Podcasting Essentials:
An Introduction
to Podcasting
with B&H
Depending on the production scale of your podcast, podcasting with video may come across as challenging or complex. However, the key to it all is to understand the capabilities that you will need from each video component.
Set Up Your Video Podcast
Cameras
Picking a camera is the first step towards starting your video podcast. You can opt to use your smartphone or a webcam for simplicity or aim higher by selecting a camcorder or mirrorless camera. All good options to get started, but if you want control over the camera’s visuals to obtain the best video quality without breaking the bank, mirrorless cameras are the answer. They are easy to use, produce good looking video, and offer manual controls so that you can dial in your desired look, consistently.
Sensor Size
You can think of the camera sensor as the ‘camera’s eye’ and in most cases, the larger this eye is, the better the video quality you can potentially achieve. Cameras with a Full-Frame, APS-C, or Four Thirds sensor are ideal for podcasting.
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Sony ZV-E10 II
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Nikon Z30
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Canon EOS R50 V
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B&H Recommended Mirrorless Cameras
What to consider:
OBS Quick Start Guide
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Getting Started with Your Video Podcast
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A Guide for Editing Your Video Podcast
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Building a Multi-Camera Video Podcast Setup
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How to Start a Podcast in 2025
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How to Choose a Camera for Your Video Podcast
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Phone vs. Camera for Video Podcasting
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Selecting Lights for Your Video Podcast
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Complete Video Kits
Lighting Kits
Godox SL60IIBI Bi-Color LED Video Light (2-Light Kit)
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GVM 1200D RGB LED Light Panel (3-Light Kit)
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Nanlite PavoTube II 15C RGB LED Tube Light (2', 4-Light Kit)
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Fine-tune your podcasting knowledge with helpful video articles:
Kits give you more of what you need with fewer clicks – here are our experts’ suggestions:
Expert Picks: Podcasting Kits for Video
Frequently Asked Questions: Video
Why should I add video to my podcast?
A video podcast allows you to connect with viewers on more platforms like YouTube and it brings a new element to make your content engaging, personable, and shareable. Plus, many successful creators see higher retention and sponsors when offering both audio and video formats.
Cameras
Cameras
Lighting
Video Switchers
Software
Video Switchers
Software
Do I need the best camera in the market to create a video podcast?
Not at all! The best camera to start with is generally the one you have or can budget for, be it a smartphone, webcam, camcorder, or mirrorless camera. In many cases, using the budget to update your lighting and audio goes way further.
Should I worry about lighting even though my space gets enough sunlight?
While natural light may work, don’t dismiss the creative possibilities of shaping the light to look exactly how you want. You can always use a reflector or an additional background light to enhance the look of your space.
Live Streaming Kits
Fuel Your Podcasting Journey
From how to start your own podcast to the best gear, B&H has you covered
Lighting
Good lighting translates to good video, no matter the camera or lens that you may use. Good lighting for a podcasting space can be sunlight through a window, bright overhead lights, or ideally, LED lights aimed at the host and/or other participants. For each on-screen person in the podcast, we recommend a minimum of two light sources (e.g., sunlight + reflector, LED light + reflector, or two LED lights). This will help you establish the foundation of any good lighting setup, a key light and a fill light. To complete the setup, you will also need a back light to illuminate your participant’s back but this sometimes is not possible due to insufficient space.
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Nanlite FS-300B Bi-Color
LED Monolight
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Elgato Key Light
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Logitech G Litra Beam Bi-Color LED Desktop Light
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B&H Recommended Lights
What to consider:
Lighting
Video Switchers
To minimize the post-production burden of editing and syncing multiple cameras, we recommend that podcasters add a video switcher to their production workflow. One camera can certainly get the job done, but two or three can make your podcast show more dynamic and engaging. If you are producing a multi-person podcast, there’s no other way around it: you must cut between two or more cameras to engage the viewer at the other end.
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RODE RODECaster Video
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Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro ISO HDMI Live Stream Switcher
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What to consider:
Software
To successfully edit and run your podcast, you will either need post-production software that can edit your video, or live production software that can live stream it like OBS or Riverside. If you are using a smartphone as your camera, video editing applications like Adobe Rush or CapCut are recommended.
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Adobe Premiere Elements 2026
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Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio
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Adobe Creative Cloud Pro
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B&H Recommended Software
What to consider:
Live Streaming Kits
Sony ZV-E10 II Mirrorless Camera with 10-20mm f/4 Lens and Live Streaming Kit
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Mevo Start Live Streaming 3-Camera + 3-Light Kit
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB-C Audio Interface (4th Generation) Complete Streamer Kit
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Complete Video Kits
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RODE RODECaster Video Single-Camera Podcasting Kit
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RODE RODECaster Video
2-Camera Podcasting Kit
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RODE RODECaster Video
3-Camera Podcasting Kit
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Lighting Kits
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Learn How
Learn How
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Discover expert podcasting setups from seasoned creators and podcasters
Learn The Setup
Creator & Podcaster
Heather Ramirez
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Heather's Favorite Items
Speaker & Trainer
Cat Mulvihill
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1. Shure Microphone
2. Elgato Mic Arm
3. Rode Video Switcher
4. Rode Audio Interface
5. Sony Camera & Lens
6. Obsbot Webcam
7. Elgato Teleprompter & Mount
8. Corsair Stream Deck XL
9. Corsair LED Panel
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Cat's Favorite Items
Shop Experts' Picks
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Lens
Picking the right lens is as important as picking the right camera. First you need to make sure that you are looking at the right lens mount for the camera you previously selected (e.g., Sony E-mount are used with Sony mirrorless cameras), then you need to determine which focal length or zoom range you need based on the size of your room (24mm equivalent or lower for small spaces), and finally you need to the determine how fast of a lens you need, depending on how much light you’re planning to have available (F2.8 or lower for low lighting situations).
Resolution
To elevate your podcast’s visual quality, you want a camera that can record video in UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) or higher. But don’t worry, most mirrorless cameras today can record 4K without a problem.
Additional Features
Additional features worth keeping in mind include image stabilization, battery life, connectivity options, recording limit, and whether the camera features a flip-out or fully articulating display.
Light Output
For your key light go with a powerful light (1000 lux or higher). For your fill light, you can opt to us a white reflector or a light of the same or lower intensity.
Color Temperature
Bi-color lights are ideal for podcasters because they offer flexibility in adjusting the color temperature to match other light sources in the room or the skin tone of the participant.
Modifiers
Harsh lighting is unflattering so select a key light and fill light that you can diffuse through a softbox or lantern.
RGB
Splashing some color around your podcasting space can help you spice up the overall look of your video, and LED lights with RGB capability can help you do just that. You can also decide to have these lights on-screen as a set prop or as a practical light.
Additional Features
Additional features worth keeping in mind include color fidelity (e.g., CRI, TLCI ratings), battery compatibility, mount configuration, size and weight, and whether the light can be controlled via an app or handheld controller.
Number of Inputs
For every camera angle in your podcast, you’ll need a video input to receive their video feed and/or companion audio (if any). Having a video switcher with four or more inputs offers the most flexibility.
Types of Inputs
Video switchers can accept HDMI (in most consumer and professional mirrorless cameras) or SDI (in most professional camcorders and cinema cameras). Rule number one is to match the video output type of your camera with the video input type of the switcher.
Resolution & FPS
Ensure that the resolution and frame rate (FPS) of each camera matches the resolution and frame rate that the video switcher can accept. Otherwise, the live video feeds won’t show.
Control Panel
The more physical control buttons the better. A big benefit of video switchers is the ability to press a button and quickly activate a picture-in-picture scene, preset, transition, or lower third graphic.
Live Streaming
Even if you are not intending to live stream your podcast now, having a video switcher that can live stream will save you from having to purchase additional streaming peripherals later.
Size
Video switchers can be bulky so opt for one that meets your needs but that doesn’t come with additional broadcast features you don’t need.
Additional Features
Additional features worth keeping in mind include amount of video outputs, program and ISO recording, camera control, tally, UVC compatibility, and whether the switcher can display or playback prerecorded media.
Ease of Use
Choose a video editing software with an intuitive interface and simple cutting tools to streamline the process of editing your podcast.
Compatibility
Ensure the software is compatible with your computer and operating system.
Multi-Track Editing
Opt for software that allows you to import multiple layers of video, audio, and graphics.
Audio Sync
Syncing your audio to your video can be time consuming, however, many applications can now automate the process for you.
Color Correction
Color correcting your video is essential so is important that the video editing software you select has a comprehensive coloring workflow.
Live Streaming
If you are using live production software instead of video editing software, ensure the software can record your live stream for post-show review.
Additional Features
Additional features worth keeping in mind include compatibility with other applications, effects and transitions, and whether the software could key out green or bluescreens.
No, many editing platforms these days are beginner friendly, and accessible to a wide audience, whether it’s online, through a computer, or smartphone application.
Do I need to be an expert to edit or live stream my podcast?
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Native resolution
Determine if the software can handle your camera’s native resolution (e.g., Full HD or 4K).
A quality sound recording is essential to a podcast. Fortunately, high fidelity audio can be achieved with a few simple components.
Launch Your Audio Podcast
Microphones
Mixers & Interfaces
Headphones
Mic Stands
Mic Stands
Mic Stands
They may not be flashy, but mic stands are an important accessory. Whichever style you choose, keep in mind the weight of the microphone and the positioning and aesthetics of your setup.
Type
Depending on your setup, you can go with a more traditional floor-standing mic stand, a small tabletop stand, or a broadcast arm. A broadcast arm can be mounted to a table and allows for flexibility in microphone placement. If you are traveling with your podcast, tabletop stands are small and can easily be packed into bags.
Weight Support
Nothing is more frustrating than a droopy microphone stand, so make sure that whatever type of stand you get can support your microphone.
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Auray TT-6220 Telescoping Tabletop Microphone Stand
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Auray BA-LPR Low-Profile Broadcast Arm with Riser
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RODE PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm
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B&H Recommended Mic Stands
What to consider:
Headphones
Headphones
Headphones can help you properly monitor audio quality and listen to other podcast guests. Closed-back, over-ear headphones help reduce vocal bleed between guests while maintaining detailed sound.
Earcup Style
While headphones come in several different earcup styles, closed-back are preferable when podcasting. This will help to ensure minimal bleed from your headphones and also help block out ambient noise.
Design Type
Over-ear headphone designs work best for podcasting. Complimenting the closed-back earcup headphones, this further helps to ensure minimal bleed from your headphones and also helps block out ambient noise.
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Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
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Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones
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What to consider:
Mixers & Interfaces
Mixers & Interfaces
A mixer or interface is the audio “brain” of a podcasting studio. All your microphones and headphones will get connected into the mixer, which will then record to your computer or a storage device. Some mixers also have additional features that you may need, such as sound pads, audio effects, and mix-minus capability for phone and Zoom interviews. Interfaces have fewer physical controls and do not have the above features like mixers do, so they rely on more post-production work, but can be a more cost-effective solution.
Number of Inputs
The number of inputs a mixer or interface has directly correlates to how many microphones that can be plugged in at one time. Make sure there are enough inputs to handle one microphone for each host or guest who will be physically in the room (virtual guests not included). Some mixers also have multiple headphone outputs, which can be nice if you want to give each speaker their own set of headphones with individual volume control.
Features
Bluetooth connectivity to your phone, sound pads to play audio samples, mix-minus for virtual guests, on-board recording capabilities, and tone adjustments for your microphone.
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Zoom PodTrak P4 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder
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TASCAM Mixcast 4 Podcast Mixer, Recorder, and USB Audio Interface
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What to consider:
Microphones
Microphones
A microphone is arguably the most important piece of your podcast setup. It dictates the sound of your voice, so it’s essential to get one best suited to your needs. Dynamic microphones are a good choice for podcasting as they excel at rejecting ambient noise and ensure minimal vocal bleed between guests and co-hosts.
Connector
You have two options here, either USB or XLR. USB mics are plug-and-play into your computer and are often more affordable. For a more professional sound, look at microphones with XLR connectors. Note that they will not plug directly into your computer and will need an audio interface or mixer to do so.
Mic Type
In most cases, a dynamic microphone is preferable for podcasting. They are less sensitive than other types, helping to reduce unwanted room noise and bleed from nearby podcast guests. Condenser microphones can have a brighter, more exciting tone to them, but they are much more sensitive, so use them only in a dedicated, treated studio space.
Polar Pattern
A microphone’s polar pattern (also known as pickup pattern) is the shape in which a mic picks up sound. For podcasting, it’s good to go with either a directional pattern, like cardioid or supercardioid. These will pickup sound in front of the mic, but minimize picking up unwanted ambient sounds from the sides and back.
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RODE PodMic Dynamic Podcasting Microphone
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Shure MV7+ Podcast XLR/USB Microphone
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What to consider:
Kits give you more of what you need with fewer clicks – here are our experts’ suggestions:
Expert Picks: Audio Podcasting Kits
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2-Person
Podcasting Kits
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4-Person
Podcasting Kits
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Portable
Podcasting Kits
2-Person Podcast Kits
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Focusrite Vocaster Two 2-Person Podcasting Kit
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4-Person Podcast Kits
TASCAM Mixcast 4-Person Podcast Kit with Mixer-Recorder, Microphones, Mic Stands, and Cables
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RODE RODECaster Pro II 4-Person Podcasting Kit with PodMics, and Desktop Stands
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RODE RODECaster Pro II 4-Person Podcasting Kit
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Portable Podcast Kits
Zoom PodTrak P4 Portable Multitrack Podcast Recorder with 2-Person Podcast Mic Pack Kit
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Zoom PodTrak P8 Podcast Recorder with 4-Person Podcast Mic Pack Kit
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TASCAM Portacapture X8 32-Bit Float 8-Channel Multitrack Field Recorder with 2-Person Podcasting
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Frequently Asked Questions: Audio
Do I need headphones for my podcast?
Headphones are important so that you can monitor, or listen to, your recording and to know exactly what your audience will hear. They allow you to hear any issues such as background noise, distortion, or volume problems, and fix them before you start recording.
USB vs XLR?
USB microphones are great for podcasters just starting out, as they offer simple, plug-and-play functionality right into your computer. They are also a cost-effective solution, but are limited to one mic at a time.
For a more professional sound, XLR mics are the way to go, offering better sound quality, better upgrade options, and the ability to use multiple mics at once. Keep in mind that you will need an audio interface or mixer to connect an XLR mic into your computer.
How do I get my podcast on Spotify?
Getting your podcast on Spotify is simple. First, you’ll need to sign up with a podcast hosting platform, like Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, or many others. Once you submit your podcast recording to your hosting platform, they will generate an RSS feed for your show. Next, create an account on Spotify for Creators and submit your RSS link. Once approved, all of your episodes will automatically be available on Spotify for your audience to enjoy!
Follow this same process for other listening platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Podbean.
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Fine-tune your podcasting knowledge with helpful audio articles:
Shure Microphone
Rode Mixer
Sony Camera & Lens
Elgato 4. Teleprompter & Mount
Angler Ring Light
Elgato Stream Deck
Elgato Mic Arm
Rode Headphones
LG Computer Monitor
Author & Video
Content Strategist
Diana Gladney
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1. Shure Microphone
2. Elgato Mic Arm
3. Focusrite Audio Interface
4. Sony Camera
5. Sony Lens
6. Loupedeck Live S
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Dianas's Favorite Items
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Set Up Your
Audio Podcast
Launch Your Video Podcast
Learn How
Get Started with Video
Get Started with Audio
