Video Podcast Software: Record, Edit & Publish a Video Podcast

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.

Video podcasting 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. 

We suggest connecting your equipment to a computer so you can record straight into your video podcast software. This saves you time and effort as your files automatically save on your computer while you record. If you're recording with in-person guests, you'd do the same with their equipment, but you may need a mixer or audio interface for everything to connect smoothly.

Most editing video software software includes built-in recording, but we'd suggest using a dedicated recording platform. These often have automated features for leveling or controlling your audio and customizing your recording. Many of these platforms also facilitate remote or hybrid recording.

Remote video podcast recording software

What about remote recordings?

For remote recordings, you will have to use video podcast software, but you’ll specifically need remote recording software like Riverside. You’ll be able to record podcasts from anywhere, even from home and the same goes for your guests. Using remote software you can interview guests worldwide, no matter where they are, simply over your recording platform.

This is similar to online meeting software, the main difference being that there is more of a focus on recording features and capabilities. For example, we'd suggest using software that offers local recording. Here, everything records directly on each persons' device instead of relying on your internet connection.

Luckily, there are many options for remote video podcast software, both free and paid, so let’s dive in! 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.

Read more: The 15 Best Podcast Recording Software in 2024 (Mac & PC)

What makes a good remote video podcast software?

1. 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.‍
2. It saves time because we understand that your time, the co-host’s time, and your guests’ time are valuable.
3. Allows you to focus on what matters, such as delivering quality content and engaging with your guests and co-hosts.

The best video podcast recording software for a remote setup

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. Riverside uses local recording so we capture everything directly on yours 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 10 participants in each session
• Uncompressed audio and video: WAV and MP4 files are provided for crisp audio and video
• Highly accurate AI transcriptions available in over 100 languages, for easy open or closed captions
• Text-based editor where trimming your video is as simple as deleting text in your recording transcript
• Automated editing tools for fine-tuning audio and customizing your visual layout
• iOS and Android video podcast mobile app so that you and your guests can tune in from any device
• Media board for live sound effects
• Easy Magic Clips which uses Ai to turn key moments of your recordings into short shareable clips
• Web-based, making it easy for anybody to join, whether you use a Mac or Windows operating system
• Live streaming to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and more. You can even invite audiences to call in live
• Progressive uploading during the recording leads to fast uploading of local recording files

Want to put our platform to the test? Get started now!  

‍2. Skype

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. 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.

Read more: Riverside.fm as Zencastr Alternative: Which One is Best?

5. Squadcast

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 Descript integration. Overall, it’s quite an expensive video podcast recording software with plans starting at $40 per month.

Read more: Riverside.fm as Squadcast Alternative: Which One to Choose?

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.
• Turn your key moments into shareable clips you can share and promote your show with on social media

For more on how to edit podcast videos watch the video below:

The great thing is there are a wide range of tools available which can streamline your editing process. For example, with Riverside you'll get all your recording and editing tools in one place. Our editor uses AI software to speed up editing and improve your workflow. You can edit recordings, by editing a transcript and you can create clips, or remove long silences with just the tap of a button. Learn more, or try it out yourself!

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:

Audio:

• ‍Audacity - Free podcast editing software 
• GarageBand - Free for Mac users‍
• Adobe Audition - $20.99 USD/month‍
• Reaper - $60 USD: discounted license; $225 USD: commercial license

Read our audio editing software guide for more detailed reviews on which platform to choose.

Video & Edited Audio:

• Riverside text-based editor- Free, with paid plans starting at $15
• iMovie - Free for Mac users‍
• DaVinci Resolve - Free (additional features in a paid version for $299)‍
• Adobe Premiere Pro - $20.99 USD/month‍
• Final Cut Pro X - $299.99

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:

1. Publish via podcast hosting platforms
2. Publish directly to video platforms (e.g., YouTube)

Publish with video podcast hosting software

You can publish your content on a podcast platform that supports video podcast hosting. 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:

• Podbean
• Castos
• Libsyn
• Anchor (which integrates nicely with Riverside)

Read our guide for more on some of the best podcast hosting platforms.

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. 

Related article: How to Start a Podcast on YouTube in 6 Steps [2024 Guide]

How to create a video podcast

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:

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FAQs on Video Podcast Software

Is there such a thing as a video podcast?

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?

Check out the benefits of starting a video podcast.

What can I use to record a video podcast?

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:

• Lightworks
• HitFilm
• ClipChamp 

For more: The Best Video Editing Software for Every Level and Budget

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