How do you start a podcast? A complete guide to beginners for starting a podcast. This blog will guide you through processes and techniques. Unfortunately, you can’t upload MP3s to YouTube. The video site requires video files, so you’ll need to convert your audio files to MP4s.
This also means you need some kind of video element in order upload a podcast to YouTube. It can be as simple as a static image, but there has to be something “playing” in the background.
Below are the four most popular ways to upload a podcast to YouTube.
1. Convert your audio file into a video
This is the simplest and easiest approach. If you want to spend as little time as possible uploading your podcast to YouTube, start here. All you need to do is convert your audio file into a video and add a static graphic to the background.
First, create the background image. Try using a simple graphic design software like Canva or Snappa. Each has templates you can work from so you’re not starting from scratch.
What should go on that graphic? Your logo, name (“Hosted by…”), website URL, and any other pertinent information. Size wise, YouTube recommends images that are 2560x2240px for the best results on all devices.
Then covert the audio file and add the background image. We recommend using Headliner. The tools allows you to upload a 60 minute audio file and add one or multiple images to play for the duration of the video. You can also add extra effects like sound waves or subtitles. In the end, you can download an MP4 file to upload to YouTube.
2. Present into your webcam
If you want to take it a step further and create an actual video, try presenting your podcast directly into your webcam. This setup is the perfect way to test out uploading a podcast to YouTube because you don’t need to purchase any equipment. Plug your microphone into your computer and use the webcam that’s built in to your computer.
You can use Zoom or QuickTime to record yourself speaking. make sure to check your microphone settings so the tool is picking up your podcast mic instead of the computer’s built-in one.
You can either record everything in one shot with little post-production editing. Or you can use a vlog-style edit where you take out any short mistakes and piece everything together. Try Lightworks for easy editing and trimming, plus it has audio and video effects that are ready to use.
3. Set up external cameras where you record
If you conduct your podcast at a desk in a presentable room, consider setting up a camera to capture your performance. Prolific podcaster Gary Vaynerchuck records all of his podcasts like this.
You don’t need elaborate equipment for this. You can get a high quality recording with just your smartphone, though you’ll probably want to pick up an inexpensive attachable tripod to keep the footage steady.
The set behind you doesn’t need to be intricate either. Place your camera where you record and take note of what it sees. Make the area in the frame presentable and you’re good to go.
Podcasters who use this setup tend to record episodes in one shot. While that means essentially no post-production editing, it does mean you need to capture a great episode on the first try. To help, spend extra time on your podcast script and getting on the same page as your co-host or guest so things run smoothly.
4. Screen capture you and your remote guest
If you conduct your podcast interviews remotely using a tool, like SquadCast or Zoom, set it to capture video along with the audio. You’ll end up with a split screen video so you can upload a podcast to YouTube. It will look something like this:
Most podcasters who use this method also do the episode recording in one take. This takes some more preparation up front but means little to no editing in the end.