Getting the right hardware for your video podcast is important — but you also have to think about getting the right software. This includes tools for capturing and refining your footage, as well as a platform that will host your completed episodes.
Not sure where to get started? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
This article breaks down all the software you need for editing, recording, and hosting video podcasts. And if you’re looking to upgrade your podcast from audio to video, we’ll list the accessories you need to make the jump.
- Best Recording Software for Video Podcasts
- Best Software for Editing Video Podcasts
- Best Video Podcast Hosting Platforms
- Additional Tools for Enhancing Video Podcasts
- Features to Look for in Video Podcast Software
- The Bottom Line on Video Podcast Software
Best Recording Software for Video Podcasts
With video podcast recording software, you can capture audio and video at the same time. The best platforms make it easy to upload footage to the cloud so you can download (or edit) however you need.
The three best recording tools for video podcasts are:
- Boomcaster: Best for live streaming
- Descript: Best for remote recording
- OBS Studio: Best for free recording
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of each:
| Software | Starting Price | Livestream Support | Recording Quality |
| Boomcaster | $20 USD per month | ✔️ | Up to 4K |
| Descript | $0 USD per month | ❌ | Up to 1080p |
| OBS Studio | $0 USD per month | ✔️ | Up to 1080p |
Let’s dive into the first entry on our list:
Riverside: Best for Live Streaming
- OS Support: iPhone, Android
- Editing Tools: Yes
- Languages: 100+
Riverside is an all-in-one video podcasting tool that supports browser-native, cloud-based live streaming. You can also use the app for creating studio-quality recordings in the cloud — which means you don’t need to download software to get started.
All you need to start with Riverside is a camera, a computer, and a WiFi connection. While it does have a free tier, you’re limited to just two hours of recording, plus 720p video quality for editing and livestreaming.
Descript: Best for Remote Recording
- OS Support: Mac, Windows
- Editing Tools: Yes
- Languages: 23+
Descript allows you to record remote interviews with a browser-based tool called Rooms. With Rooms, you can record multitrack videos with up to 10 people and save consistent backups in the cloud.
There are a lot of reasons to recommend Descript, including its “free forever plan”. However, you should know this free plan comes with many restrictions — and if you want more than one hour per month of remote recording, you need to upgrade to a paid plan ($12 USD per user per month).
Learn more about using Descript for podcasting.
OBS Studio: Best for Free Recording
- OS Support: Mac, Linux, Windows, BSD
- Editing Tools: Yes
- Languages: 52+
OBS Studio is an open-source tool designed for Mac, Linux, Windows, and BSD. With it, you can easily record video directly on your device, then perform simple edits before exporting it to other software.
One of OBS’s biggest claims to fame is its multitrack tool, which allows you to easily edit between multiple camera shots. Just keep in mind it’s an open-source tool — which means contacting support may not be that simple.
Best Software for Editing Video Podcasts
The amount of video editing you need depends on your audience, style, and preferences. That said, you should always opt for a robust, adaptable platform so you can tap into new tools and features as you grow.
We already covered the best editing tools for podcasts in our ultimate guide to podcast editing software. However, if you’re interested in the best tools for video podcast editing, here are some options we cherry-picked from the list:
- Adobe AI: Best for automatic video edits
- REAPER: Best for one-time purchases
- Hindenburg PRO: Best for editing video audio
- Adobe Audition: Best for granular cleanups
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Best for dedicated video editing
You’re welcome to read more about these editing platforms in their individual breakdowns.
Just want the TL;DR? Here’s a quick comparison of each:
| Software | Starting Price | Transcription Support | Mobile App |
| Adobe AI | $0 USD per month | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| REAPER | $60 USD – $225 USD per person | ❌ | ❌ |
| Hindenberg PRO | $12 USD per month | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Adobe Audition | $22.99 USD per month | ❌ | ❌ |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | $22.99 USD per month | ❌ | ✔️ |
Best Video Podcast Hosting Platforms
Your video podcast hosting platform should be more than a virtual ‘cold storage’ room. You should also be able to tap into tools that make podcast management easier — like analytics, SEO monitors, and podcast artwork generators.
There are plenty of podcast hosting tools on the market today, but not many that support audio and video. As we discussed in our guide on the best podcast hosting platforms, these are the four best video podcast hosts:
- Spotify for Podcasters: Best for podcast monetization
- Blubrry: Best for Vid2Pod capabilities
- YouTube: Best for free video podcast hosting
We cover each of these platforms in their own dedicated guides.
However, you can also get the SparkNotes in this quick comparison chart:
| Software | Starting Price | Included Storage | Customer Support |
| Spotify for Podcasters | $12 USD per month | Unlimited | ✔️ |
| Blubrry | $60 USD – $225 USD per person | 125 MB per month (~ 125 minutes) | ✔️ |
| YouTube | $0 USD per month | Unlimited | ❌ |
Additional Tools for Enhancing Video Podcasts
Editing, recording, and hosting software is just the tip of the video podcasting iceberg.
There are other podcast accessories and tools to keep in mind, including:
- A good camera. You can use a webcam or a phone to capture video, but don’t expect the quality to improve much after editing. If you’re planning on growing your podcast viewership, it pays to invest in a quality podcast camera. DSLRs are typically your highest-quality option, although camcorders and action cameras might offer a better price point.
- Great headphones. You don’t necessarily need headphones to record any video, but they’ll come in handy while refining your footage. Many people prefer a close-backed over-ear style, but there are many other types of podcast headphones to choose from.
- Quality microphone(s). You can always improve your podcast audio, but you can’t always fix low quality recordings. This is why investing in a good podcast microphone is key. This doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank — models like the RØDE PodMic start at $99 USD.
Features to Look for in Video Podcast Software
There’s no such thing as the ‘best’ video podcast software — there are only platforms that are right for your needs.
Here’s how to find a good fit for your tech based on budget, use case, equipment, and more:
- Find a price that matches the value. The ultimate goal should be getting the best bang for your buck. If you’re paying for a subscription (especially hosting software), be sure the monthly price is equal to the value you get. If you’re making a one-time purchase, be sure it’s a system you’ll use over and over.
- Look for adaptable, flexible features. Can you record offline or in the field if necessary?
- Focus on cloud-based software. It should be easy to store files, footage, and finished episodes in the cloud.
- Opt for great customer support. You should be able to get in touch with support reps when needed. There should also be help or support docs available.
- Start small whenever possible. It’s easier (and cheaper) to scale up over time. Depending on your needs, this might mean starting with lower-cost platforms and opting for month-to-month plans rather than up-front annual plans.
The Bottom Line on Video Podcast Software
As video podcasting becomes more and more popular, there will be more and more software available on the market. It might feel frustrating and overwhelming to pick the perfect platform — although knowing your specific use case can help you make the best selection.
Have complicated questions that weren’t answered by this guide? The Podcast Consultant is ready to help. With 15+ years of dedicated podcasting experience, we know a thing or two about picking the right video podcasting software.
Learn more about what you need for video podcasting by booking a free discovery call.