Edit Podcast Audio & Video at the Same Time (EASY WORKFLOW) | Ep. 27
Editing podcast audio and video at the same time might sound like a podcast editing nightmare, but it doesn’t actually require more steps. So if you’re wondering how to edit a video podcast easily, for audio and YouTube podcasts, this is my easy video podcasting workflow.
There is a myth that editing a VIDEO podcast in addition to audio podcast takes more time and effort. The truth is, it only takes more time if you want it to.
In this episode, I’m going to share my video podcasting workflow so you can see that it all can happen at the same time without many extra steps at all!
Think video podcasting takes too much time vs audio-only? Let me show you how to edit both at the same time!
VIDEO: Edit Podcast Audio & Video at the Same Time (EASY WORKFLOW)
Some product links in this post are affiliate links, and I will be compensated when you purchase by clicking our links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Why Video Podcasts are Worth the Effort
The first barrier people cite when it comes to video podcasting is time. They worry about camera setups, editing footage, and looking presentable. However, the benefits of adding video to your podcast are undeniable. Video makes your content more discoverable, allowing your podcast to live on platforms like YouTube, which boasts an enormous potential audience. Why settle for fewer audio-only downloads when you could get consistent YouTube views that grow over time?
The reality is simple: A video podcast has the potential to reach more people, increasing your business’s visibility and audience engagement. YouTube’s discoverability and search engine power make video podcasts an essential tool for growth, and adding video content doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Related: YouTube Podcasts: Your Guide to Video Podcasting with YouTube
Debunking the Video Podcasting Myths
Myth #1: Video Requires Expensive Gear
The idea that you need fancy cameras and expensive equipment is outdated. You can use your phone’s camera or a basic webcam to record a great-looking video podcast. In fact, the content is what truly matters, not whether you’re shooting in 4K on a professional camera. Good lighting, simple framing, and clear audio will do wonders.
Myth #2: Editing Video is Too Time-Consuming
It’s often said that video requires extensive editing time. While there may be a couple of additional steps compared to an audio-only podcast, they don’t add as much time as you might think. Using platforms like Descript allows you to edit audio and video simultaneously, cutting down on your overall workload. You don’t need advanced video-editing skills either—just a repeatable workflow that you can use every time.
Related: My EXACT Video Creation Workflow (with Descript, Notion, and Ecamm)
Setting Up a Simple Workflow for Video Podcasting
The key to making video podcasting as simple as audio podcasting lies in workflow automation. If you follow the same steps every time, the process becomes second nature. Here’s how to set up your video podcast workflow:
1. Recording the Video and Audio
When recording a solo episode or interview, use software that separates the audio tracks for each speaker. This makes editing easier, as you can edit each speaker’s audio independently. Tools like Riverside.fm are great for this, and if you’re recording solo, tools like Descript allow you to manage both video and audio in one place.
In episode 24, I answered the question, “How important is video quality, really?” In that episode, I shared ways to mimic the look of a higher-quality camera, even if you’re using your phone or webcam, by focusing on lighting, framing, and similar techniques.
2. Editing Audio and Video Together
Editing doesn’t need to be complex. In fact, it can be as simple as editing audio alone. With Descript or other platforms like Final Cut Pro, CapCut, or iMovie, you can easily edit video and audio simultaneously. Cut out mistakes or ramblings like you would in audio editing—except now, both your audio and video are connected. The trick is not to overcomplicate things: you don’t need fancy transitions or effects. The content is the star of the show. Personally, my go-to for this is Descript, but like I said, the workflow is agnostic of whatever platform you’re working on.
The key to making audio and video editing at the same time efficient, without adding extra time, is to use a repeatable workflow—following the same steps like an assembly line every time. For me, I have a specific process I use to edit my video podcast for my regular solo episodes, which most of mine are. Then, I have a different set of steps when I have a guest.
There are a couple of things that make Descript my go-to editor for my video podcasts, and that is the fact that all of the cuts that you make are completely reversible. If you need to cut out a section and you cut it a little too close to the beginning of the next word and now it sounds weird, everything is undoable. That also means that you can make some edits to your audio quality and volume before you edit or after.
If you’re not already subscribed to my channel or you haven’t checked out the Descript tutorials that I already have, those are there for you. Make sure you hit subscribe and go check out those tutorials.
3. Exporting Files for Multiple Platforms
When exporting your finished product, you’ll want both a video file (MP4) for YouTube and an audio file (MP3) for your podcast hosting platform. Many hosting platforms, such as Buzzsprout, even allow you to upload video files directly. This simplifies your workflow, as you only need to upload one video version to both platforms.
If you prefer to optimize audio separately, you can use a service like Auphonic to process the audio file and adjust volumes, ensuring it sounds professional.
Related: Save Time with THIS YouTube Video Editing Workflow
The Importance of Thumbnails and Titles on YouTube
While audio podcasts rely solely on audio quality and content, video podcasts require an additional visual element to attract viewers, there is one important component to YouTube specifically that you don’t have to think much about at all when it comes to just an audio podcast, and that is your thumbnail. Your thumbnail on YouTube is a critical component to getting views and getting people who see the video to click the video.
Don’t worry—creating a great thumbnail doesn’t have to be difficult. You can create a consistent look by using a tool like Canva. Keep a set of photos of yourself handy, and combine them with some key text related to the topic of your episode. A well-designed thumbnail will entice people to watch your video and can significantly impact the success of your content on YouTube.
Look at my podcast playlist on YouTube, go to https://www.youtube.com/@meredithmarsh, go to the podcast tab, look at Video Brand Infusion, and you will see there’s a pattern to my thumbnails.
If you have questions about my video podcasting workflow, recording, editing, or planning, check my Video Brand Infusion Podcast, but feel free to reach out to me and let me know what questions you have about my workflow. The Video Brand Infusion Podcast, my entire channel is dedicated to helping you look good, sound good, and feel good on camera, and that comes down to recording, planning, editing, uploading, all that stuff to grow your business and grow your audience on the number one platform for growing your audience online, which is YouTube.
What Happens After Editing? Uploading Your Content
Once your editing is complete, it’s time to upload your podcast. As mentioned earlier, you can upload your video podcast to YouTube and your audio version to your podcast host, like Buzzsprout.
Be sure to include transcriptions of your podcast for SEO benefits. Tools like Otter.ai can help generate accurate transcriptions, which you can then add to your podcast platform or YouTube description. Not only will this make your content more accessible, but it will also improve its searchability.
Related: YouTube Publishing Workflow
Final Thoughts: Make Video Podcasting as Simple as Possible
The idea that video podcasting is overwhelming is mostly rooted in myth. The key to success is simplicity and consistency. If you follow a repeatable workflow, video podcasting won’t take much more time than audio-only podcasting—and the payoff can be huge. YouTube is one of the most powerful platforms for growing your audience, and adding video to your podcast will help you reach more people, grow your business, and engage with your community in a meaningful way.
Related: YouTube Podcast Setup (Set up YouTube Podcast)
Ready to Simplify Your Workflow?
With tools like Descript for editing, Canva for thumbnails, and Otter.ai for transcriptions, there’s no reason why adding video to your podcast should be daunting. The more you practice, the quicker and easier it will become.
And…. If you want more details about how I set up a YouTube funnel to work for my business and generate consistent sales of my courses and programs, I outlined the entire process in Episode 1 of the Video Brand Infusion podcast.
Related: Consistent Sales of Your Online Course with YouTube
Related: Consistent Sales of Your Online Course with YouTube
If you have an online business with a course, program, or any other kind of offer, and you’re not currently generating consistent sales on autopilot, I’d like to introduce you to the hands off youtube funnel that has made me over $20k on a $147 course! That way, you too can make consistent sales of your offer, with the beauty and simplicity of organic, evergreen traffic from YouTube! Start here with my free “AIT Method” training.