How to Watch a Podcast: Visuals in an Audio Medium
I’m willing to bet that you know how to listen to a podcast. But what about watching one?
More and more podcasts are embracing the idea of repurposing their content and starting to publish video. So, if video is your forte, figuring out how to watch a podcast might be the best content consumption route for you.
So how do you watch a podcast and what apps allow you to do this? Let’s dig in!
Can You Watch a Podcast?
First thing’s first, can you actually watch a podcast? It really depends on the podcast. Whether it be a recorded interview or the podcast artwork displayed while the audio track plays on a YouTube video, not every podcast has a visual component.
That said, as podcast consumption apps like Spotify add video components, we’ll likely see an uptick in podcasts that are presented in both audio and video. Video podcasts most often take the form of simply a video recorded version of the podcast, whether it be an interview, co-hosts talking, or a solo show.
If you want to find out whether or not your favorite podcast has a visual component, your best bet is going to be checking out their website, social media channels, or simply asking them directly. For instances of shows where they don’t have a visual component, you can always reach out and ask if there will be one in the future.
How to Watch a Podcast
Are you interested in replacing your favorite audio-first podcasts with video shows? Luckily, it’s really easy to watch a podcast. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Find a Podcast App or Software That Plays Video
Not all podcasting apps allow you to watch video versions of podcasts, in fact, there isn’t a lot. Your top choice is going to be a platform like YouTube, but big audio apps, like Spotify, are starting to embrace video as well.
While you can often watch these podcast videos for free, if you want to watch them on your phone while you’re not going to be connected to the internet, you’re going to have to put some thought into the app. Most video-capable apps, like Spotify or YouTube, require a paid subscription to download content that you can listen to while you don’t have internet access.
2. Search for a Show
It helps to know in advance whether or not your favorite show has a video component. But if you’re new to the video podcasting world or have never listened to a podcast before, you might be starting from scratch.
For those looking for content to add to their playlist, try searching for a specific show (if you have one in mind), or search a topic. Even if your favorite show isn’t available, chances are there is something that you’ll be interested in finding.
If you already have an idea of a show you’d like to watch on video, you might want to reverse steps one and two. Especially if it’s a show that’s not available on all platforms. That said, confining your podcast watching to a single app will probably make your life way easier.
3. Press Play
Once you have your show all lined up, it’s time to hit that “play” button. If you’re planning on watching the podcast video while you’re on the road, you’ll want to download the episode (or a few) and press play when you’re ready to watch!
Enjoying a Video Podcast
Creating a video component of a podcast is considerably more work in editing and publishing than simply putting out an audio show. So, if your favorite podcast throws out a podcast video that you enjoy on a regular basis, let them know!
Giving podcasters personal feedback is a great way to let them know their hard work isn’t going unnoticed. They create their show for you, it’s great for them to hear you’re truly enjoying it.
