The Pros and Cons of Going Video: Let’s Talk

The Pros and Cons of Going Video: Let’s Talk

Author: Dave Jackson February 23, 2026 Duration: 55:52
School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
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Hey, it's Dave Jackson! In this episode, Ishare my talk that I did at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) about video podcasting. What are the real benefits, the costs, and the drawbacks? I also tackled the recent Apple announcement about HLS video, shared my NRB event experience, and got into some real stats and stories about YouTube and podcasting.

This episode uses chapters to enable you to jump to the most important parts for you.

Key Topics Covered:

  1. The difference between a podcast and a YouTube show
  2. Stats on how many podcasters are actually doing "real" video
  3. YouTube's change to how Shorts views are counted
  4. Pros and cons of YouTube for discovery and monetization
  5. Cost breakdowns of starting both audio and video podcasts
  6. Completion percentages for audio vs video shows
  7. Algorithm reality and how audience recommendations work
  8. Major drawbacks of relying on video platforms for income
  9. The new Apple HLS video announcement: what it means, who it's for, and whether you should care
  10. Real examples of creators' experiences on YouTube

My Takeaways:

You don't have to do video if you don't want to. Video can help with discovery, but the audio side offers significantly more opportunity—sometimes a 15x larger audience! Also, while YouTube provides community and powerful analytics, the algorithm and monetization risks are real. The new Apple HLS video support is mostly about helping advertisers, not creators, and comes with new costs.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

  1. School of Podcasting: schoolofpodcasting.com
  2. Podcast Host Survey (Dr. Colin Gray): thepodcasthost.com
  3. The Truth About ‘Video Podcasts’ on YouTube
  4. These 5 Podcasters Added Video – Here’s What Happened
  5. PodcastIndex stats: podcastindex.org
  6. Hosting Recommendations:
  7. Captivate: captivate.fm
  8. Buzzsprout: buzzsprout.com
  9. RSS.com: rss.com
  10. Blubrry: blubrry.com
  11. Think Media (YouTube demonetization video): thinkmedia.com
  12. Truth Unveiled with Ralph (Ralph Eastep):
  13. Sponsor Magnet book by Justin Moore:
  14. Profit from Your Podcast (my book):
  15. Streamline Solopreneur with Joe Casabona
  16. Around the Layout (Ray)
  17. Podpage (Podcast Website builder): podpage.com
  18. Podnews details on Apple announcement on HLS
  19. Jordan Harbinger on the New Media Show
  20. Professor of Rock on AI Ruining YouTube.
  21. Rob Walch talks about Club Random

Other Tools Mentioned:

  1. Samson Q2U mic, Rode PodMic USB, Shure MV7 and SM7B, Audio-Technica AT897 Shotgun Condenser Microphone (mic options)
  2. Elgato Facecam Pro, Sony ZV-E10 II (camera options)
  3. Descript & Riverside (remote video recorders/editors)
  4. Patreon & SuperCast (crowdfunding)
  5. Ecamm Live (live streaming tool)
  6. Inexpensive Lighting Rig

Final Thoughts:

If you want to do video, go ahead—but know the realities and risks. Don't let anyone (especially YouTube or Spotify) pressure you into it unless it suits your content and goals. And keep in mind, when Apple rolls out its new features, it’s likely to come with extra charges, so stay informed!

If you need help planning, launching, or growing your show, check out schoolofpodcasting.com and use coupon code LISTENER.

Please share the episode with a friend if you found it helpful!

Send people to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/1024

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Your Podcast Up and Going in Six Weeks

Dreaming of starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? Podcasting in Six Weeks gives you a clear, step-by-step path to go from idea to launch with confidence. This practical course is designed to help you create, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast in just six weeks. Whether you're starting from scratch or feeling overwhelmed by the technical side, you'll get the guidance, structure, and


Thinking about launching your own show but feel overwhelmed by the technical details or unsure if anyone will listen? You're not alone. School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast is a steady, practical guide through that entire process, hosted by Dave Jackson. With his induction into the Podcaster Hall of Fame, Dave draws from over eighteen years of direct experience, turning complex topics into actionable steps. Instead of just theory, each episode focuses on real-world application, whether you're choosing a microphone, structuring an episode, or figuring out how to turn your passion into a sustainable endeavor. The conversations here cut through the noise and common hype, emphasizing the pitfalls to avoid-the costly mistakes that can stall a new show before it finds its audience. You'll hear detailed discussions on audio editing, interview techniques, audience growth strategies, and the often-overlooked aspects of consistency and marketing. This isn't about fleeting trends; it's about building a solid foundation for your voice. Dave's approach feels like a direct mentorship, making the often-intimidating world of podcasting feel accessible and manageable. Whether you're stuck at the starting line or looking to refine an existing show, this podcast serves as a comprehensive resource, demystifying the journey from a simple idea to a polished, growing podcast. The tone is straightforward and encouraging, designed to replace anxiety with a clear plan.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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