Got your equipment and ideas all set, but can’t decide what video podcast software will be best?
We get it. It can be difficult to choose the right podcast software with all the options available. If you’re recording remotely, your choice is even more important, because you’ve got to make sure your video is safe from faulty internet connection.
This article is here to help! We’ll guide you on finding the best video podcast software to record, edit, and publish that wonderful podcast of yours.
What video podcast software do you need?
The video podcast software you need depends on what podcast you’re creating, as well as the setup you are using. For example, if you’re just creating a video podcast of a static image with audio running, it’ll be a lot different from creating a fully-filmed podcast show.
If you're looking to create the real thing, you’ll want software for:
Video recording (remotely or in-person)
Podcast video editing
Video hosting, publishing and distribution
We cover recording, editing, and publishing software in more detail and look at what the best podcast video creator for you based on your needs. But first, let’s look into different setups for video recordings and how they impact the software you’ll need.
Podcast software for on-premise recordings
Go ahead - press the record button on your camera. If you’re recording on-premise you can record directly on your equipment devices, only to upload your recordings to your computer afterward. To save you time and effort, we suggest connecting your devices to video podcast software. In this way, you can record while your files automatically save on your computer. Most editing video software come with these capabilities, and we’ll touch upon them later in this blog.
Podcast software for remote recordings
What about remote recordings? For remote recordings, you will have to use video podcast software, but you’ll specifically need remote recording software. This basically means that you’ll be able to record podcasts from anywhere, even from home. Luckily there are many video podcast software free and paid for home use.
Let’s dive into remote recording software! We’ll start by looking at what you need to consider for choosing software for recording podcasts remotely and then move onto what platforms we recommend.
What makes a good remote video podcast software?
It allows you to easily podcast like a pro without burning a hole in your pocket. This includes preventing bad-sounding and -looking recordings due to latency and call dropouts due to crappy Internet connection.
It saves time because we understand that your time, the co-host’s time, and your guests’ time are valuable.
Allows you to focus on what matters, such as delivering quality content and engaging with your guests and co-hosts.
The best software for video podcasting remotely
We’re arguably a tad biased on the best video podcast software (hey, full disclosure here!), but here are some great video podcast makers that you can choose from:
1. Riverside
With up to 4K video resolution, unaffected by your internet connection, Riverside is a top option for recording remotely. We use local recording, so all files are captured directly on your and your guests' devices instead of relying on internet connection. This means you achieve high-quality results each time! But Riverside offers a whole lot more. Here are some key features:
High resolution with up to 4K video and 48kHz audio
Local recording, with no dropouts due to poor connection.
Synced separate audio and video tracks for each participant to ensure smooth and flexible post-production.
Up to 8 participants, including co-hosts/guests in each session.
Uncompressed audio and video: WAV and MP4 files are provided for crisp audio and video.
Editor for automated fine-tuning, customizations, and more!
iOS and Android video podcast mobile app so that you and your guests can tune in from any device.
Although, Skype is initially a video calling platform, you can also use it for podcasting. On the one hand, guests may have greater familiarity with the platform and brand, but Skype lacks features such as local recording and high resolution.
If you’re interested in Skype, note:
The recording is not done locally; the recording is done via the Internet.
Recording can sound patchy or dissimilar between participants, depending on the Internet quality. This makes the recording sound less like a natural conversation, and a podcast audience may find it difficult to listen to the episode in full.
Guests have to have an account in order to join a session, proving an unwanted inconvenience.
3. Zoom
Just like Skype, Zoom can also be used for podcast recording. It’s actually quite a popular option. With Zoom, you can record video directly on the platform, and you also have the option to capture separate audio tracks. If you don’t need separate video files for each participant this may be an option.
Be aware that with Zoom:
The recording is not done locally; the recording is done via the Internet
Audio files are compressed; you will get a less-than-perfect sounding podcast.
Recording can sound patchy or dissimilar between participants, depending on the Internet quality (if you are not recording locally). This makes the recording sound less like a natural conversation, and a podcast audience may find it difficult to listen to the episode in full.
4. Zencastr
Just like Riverside, Zencastr is a local video podcast recording software. This means there are no dropouts due to poor connection. The platform also offers extra post-production tools at a fee, a soundboard, and uncompressed files on the paid plans. It’s worth noting that you can’t live stream on Zencastr and the platform is no longer solely dedicated to recording. You also have to pay a lot to access many of the features.
Squadcast offers local recording as well, but only at up to 1080p Full HD. You can record with up to 10 participants in each session on the higher tier plans and you can also download uncompressed WAV audio. While you can’t edit directly on Squadcast, you can download separate tracks and use their Auphonic integration. Overall, it’s quite an expensive video podcast recording software with plans starting at $40 per month.
Note that many of these offer free recording plans and can act as free video podcast software as well.
Video podcast editing
Next, you will need to edit your podcast.
You will need to decide how much you want to edit your content. This boils down to your various factors, such as your podcast style, your available time, and the number of camera angles you have.
For episodes you have live-streamed to your social media channels, you may also choose to edit the episode further and later publish it on the dedicated podcast platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
To help you out on how to edit a video podcast, these are some steps we recommend:
Sync your audio and video to avoid mismatched lips and movement.
Create and customize your visual layout. For example, you can have your speakers on split-screen side by side, or you can have one speaker displayed at a time.
Trim and crop your podcast video to cut out unwanted content, awkward noises and to create a flowing narrative.
Add in sound effects such as background music, an intro outro, and anything else you’d like to spice up your podcast.
Fine-tune your audio with mixing, equalization, and other tools such as noise reduction.
For more on how to edit podcast videos watch the video below:
Did you know that Riverside has a built-in editor? You can seamlessly polish your podcast straight after recording with no need for extra software. Customize your recording, touch up your audio or create short shareable clips. Give it a go and start creating podcasts effortlessly with Riverside.
The best video podcast editing software
For clean and great-sounding audio, we recommend that you use a dedicated Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), also simply known as an audio recording/mixing/editing software, to edit your high-quality audio file.
You can edit your video and piece it together with your edited audio file via video editing software when you are done.
Some video editors may have audio editing tools as well, or they might integrate with a DAW which is something worth looking out for. (For example, if you’re using Premiere Pro you can easily use its Audition integration to edit your video’s audio on a dedicated audio editor).
Here is a list of editing software that you can use to edit your podcast and ensure you have the best audio quality:
While this list covers some of the best podcast editing software, you can also find recording and editing software combined in one platform. For example, Riverside.fm, not only records in high-quality resolution, but it also has tools for fine-tuning audio, customizing your podcast with logos and backgrounds, as well as turning your video content into short, shareable clips within minutes.
Read our video editing software guide for more detailed reviews on which platform is right for your podcast.
How and where to publish your video podcast
We’re at the home stretch now - it’s time to publish your video podcast! There are two routes to this:
Publish via podcast hosting platforms
Publish directly to video platforms (e.g., YouTube)
Publish with video podcast hosting software
You can publish your content on a podcast hosting platform that supports video podcasts. If authorized by you, the hosting platform can directly share your podcast with other platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
Note that some hosting platforms simply add a static image to your audio podcast when published to these social media platforms. We reckon that if you’ve come this far, that is not the solution you are looking for.
These are the hosting platforms that we understand support proper video hosting:
Publish directly to video platforms (e.g., YouTube)
You can also choose to publish your video podcast directly to the various platforms. For instance, you can create a YouTube account for your podcast and publish both your long-form podcast and your smaller bite-sized clips. A YouTube podcast has many benefits.
You’ve likely already got an idea of how to create a video podcast just by looking at the software you need. Either way, we’ll outline the process in a little more detail.
1. Plan and prepare your podcast.
Before you do anything else, you’ll want to plan a topic and think about the type of show you want to create. This can include what guests you’ll invite, the format you’re interested in, and more.
2. Set up your studio and video equipment.
We’ve got a full list of some video podcast equipment you should consider for your setup. You’d want a microphone, video camera, and headphones at the very least. Although, it’s worth considering other accessories such as video lighting, and a pop filter.
3. Record your podcast audio and video.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, you can either record in person directly on your equipment, or you can use recording software. Recording software is a necessity for remote recording, but you can easily find a great one on our list.
4. Edit your video with suitable podcast video editing software
We also covered editing software. When it comes to editing, you’ll want to trim out unwanted parts, fine-tune your audio, and polish your podcast. You can check out our full guide on podcast editing for more.
5. Upload your podcast to a suitable hosting platform.
Find a video-compatible podcast host and upload your finished recording. You’ll use this host to store your podcasts and automate sharing to other platforms.
6. Publish and distribute your podcast.
Your last step is to share your podcast! As we mentioned, you can do this through a video podcast directory. You may also want to share your podcast on YouTube or other social media for extra exposure.
For more information, we have a full guide on how to start a video podcast. You can also watch the video below on starting a podcast:
Start recording with Riverside
Easily record high-quality podcasts & videos remotely
Yes, video podcasts are actually growing in popularity. Podcast platforms like Spotify recently jumped on board, and it seems more and more podcasters are switching to video. Want to know why video podcasts are worth it?
You can use a reliable camera and microphone to record a video podcast. We have a whole guide on choosing a podcast camera to help you out. It’s best to go for something that records at least in HD quality, and make sure that if you’re using video podcast recording software it is compatible with the camera and equipment you’d like to use.
What software do I need to run a video podcast?
You can use any of the software we’ve mentioned above to run a podcast. Riverside is a great option for both recording and editing video podcast software. As for hosting a podcast, you can always try Anchor which distributes video content easily to Spotify.
What is the best free video podcast recording software?
If you’re looking for video podcast recording software for high-quality video without the high expense, you’re in luck! It’s totally possible to use free software to record a video podcast without losing quality. For the best free video podcast software, we recommend you try Riverside’s free plan, which offers you all the recording and editing tools you need. You can also try Zoom, but note that this is more of a meeting platform and it’s not specialized for podcasting and high-end resolution recording.
What is the best software for video podcasts on YouTube?
Video podcast recording software for YouTube videos is no different than if you were creating a podcast for another video platform. You can use any of the options we’ve listed in this article, just keep in mind that you’ll want to make sure your video meets YouTube’s requirements.
Can you record a video podcast on your phone?
Yes! You can, and if you’ve got a high-quality phone camera it might be a great way to go. We’ve got a full guide on how to record a podcast from your phone. You can always try Riverside’s mobile recording app if you’re recording remotely.
Can you use Audacity for video editing podcasts?
Wondering if Audacity can edit videos?
Well unfortunately you can’t edit video, only audio, in Audacity. Audacity is not a video editor and only supports audio editing. If you’re looking for free video editing software specifically for podcasts try Riverside’s free plan. For editing-only video software you can try:
Podcast interviews with guests from 2 locations is tricky, but it can be easier. We'll show you how to record a high-quality podcast remotely effortlessly.
Podcast editing can transform a mediocre podcast into a great one. In this post, we’ll show you the process and top pieces of software for podcast editing.
Riverside.fm is an audio-video tool that collapses the pod/broadcast studio experience into your browser. The service captures lossless audio and up to 4K video locally, syncs it, and uploads as you go.
Riverside.fm is an audio-video tool that collapses the pod/broadcast studio experience into your browser. The service captures lossless audio and up to 4K video locally, syncs it, and uploads as you go.
Riverside.fm is an audio-video tool that collapses the pod/broadcast studio experience into your browser. The service captures lossless audio and up to 4K video locally, syncs it, and uploads as you go.
“YouTube has the infrastructure to introduce audio hosting and origination, and match it to video with all the rich analytics it already provides. A seamless creator experience, plus SEO marketing tools, plus the benefit of being a platform most have been conditioned to equal. Give it a turn-key opportunity to activate a more cohesive strategy around both video and audio, to the benefit of all parties.”
A.J. Feliciano | Head of Podcast Network
“People are working from home more and more. Audio-only is not as in-demand because the need to multitask while commuting is no longer there.”
Stone Roshell | Head of Podcast Production
“Live streaming may become the biggest way to grow using video for your podcast.”
Stone Roshell | Head of Podcast Production
“With major platforms like Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube putting more resources into video podcasts.. now is a uniquely opportune moment for smart creators to harness that energy by investing in video for audience growth.”