When it comes to creating video podcasts the standard format is to use a camera to record the faces of the hosts and guests as if they’re being interviewed for TV. However, there are some, especially for longer videos, that like to mix in additional content to keep the audience’s attention. Therefore, some podcasters consider using pre-recorded materials.
In this article, we look at the potential to use these and how they can impact the success of a podcast.
What are Pre-Recorded Materials?
Pre-recorded materials are those video clips, sounds, or images that are not recorded at the same time as the podcast. In most examples, they’re created before the recording of the episode. However, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes you might record the podcast and then want to insert something to demonstrate a point, so record additional material later.
In this article, we’ll be treating both styles the same.
Pre-recorded materials can also be unique to the podcaster, stock content, or User Generated Content and there are many ways this can be utilized. For example, some pre-recorded materials might include soundbites from interviews with experts or the general public. You might, alternatively, use clips from previous shows or other media.
The Advantages of Pre-Recorded Materials
There are numerous advantages of pre-recorded materials that can help your video podcasts stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the benefits.
Make Video Podcasts More Engaging
Some podcasters don’t show their faces on camera and instead have a title card. This can appear relatively boring for some audiences. Therefore, adding more visuals can retain audiences longer on video podcasts which means your statistics are better for the shows.
On YouTube and other video-sharing websites, the longer audiences stay on the podcast, the better the ranking for the video. Therefore, getting higher retention rates can be a good way to attract audiences.
Have More Detailed Examples
Another benefit is that when you’re talking about more complex operations or concepts, you can build a picture and demonstrate the points more clearly. A visual set of cues can be more detailed and help people understand concepts better.
It also means that you can be more detailed, not relying on generalizations that can sometimes be less than effective for audiences.
Can Add a Range of Viewpoints
Sometimes it can be hard for you to have more than two guests. That is where pre-recorded content can be beneficial because you can include viewpoints from numerous different people. If you are showcasing concepts from a trade conference, for instance, include numerous points from the presenters.
Or you could be talking to the public and want to have as many snippets from the public as possible.
Adds Relevance to Videos
If you’re hosting an episode or series about events, then you can include snippets from the events to add relevance to the podcast episodes. It can add a lot of great content from the actual event and improve the sense that your audience is at the event.
Adds a Reminder
If you’ve made a good point or have a highlight from a previous show, you can use the pre-recorded clip to help you remind audiences of past episodes. This can be very effective and allows you to save time and keep the message consistent. You can relay information from past guests more accurately.
Save Costs
If you want to use videos to make video podcasts more visually interesting, using pre-recorded content can lower production costs. You can get stock footage on some online stores which can be used several times, at a reasonable price.
Or, you can use the same clip from previous shows to reduce costs.
Advertising
You can use pre-recorded adverts to introduce sponsors and collect advertising revenue. This can be very effective because you can get the sponsor to record their segment and edit it into your podcast episode. It can also be a good way to add breaks during recording for live podcasts.
But is Adding Pre-Recorded Content Relevant?
There are several different reasons why you might want to add pre-recorded content to your content. But is it the right thing to do? There are various thoughts on why you should or shouldn’t add pre-recorded content to a podcast.
For one, adding pre-recorded content can enhance episode performance, allowing you to build a higher-quality episode. But it can also cause a lower quality of content, especially if you’ve taken
soundbites from the public that aren’t in a podcast studio and you get a lot of background noise.
Another issue that you might have for your video podcast is that it might move your podcast into a YouTube video domain, which can be very different. If you’re using a lot of pre-recorded segments, it would risk moving your podcast into another marketing channel. It depends on the specific amount of pre-recorded content you want to use.
For instance, if you use small sections, such as soundbites, or clips from previous shows, this can be relatively effective. Or if you’re referencing either an expert on a show, a show, or even an event, having a small clip from there can be very effective.
You might also want to use videos to keep interest in a video podcast. Or have diagrams to display when you’re talking about specific concepts. It can be effective, but not always. So always use your best judgment.
FAQs
Are pre-recording segments a great idea for business podcasts?
There are some instances where you might want to add pre-recorded segments for your
podcast. For instance, if you’re covering a business event or, you want to use clips from previous shows. However, most business podcasts don’t use pre-recorded segments.
Can you use pre-recorded segments to promote sponsors?
One of the most common uses of pre-recorded segments is to promote sponsors. These can be added to shows in various places to help your video podcast earn money.
Can I use interview clips with the public inside a podcast show?
Yes, this can be an effective way to utilize pre-recorded content within a podcast show. This can be a great way to incorporate other ideas within a show.
Final Word: Can You Add Pre-Recorded Materials to Video Podcasts?
Pre-recorded materials can be added to a video podcast, but it isn’t always the best option for every video podcast. But they can help add relevant content or interest if you have a long podcast and want to reference something.
Produce Your Podcast is a full-service podcast production, editing, and marketing agency specializing in helping brands launch, grow, and monetize successful podcasts that impact their bottom line. With 30+ years of experience in broadcasting and business development brought to every project we work on, our team of experts is a reliable partner to help you achieve your goals with your show.
Click here to schedule a conversation with our team today and let’s bring your show to life!
