Quick picks by use case:
- Best overall: Riverside for local 4K recording and reliable multi-track output
- Best free option: Zoom for simple remote interviews on a zero budget
- Best for live streaming: Streamyard for simulcasting to YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch
- Best for transcript editing: SquadCast + Descript for text-based video editing
- Best all-in-one: Zencastr for recording, hosting, and distribution in one dashboard
Choosing a video podcast recording platform is one of the most consequential decisions you will make before launching your show. The platform you pick affects audio quality, video resolution, editing workflow, and how easily guests can join your sessions.
After producing 10,000+ episodes across 130+ podcast clients since 2015, we have tested every major recording platform on this list with real shows in production. Below, we compare pricing, recording quality, setup complexity, and integration options for the five platforms worth considering in 2026.
Table of Contents
- Top Video Podcast Recording Platforms Compared
- How We Selected the Best Video Podcast Recording Platforms
- The Bottom Line on Podcast Recording Platforms
Top Video Podcast Recording Platforms Compared
Not sure how the best video podcast platforms line up side by side?
Get the high-level overview in this comparison chart:
| Platform | Hosting | Distribution | Browser App | Recording Type | Max Video |
| Zoom | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | Local (cloud requires upgrade) | 720p |
| Riverside | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | Local | 4k |
| Streamyard | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Local (requires upgrade) | 1080p |
| Squadcast | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Cloud (local requires upgrade) | 4k |
| Zencastr | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | Cloud (local backups available) | 4k |
1. Riverside: Best Overall for Podcast Recording
| Pros | Cons |
| Unlimited audio/video recordings | Low audio/video quality on the base plan |
| Strong AI features on the base plan | No access to unlimited storage |
| Live stream capabilities (requires upgrade) | Users report buggy features |
If you’re ready to upgrade your audio podcast to video, you might have Riverside.fm on your radar. This platform’s upgraded plans come with unlimited storage and 4K video, plus third-party integrations, comments, and private chats.
Here’s how to get started in 15 minutes or less:
- Sign up for the free plan
- Send guests the link to your studio
- Click Start recording
- Edit the raw audio or video (either inside Riverside or with your DAW)
But Riverside isn’t a perfect platform, and you should know that it arbitrarily limits its base plan. You get lower video and audio quality unless you upgrade to the Standard plan, which costs $15 per month.
Key features of Riverside:
- Unlimited storage (requires the Business plan)
- 720p quality (4K requires upgrade)
- Automatic cloud backups
- Desktop, mobile, and browser apps
- 12+ native integrations
Riverside pricing
- Free: $0 per month for 720p video quality, 44.1 kHz audio quality, unlimited single-track recording, up to two hours of multi-track recording, access to AI Magic Clips, filler word removal
- Pro: $29 per month for 15 hours of of multi-track recording
- Live: $39 per month. Everything in Pro, plus live features
2. Zoom: Best for Remote Interviews
| Pros | Cons |
| Free plan available | Limited to 40-minute meetings without upgrade |
| HD recording | Cloud storage requires an upgrade |
| Mac and Mobile apps (No Windows app) | No hosting/distribution integrations available |
To use Zoom for podcasting, you simply:
- Sign up for an account.
- Set up a meeting and send an invite to the guest.
- Join and record the meeting.
- Edit the file when complete.
- Upload the final footage to a hosting or distribution platform.
Of course, Zoom isn’t inherently designed for podcasting, so don’t expect any hosting or distribution features. You will have access to AI clips for highlights, but getting more than five requires an upgrade (and don’t forget the add-on fees).
Key features of Zoom
- 1280 x 720p max resolution
- 5 GB of cloud storage (with upgrade)
- Up to five AI clips for content repurposing
- AI documents (full features require upgrade)
- Automated captions for meetings
Zoom pricing
Here’s what you can expect when billed annually:
- Basic: $0 per user per month for one license count, 40-minute meetings, local recording, up to five stored clips
- Pro: $14.16 per user per month for up to nine licenses, 30-hour meetings, 5 GB of cloud storage (per license), AI companion, unlimited clips, and more
- Business: $18.33 per user per month for 10 to 250 licenses, custom mail domain, translated captions, recording transcripts, and more
3. Streamyard: Best for Live Streaming
| Pros | Cons |
| Specifically designed for live streaming content | Extremely steep prices compared to competitors |
| Natively integrates with Facebook, YouTube, and other live streaming platforms | Only 50 hours of cloud storage on every plan |
| Engagement tools (live comments, giveaways, multi-streams, and more) | No built-in analytics tools to improve your podcast performance |
As long as you own a decent camera and podcast microphone, you can get started with Streamyard in a few easy steps:
- Open Streamyard in your browser
- Sign up for an account
- Connect your destinations (like YouTube)
- Create your stream or recording
Remember: Streamyard was designed for live streaming specifically, so its capabilities for video podcast production are somewhat limited. There’s no in-app editing or analytics dashboard available, despite the hefty starter price at $35.99 per month. You’re also capped at 50 hours of platform storage, no matter what plan you use, which means you’ll need a separate podcast host to store your footage.
Key features of Streamyard
- Mobile app for guests (iOS only)
- Local recordings (requires upgrade)
- 50 hours of cloud storage available
- 1080p available on every plan
- 2+ hours of pre-recorded streams
Streamyard pricing
Streamyard no longer publicly posts its pricing. However, an update post published in August 2024 and a helpdesk article published in October lists the following tiers:
- Core: $44.99 per month ($35.99/month on annual plan) for all essential studio features, unlimited streaming, 10 on-screen participants, 50 hours of cloud storage, two seats, three multistream destinations, branding customization, custom RTMP, dark mode, camera shapes, 1080p screen sharing, two-hour pre-recorded streams, full HD recording, and more
- Advanced: $88.99 per month ($68.99/month on annual plan) for everything in Core plus 4-hour pre-recorded streams, eight multistream destinations, four seats, 4K local recordings, 15 backstage participants, 1,000 on-air webinar viewers, extra camera, and transcript downloads.
- Business: $299 per month for 2-10 seats. Includes everything in Advanced plus eight-hour pre-recorded streams, 10,000 on-air webinar viewers, and a Greenroom for up to 25 people.
4. SquadCast + Descript: Best for Transcript-Based Editing
| Pros | Cons |
| Edit video by editing transcriptions | Limited audio/video quality |
| Timeline exports to REAPER, Audition, Premier, and more | Watermarks on video without upgrading |
| Underload AI assistant on all plans | Integrations limited by plan |
Recording in SquadCast is fairly similar to recording in Descript:
- Link your SquadCast account to your Descript account
- Set up a recording session in the Green Room
- Invite your guest to join the platform
- Record in SquadCast
- Import your SquadCast recording into Descript for further editing (or use the timeline export function to send your video to another editing platform like Adobe Premiere)
Just keep in mind the free plan is intentionally throttled unless you upgrade for more bandwidth.
Key features of SquadCast
- Included access to Descript
- Unique cloud backup recordings per session
- 5 GB to 2TB of cloud storage (depending on plan)
- 720p to 4K publish resolution (depending on plan)
- Edit video with audio transcriptions (additional transcription time costs $2 to $2.50 per hour)
SquadCast pricing
SquadCast is now included free with any Descript subscription.
5. Zencastr: Best All-in-One Platform
| Pros | Cons |
| Free 14-day trial | No free plan available |
| No per-user pricing | 4K video quality requires upgrade |
| Unlimited recording storage | Team features require multiple upgrades |
According to Zencastr, it only takes a few steps to start recording video:
- Create a session and invite your guests
- Join the call and start the recording
- Edit the file in-app (phone, laptop, or browser)
- Host and distribute your podcast with your RSS feed
Zencastr’s many features are reflected in its price, which starts at $18 per month plus a two-week free trial. You might also need to upgrade even before you feel ready, since 4K video quality and collaboration features require more expensive plans.
Key features of Zencastr
- 4K video quality (requires upgrade)
- AI editing features (filler word removal, audio sweetening, etc)
- Transcription-based editing
- Unlimited recording storage
- Redundant backups
Zencastr pricing
- Standard: $18 per month for 1080p video recording, unlimited multi-language transcriptions, live editing soundboards, and up to 1,000 video downloads per month
- Grow: $24 per month for 4K video recording, publishing to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts, and AI clips for social media
- Scale: $40 per month for up to two concurrent podcasts, 2,000 video podcast downloads per month, support for Facebook, LinkedIn, and X, advanced social post scheduling, dynamic insertion, and access to team members (up to two)
- Business: $80 per month for priority support, up to four team members, 6,000 video podcast downloads per month, unlimited editing credits, and up to five concurrent podcasts
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for an unlimited number of concurrent podcasts, custom video podcast downloads per month, and dedicated support
How We Selected the Best Video Podcast Recording Platforms
We used a two-step process to find the best podcast platforms for recording video. First, we went through review sites such as Capterra and G2 to pinpoint platforms with above-average user ratings. Then, we demoed each platform to test its quality, usability, and features, paying close attention to:
- Remote and local recording. The best podcast recording platforms offer a mix of both, so you can mix and match options depending on your needs.
- Essential podcast features. This includes multi-track recording, high-quality video, and the ability to integrate with other platforms you’re already using (including hosting and distribution platforms).
- Recording quality. You should at least be able to record in 1080p.
- Storage options. If the platform offers cloud-based storage, you should be able to store videos without upgrading your plan.
- Backup and recovery Features
- Cost. Money isn’t everything when picking a recording solution, but it certainly has an impact on what you can do with the resources at your disposal.
- Set up. This should be simple, fast, and intuitive, so it’s easy to start recording at the touch of a button.
Which Recording Platform Should Financial Advisors Choose?
If you are a financial advisor launching a video podcast, your recording platform needs to handle two specific challenges: remote guest interviews (since most of your guests will join from their own offices) and reliable quality output (because your audience expects polish from a financial professional).
If budget is a concern during your first season, Zoom’s free plan can work for recording remote interviews. Just keep in mind you are limited to 720p video and 40-minute sessions, and you will need a separate hosting platform to publish your episodes.
For shows that want recording, editing, and hosting in one place, Zencastr is the most complete single-platform option, though the $20/month starting price adds up alongside your other production costs.
The Bottom Line on Podcast Recording Platforms
So what’s the best video podcast platform? It mostly depends on your show. But whether you’re a solo podcaster or growing a team, there’s something on this list with the pricing, features, and benefits you need.
Just keep in mind it’s not an end-all, be-all—you’ll still need a podcast host or distribution platform to keep your episodes humming.
Still looking for the production tools to power your podcast? One of these resources might point you in the right direction:
- The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Equipment
- Ultimate Guide to Video Podcasts: Equipment, Software, and Recording
- The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Editing Software
- Cloud Recording 101
- Recording In Batches
- Handling Room Reflections and Reverb in Your Podcast Recordings
- How The Podcast Consultant Ensures The Highest Editing Quality
- How to Pick the Perfect Theme Song for Your Podcast
- Recording Video Podcasts: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Best Video Podcast Software for Editing and Recording
- Video Podcast Equipment: Cameras, Microphones, and More
- Podcast Cameras: The Essential Guide
- Why Upgrade Your Podcast from Audio to Video
Frequently Asked Questions About Video Podcast Recording Platforms
What is the best free video podcast recording platform?
Zoom offers the most accessible free option with local recording in 720p and no time limit on one-on-one calls. For higher quality, Riverside and Descript (which includes SquadCast) both offer free tiers, though with limited recording hours and lower resolution caps.
Do I need a separate hosting platform if I use a recording platform?
In most cases, yes. Zoom, Riverside, and Streamyard do not host or distribute your podcast. SquadCast + Descript focuses on recording and editing. Zencastr is the exception: it includes podcast hosting, RSS distribution, and monetization tools alongside recording.
What video resolution should I record my podcast in?
Record in at least 1080p for a professional-looking show. If you plan to crop or reframe clips for social media (vertical video for Instagram Reels or TikTok), recording in 4K gives you more flexibility in post-production without losing quality.
Can I use Zoom to record a professional podcast?
You can, especially for getting started. Zoom’s free plan records locally in 720p, which is acceptable for early episodes. The main limitations are the 40-minute cap on group calls, no multi-track recording, and no native podcast hosting or distribution features.
What is local recording vs. cloud recording for podcasts?
Local recording captures audio and video directly on each participant’s device, then uploads the files after the session ends. This produces higher quality because it bypasses internet connection issues. Cloud recording streams and captures data through the platform’s servers, which is simpler but more vulnerable to quality drops during bandwidth fluctuations.