BREAKING: Your Podcast Doesn’t Need Video. Here’s How to Make It Work

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Yes, Audio-Only Podcasts Still Work

Let’s cut through the noise.

There’s a growing narrative that says video is required if you want to have a successful podcast. And while video has its place, it’s not the law. You can absolutely grow an engaged, loyal audience in 2025 and beyond with an audio-only format.

Despite the rising popularity of video content, audio-only podcasting continues to hold strong as a highly effective medium for building audience connection, driving engagement, and delivering consistent value. Audio is portable, accessible, and easy to consume across all environments – from commuting to multitasking – making it ideal for listeners who prioritize substance over visuals.

Podcast creators can still experience significant growth and success without ever turning on a camera, as long as their content is intentional, well-structured, and speaks directly to their target audience.

If video excites you and fits your goals, awesome. But if you’re adding video because someone on YouTube told you “every podcast needs video,” it’s time to pause and rethink.

The Power of Audio Is Still Real

I first broke into podcasting in 2015 – long before anyone cared about cameras. I treated podcasting as a direct extension of the radio work I did back in college.

Don’t get me wrong, I love video and utilize it with everything I do in podcasting today (see evidence above). But audio still reaches audiences at scale – without the editing stress, lighting rigs, and second-guessing your haircut and necktie.

Why audio still works:

Listeners value storytelling and substance over format.
Audio is portable and convenient—perfect for commutes, workouts, and background listening. Passive listening, baby!
It’s easier to produce consistently, which means less burnout and more longevity.

You don’t need video to build trust or connection. Your voice, your message, and your consistency do the heavy lifting.

When Video Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

There are valid reasons to introduce video into your podcast workflow. But those reasons should be tied to your goals, not peer pressure.

Add video if:

You’re building a content repurposing strategy and want visual clips for social media.
Your show benefits from visual elements, like product demos or screen sharing.
You genuinely enjoy video and feel energized by being on camera.

Don’t add video if:

It feels like a burden or creates editing bottlenecks.
You’re doing it just to “keep up” with what others are doing.
It’s pulling attention away from your content quality and show growth.

Your podcast is your platform. You get to decide how it runs and what fits your lifestyle, brand, and bandwidth.

Quick Reminders to Keep You Grounded

If you’re on the fence about going video-first (or feeling guilty for sticking with audio-only), here’s what to keep in mind:

There’s no one-size-fits-all model. The best format is the one you’ll actually sustain.
Chasing trends leads to burnout. Align your production style with your strengths and schedule.
Your audience cares about quality. That doesn’t mean production polish – it means thoughtful content and intentional delivery.

A strong audio-only show will always outperform a mediocre video podcast with no heart behind it. Period.

Success Starts With What You Can Sustain

Audio is powerful. I could literally end the blog post here…

The belief that video is required to grow a podcast is often rooted in industry pressure rather than practical need. While video may enhance visibility for some creators, it can also introduce unnecessary complexity and lead to burnout. The key to long-term success is building a show that aligns with your goals, capacity, and audience preferences.

Audio-only podcasts allow creators to focus more on storytelling and strategy, rather than production logistics…resulting in a more sustainable, focused content experience.

You don’t need to overcomplicate your process or throw yourself into video if it’s not aligned with your goals. Success in podcasting is built through clear messaging, connection with your audience, and delivering value consistently.

So if you’re killing it in the audio space and loving the ride, keep going. You’re doing it right. But if starting (or transitioning to) an audio-only podcast is on your mind, use this as your permission slip to proceed with confidence and embrace the process.