs, behind-the-scenes content).

Where it struggles:

• It’s the most work: cameras, lighting, editing, maybe even a set.
• Being “camera ready” means every recording can be draining.
• Not all podcast formats benefit – if your show is narrative-driven, audio-only might actually be more immersive.

Best for: Shows where the visuals are part of the value – product demos, live performances, body language–heavy conversations, or visual comedy.

Where Things Are Headed

Video podcasts continue to grow and get much of the spotlight – especially with YouTube and Spotify pushing them heavily – but that doesn’t mean every podcaster should make the leap.

Many successful shows stay audio-only and focus on building strong communities. Others experiment with video and use it for discovery rather than the “main event.”

Your format should drive your decision, not the latest trend. A gripping true-crime series probably doesn’t need video. A comedy improv show might thrive on it.

There’s no one-size-fits-all here.

• If your podcast is deeply narrative or immersive, stay audio-first and double down on sound design.
• If you want discoverability, try hybrid and use short video clips to promote episodes.
• If visuals make your show better (or are core to the content), lean into video-first.

The best format is the one that lets you show up consistently and deliver value to your listeners – not the one that burns you out because “everyone else is doing it.” Create great content, whatever that looks like – that’s what will help grow your show.

Until the next time, happy podcasting.

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