While many podcasts are traditionally an audio-only experience, the term "podcast" has evolved to include video podcasts, which allow you to "watch" the content. These typically feature hosts and guests on camera, visual aids, or even fully produced video content.
Watching Video Podcasts
To watch a podcast, you'll need to find a podcast that offers a video version and access it through a platform that supports video playback.
Where to Find Video Podcasts:
- Dedicated Video Platforms: The most common place to watch video podcasts is on video-sharing platforms.
- YouTube: Many podcasters publish video versions of their episodes directly on YouTube. You can search for your favorite podcast by name, or explore channels dedicated to video podcasts.
- Spotify: While known for audio, Spotify increasingly hosts video podcasts. When browsing podcasts on Spotify, look for a video icon or simply press play on an episode to see if a video feed is available.
- Apple Podcasts: Some podcasts on Apple Podcasts offer video versions which can be viewed directly within the app on compatible devices.
- Creator Websites: Some podcasters host their video episodes directly on their own websites, often alongside their audio feeds.
Steps to Watch a Video Podcast:
- Choose a Platform: Decide whether you want to use a major video platform like YouTube, a podcast app that supports video like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or a creator's website.
- Search for Podcasts: Use the search function within your chosen platform. You might search for "[Podcast Name] video" or "video podcasts [your interest]".
- Select and Play: Once you find a video podcast, simply click or tap on the episode to start watching. You can often subscribe or follow the podcast to get notifications for new episodes.
Accessing Podcasts: Video vs. Audio
It's important to understand that not all podcasts have a video component. Many remain audio-only. However, there are numerous platforms where you can access a vast library of podcasts, both video and audio. The table below outlines some popular platforms and their primary formats:
| Platform | Primary Format | Supports Video Podcasts? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Video | Yes | Primary platform for many video podcasts. |
| Spotify | Audio & Video | Yes | Major platform for both audio and a growing number of video podcasts. |
| Apple Podcasts | Audio & Video | Yes (limited) | Primarily audio, but some podcasts include video versions. |
| YouTube Music | Audio (formerly Google Podcasts) | No (audio-focused) | Focuses on audio, though content from YouTube may be linked. |
| Audible | Audio | No | Primarily for audiobooks and premium audio content. |
| SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) | Audio | No | Focused on audio podcasts and radio content. |
| TuneIn Radio | Audio | No | Offers live radio and a wide range of audio podcasts. |
| Pocket Casts | Audio | No | Popular third-party app for managing and playing audio podcasts. |
When a podcast is primarily audio, you are "listening" to it, even if you are using an application on a device with a screen. To truly "watch" a podcast, look for platforms or specific shows that explicitly offer a video feed.
Tips for Finding and Enjoying Podcasts
- Explore Categories: Most podcast platforms allow you to browse by genre or topic, making it easier to discover new shows that align with your interests, whether audio or video.
- Check Podcast Websites: Many podcasters have their own websites where they provide links to both audio and video versions of their episodes, along with show notes and transcripts.
- Subscribe/Follow: Subscribing to a podcast ensures that new episodes are automatically downloaded or made available in your feed, so you never miss an update.
