Starting a video podcast comes with an annoying equipment problem. Whether you're upgrading from audio-only or diving in fresh, suddenly you need cameras and lights, and you have to think about being presentable on camera. The gear requirements pile up faster than excuses not to start a video podcast in the first place.

The worst part is trying to figure out what equipment you actually need versus what you can skip. The internet is absolutely no help. Search results are a maze of contradictions—one article swears all you need is your laptop camera, while another insists you're doomed without a professional DSLR. There's no consensus, just endless opinions masquerading as facts.

To spare you that frustrating digital scavenger hunt, I've compiled what I've actually learned from launching my own video podcast, plus insights from someone who actually knows what she's talking about—my colleague Tiffani Bauer, a former video producer here at Descript.

Your equipment needs depend entirely on the type of show you're creating, so we've organized this guide accordingly, with sections on remote and in-person recording, and recommendations based on how much effort and money you're willing to invest in video equipment.

Video podcast setup for remote recordings:

• Low effort, minimal cost
• Medium effort, moderate cost
• High effort, high cost

Video podcast setup for in-person recordings:

• Low effort, minimal cost
• Medium effort, moderate cost
• High effort, high cost

But here's the most important thing to remember: don't let equipment limitations stop you from creating. You can make a quality video podcast without spending anything extra on hardware. As Tiff puts it, "The best tools to use are the tools you have." Sometimes the most professional move is just starting with what you've got.

TIFF TIP: As our resident video expert would say, “The best tools to use are the tools you have.” Don't feel like you need to break the bank to produce a quality video podcast, and don't let access to professional gear keep you from bringing your creative vision to life.

Remote video podcast setup guide

Budget-friendly remote setup options

Camera and video recording software

The bare minimum you need to start a video podcast is a device with a built-in camera — a laptop, tablet, or smartphone — and an internet connection. Got an interview podcast? Set up a Zoom meeting and record it. That's it. You just filmed a video podcast. A video podcast combines audio content with visual elements, giving your audience the option to either watch or just listen to your content.

Microphone

Zoom does a decent enough job picking up your audio; just make sure you have a reliable internet connection. If audio is choppy during the call, it'll be even worse in the recording. For a basic video podcast setup, audio quality is arguably more important than video quality.

When people go to listen to a clip on social media or tune into your YouTube videos and can't hear you, they won't come back for future video content. Poor audio quality is the number one reason viewers abandon video podcasts, regardless of how good your visual setup might be.

If you experience repeated issues, look into ethernet cable connections.

Headphones

As a content creator, if you're only going to buy one piece of equipment, make it headphones, which are key for your audio pod as well. For video, you can use what you've got — but not wireless headphones, and especially not AirPods.

Bluetooth has come a long way since the '90s, but you'll still lose a ton of audio quality in recording.

Lighting

There's no point in doing a recorded video podcast if nobody can see you. Try to avoid sitting with your back to a window — facing one is good, though. If you don't want to or can't buy lights, just put your camera between you and a window. To replace or enhance natural light, grab a couple of lamps and position them where they light your face. Good lighting is essential for a professional-looking video podcast setup.

Space

The quietest room you have in your home will be fine for your video podcast studio setup. Since you're on video, clean your room before you get recording. If you're really worried about background distractions, consider purchasing a simple room divider or try a green screen.

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Mid-range equipment recommendations

TIFF TIP: If you're going to invest in video podcast recording equipment, start with audio. As counterintuitive as it may sound, audio is far more important than video, even for a video podcast. Nothing distracts listeners or viewers like a drastic volume spike between speakers or a constant hum while the host is monologuing.

Camera

You probably already have a high-quality video production studio in your pocket. Smartphone cameras like the one on the iPhone are way better than laptop cameras, and better than all but the most expensive webcams. For 1080p resolution video podcasting, a recent smartphone model will provide excellent quality.

You'll need to mount it somehow; you could get a portable tripod, and most ring lights (see below) have phone mounts, so that's a two-birds, one-stone purchase. And you'll have to connect it to your laptop to record; the inexpensive mobile app Camo, which turns your phone into a webcam, is a great option.

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Recording software

You can achieve much higher video quality for not much higher cost with podcast platforms like Riverside or SquadCast. These specialized video podcast recording platforms offer features specifically designed for creating professional-looking video podcast content.

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They let you record separate audio and video tracks for every guest, which means a lot more control in post-production — but also more work (editing multi-track recordings is harder). Plus, they record locally, so your recordings shouldn't be too affected by anybody's internet connection. This is crucial for maintaining consistent quality in your video podcast setup.

As a bonus, you can export your recordings to Descript with the click of a button, so you can jump right into video editing without sitting around waiting for files to download and upload.

Microphone

Per Tiff's advice on audio above, an external microphone is a good place to spend a modest budget. We recommend a directional mic, like the Blue Yeti, but you could also try something like a lav, which clips onto your clothing. Again, don't touch anything wireless — Bluetooth will butcher your sound quality. For video podcasting, audio clarity can make or break your content.

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Headphones

Now that you're using something other than Zoom, headphones become more important especially if you're live streaming. You want to use wired headphones to cut out any interference from your other podcasters talking. They'll be especially valuable when you're editing. For video podcast setups, closed-back headphones are ideal as they prevent audio bleed.

Here are some podcasting headphones for under $100:

• CAD Audio MH510
• Shure SRH440A
• Sony MDR-7506

Lighting

If you want to brighten things up a bit, try a ring light. You can find pretty affordable clip-on ring lights that don't need a stand or a fancy rig. For video podcast setups under $100, a 10-inch ring light provides sufficient illumination for most face shots.

Ideally, all of your co-hosts and guests would use the same one, so you can all have a similar amount of light across the board. Plus, as noted above, most ring lights have a phone mount.

Space

There's no reason you can't shoot at home for your video podcast setup. Here are a few easy upgrades: Try to put the camera just above eye-level, so it's looking down on you. It's a more flattering angle and will help avoid shadows on your face. And try to position yourself with a corner behind you — the lines make things more interesting without creating too much distraction.

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Professional remote recording setup

Camera

If you're recording remotely, there's really only so much you can do to increase your camera quality. Your best bet is to use your smartphone and encourage your guests to do the same.

Microphone

If you and your cohosts or guests don't all have wired directional microphones, get them. They'll create a much richer, more focused soundscape that will elevate your own podcast across the board. You can also add a pop filter to help cut down on harsh sounds or syllables. For professional video podcast setups, the Shure SM58 ($99) or Audio-Technica AT2020 ($99) are excellent entry-level XLR options.

Headphones

Invest in an over-the-ear headphone that covers your entire ear. This will help block ambient noise, but skip anything that's noise-canceling. And, for recording, make sure you wear closed-back headphones so unwanted sounds don't bleed into your mic.

Lighting

You could block out windows so the lighting won't change based on weather or time of day. And, if you don't already have a clip-on ring light, check out some of the higher-end ones with stands and various lighting presets. Consistent lighting is crucial for maintaining a professional look across all your video podcast episodes.

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Space

So you cleaned your room and elevated your camera. Maybe add a plant or some relevant, non-distracting decorations, but try to get decor standard between all talking heads. For a cohesive video podcast studio setup, consider using a consistent backdrop or wall color. Ultimately, it's all subjective, so trust your gut.

Advanced post-production tips and distribution strategies

Polished post-production can transform raw footage into a professional-level video podcast, strengthening your show's credibility. Free editing software like DaVinci Resolve offers robust color correction tools and advanced timeline features for refining your visuals [source]. Meanwhile, exporting consistent audio levels across episodes is simplified by automated tools such as Adobe Audition’s “Match Loudness” feature or the online service Auphonic [source]. Once your episode is polished, consider uploading the full video to YouTube for discovered-based SEO while distributing an audio-only version to Apple Podcasts. To maximize audience reach, break down highlights into short B-roll segments that can be shared on TikTok or Instagram, enticing viewers to watch the full episode [source].

In-person video podcast setup guide

TIFF TIP: Filming in person is going to be a lot more time- and labor-intensive than remote recording. It just is. This isn't to dissuade you from trying, but it might be worth doing a few episodes on Zoom before investing in the equipment you'll need to create something good in person.

Budget-friendly in-person setup options

Camera

You'll be hard-pressed to find an easier, more affordable option than your iOS or Android camera — all you need is a phone tripod or some other kind of mount. If you're moving around, you can use selfie mode to ensure you stay in frame, but if you're standing still, try setting up your phone on a tripod and using the front-facing camera, which is usually much higher quality. Most modern smartphones can record in 4K, which is perfect for video podcast setups.

‍Microphone

Your phone may make for a good camera, but when you're filming, the microphone is too far away to be useful. Look into directional podcast microphones like the Blue Yeti. For video podcasting, aim for microphones with at least 16-bit/48kHz recording quality to ensure your audio matches your visual quality.

‍Headphones

You'll be using this to check levels and signals only. Since you won't need to wear these during the podcast, a simple pair of wired headphones will do the trick. This will help with removing the worry of remembering to charge your Apple Airpods. But they work just fine too for checking signals and input levels if that's what you've got.

‍Audio recorder

If it's just you on your own pod, you can plug a USB microphone into your computer and go. If you have more than just yourself on camera, you'll have to plug in multiple microphones. This is where the recorder comes in. For a budget-friendly video podcast setup, you can just use your computer and recording software like Descript that can record multiple tracks at once.

That's where the recorder comes in. For a budget project, you can just use your computer and recording software like Descript that can record multiple tracks at once. But you can't just plug multiple mics into your computer — instead, you'll need a digital audio interface that can handle multiple inputs, like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

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‍Lighting

Lighting is easily the most important part of video. At this level, you can get away with everyone using a small clip-on ring light; just make sure there's a light source for everyone. And, most importantly, make sure everyone is lit the same. Consistent lighting across all participants is crucial for a professional video podcast setup.

‍Space

For the lowest amount of effort, use a single camera for everyone on the pod. You can use zoom cuts to punch in on individual speakers in editing. Or, put everyone on separate cameras (their phones), and put an array on screen — like on a Zoom call — to show everyone at once. This multi-camera approach is becoming standard for professional video podcast setups.

Also, do yourself a favor and avoid filming outside. Outdoor environments introduce unpredictable variables like wind noise, lighting changes, and background distractions that can ruin your video podcast recording.

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Mid-range studio equipment essentials

Note: costs can add up fast here. If you're trying to limit your investment, we'd recommend starting with a mic and recorder. Then, lights.

Camera

If you want to step up from a smartphone camera but you're not ready to dive into the world of DSLRs, the total underdog of the filming world is a GoPro. They're high quality and a lot more affordable (and versatile) than any other digital camera.

‍Microphone

For higher quality, skip the USB mics and start focusing your search on XLR microphones; we like the RodePodMic. XLR microphones tend to emit less internal noise (aka you'll get a more “pure” audio) and they usually have replaceable parts. You'll want a directional or lav podcast microphone.

‍Audio recorder

Now that you're working with XLR mics, you'll need either a digital interface to record on your computer or a physical recorder. An industry standard is going to be a Zoom recorder (not to be confused with Zoom video-call software), but it can get complicated when you plug in a lot of people. If you plan on regularly having more than four microphones, you may need to look into an audio mixer. Regardless of which one you go with, don't forget the SD card.

‍Headphones

Just as with the low-budget setup, you'll be using headphones just to check everyone's levels, so a simple pair of wired headphones will do just fine.

‍Lighting

Now's the time to step up from ring lights. Invest in some tall standing lights with adjustable temperature. Bonus points if they have diffusers to evenly distribute the light. It's a good idea to have one light per person to make sure everyone can bask in their own glow.

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‍Space

If you have a space that can easily accommodate all participants and equipment, you can start thinking about interesting ways to bring the room to life. Plants, subtle art, relevant decor, and even visual easter eggs are a great way to keep viewers engaged.

Professional studio recording setup

AUTHOR'S NOTE: We're talking about the dream video podcast setup — and potentially thousands of dollars in gear. Please don't buy all this gear if you're just starting out. Test out your podcast with some of the simpler methods first, work out the kinks, see if your show finds an audience, make sure it's sustainable for you, and only then — when you feel ready to invest — circle back to this list.

Camera

Shooting with a DSLR will give you the best quality. But, if one of your cameras is a DSLR, they better all be DLSRs. The quality difference is super noticeable, so if you have a GoPro for one guest and a Sony for another, you'll see a really jarring visual shift when you edit.

You'll also need a tripod for each camera, ideally one with a bubble level or some other way to make sure everything is straight.

Microphone

For the highest possible sound quality, you'll want directional XLR microphones with pop filters. The Shure SM7B is a pricey, but safe bet.

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If your space can accommodate it, think about getting adjustable microphone stands as well. This gives you much more control over how and where each mic is positioned.

‍Recorder

Assuming your video podcast is stationary, a mixer with a built-in audio interface is going to be your best option by far. Make sure the one you have offers full multichannel audio recording, though.

You'll want each track to record individually, not as a single stereo mix. It would be a bonus, but not necessary, to have an external memory card or drive to backup your audio files for those just-in-case scenarios.

‍Headphones

Again, make sure you have one pair of headphones to plug into your recorder and check levels.

Lighting

Get yourself a full LED studio lighting kit. You'll want at least two wide lights for front lighting and one spotlight for overhead lighting. These kits are usually slim, compact, and durable. Plus, LEDs stay much cooler than other lights, are completely silent, and use less energy overall.

Try to get a kit with a remote control so you don't constantly have to get up and adjust things manually.

Space

Let's be real, no one has a spare room they can use for their 5-person video podcast. Think about renting out a dedicated studio space. You could always check out local podcast studio spaces, available rooms or apartments on a site like Peerspace, or get your own lease on an art studio that you can decorate and set up however you want.

Choosing the right camera and lighting in 2024

Selecting up-to-date camera models and lighting solutions ensures your video podcast content remains competitive in visual quality. For mid-tier setups, cameras like the Sony ZV-E10 or Canon EOS R50 deliver 4K capabilities along with advanced autofocus [source]. When it comes to lighting, softbox kits such as the Neewer 660 LED create an even illumination, reducing harsh shadows for a cleaner on-screen appearance [source]. If you prefer a more compact option, ring lights like the Elgato Key Light Air are great for smaller recording spaces and quick setup times [source]. Before buying new equipment, consider your content style and budget, as certain cameras excel at wide-angle shots, while others shine for close-up interviews [source].

Video podcast setup FAQ

What do I need to set up a video podcast?

A video podcast setup needs at least these six requirements:

1. Camera
2. Video recording and editing software
3. Microphone
4. Headphones
5. Lighting equipment
6. Recording space

How to record a video podcast?

A video podcast can be done with any video recording software, even software as simple as Zoom. The most important part of a video podcast is the quality of the audio recordings from all podcast hosts and guests. Video can be captured on a smartphone, GoPro, or DSLR camera.

How do I set up a camera for my podcast?

To set up a camera for your podcast, first ensure you have a clean uncluttered room. You'll need a boom stand to hold your device, whether that's a smartphone, GoPro, or DSLR camera. You need quality lighting too — a room with natural bright light, at minimum, or you could black out windows and use ring lights.

How do I set up a video podcast studio?

First, you need the basic video equipment set up such as a camera, video recording software, a microphone, headphones, and lighting equipment. Next, you need to find a dedicated recording space that can act as a studio and add sound treatment such as acoustic panels, bass traps, or diffuser panels.

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What video resolution is best for podcasting in 2024?

Recording in at least 1080p is widely accepted, though many creators now aim for 4K to allow future-proofing and cropping flexibility. Most modern cameras, including mid-tier mirrorless models, easily support 4K recording [source]. Greater resolution also improves clarity and details, making your show stand out on platforms like YouTube. If bandwidth or storage is an issue, 1080p at 30fps is still a professional standard for interview-style episodes. Adjust your resolution based on your workflow and audience's viewing habits, especially if they mostly watch on smartphones.

Should I use a multi-cam switcher for my live video podcast?

A multi-cam switcher can significantly reduce post-production time by allowing you to switch angles in real time. For professional-level podcasts, devices like the RODE RODECaster Video support multiple audio inputs and scene presets [source]. If your show features multiple hosts or a panel, switching between close-ups and wide shots can add a dynamic feel. However, multi-cam setups do require a bigger budget and often a dedicated operator to manage the switcher. Assess your show's complexity and resources, then consider starting with a single camera before upgrading.