Podcast Freq

Many people are following Robert Scoble’s lead and starting to video podcasting. The blogosphere is writing that video is the new hot format, I do agree but with the following proviso’s

1) What value does the video bring to your show?

Moving to video has to bring value. For instance, Robert Scoble uses the video for demonstrations of products, to visit shows…that adds value. I am not a fan of his face to face interviews being video as I don’t think it adds to the listener experience, I have it on my PC in the background and don’t watch the video. A way round this for potential video podcasters would be separate RSS feeds for the video and audio content. This would also help the mobile phone download community as well.

If you are going to just sit in front of a camera and “talk through your content” I am not sure why you would move to video, except for your own reasons. But podcasting is about the listener, and if you move then you will be increasing the download time, decreasing the flexibility of use (can’t watch while driving) and also taking more space on often packed computer discs.

2) The World is flat…but some places are flatter than others!

Many parts of the US even do not have broadband access, and this worsens across the world. So you may shut off more of your potential audience by going video. Even when people ahave broadband, it is often via the telephone socket which means that people are sharing the facility. Download times may well be a problem.

3) Video editing takes more time

Unless you are experienced in the area, it will take you significant time to learn and more time week on week. The importance thing is the consistency of producing your show, if you cannot afford or commit to this extra time..then think twice about the shift to video.

It sounds as though I am negative about video, not at all. I love it when it adds to the experience - being able to see a product, a presentation, sightseeing etc….I hate it when it adds no value and just increases my download time. My best advice is to do it when it creates value for the listeners, not just for your personal satisfaction.