Do I Need a Video Podcast? Why Audio-Only Podcasting Is Still Going Strong in 2025
If you’ve been feeling pressure to show up on camera for your podcast… take a deep breath. The newest Podcast Download report from Cumulus Media and Signal Hill Insights just dropped, and honestly?
It’s great news for audio-first podcasters everywhere.
Even with YouTube’s growth and the rise of video clips on social media, the vast majority of podcast listeners still prefer audio. So if you’ve been wondering:
“Do I need a video podcast?”
“Should my podcast be audio and video?”
“Can my podcast be audio-only?”
…this post will walk you through what the data actually says — and how to make the best decision for your show.
Audio Is Still the #1 Way People Consume Podcasts
Let’s get straight to the good news:
92% of weekly podcast consumers listen to podcasts. Only 8% watch exclusively.
Across eight studies since 2022, audio has consistently dominated at ~91%.People think YouTube is the biggest podcast platform, but actual weekly use is almost tied between YouTube (~29%) and Spotify (~28%), with Apple Podcasts at ~18%.
Where YouTube does shine is discovery: 45% of people who tried a new podcast in the past six months found it on YouTube.
So what does this mean?
Listeners may find podcasts on YouTube… but they still listen once they subscribe. Audio remains the primary — and preferred — mode of podcast consumption.
Do You Need a Video Podcast? Here’s the Real Answer
Short answer: No, you do not need to produce a video podcast to grow your audience. Audio is alive, thriving, and still the core of how most people consume episodes.
Slightly longer answer: Video can be incredibly helpful — strategically — when used as a discovery tool. Think of audio as the meal and video as the seasoning. The seasoning helps people notice the dish, but the meal is what keeps them fed.
Should Your Podcast Be Audio-Only or Audio + Video?
Here’s how to decide:
Stay audio-only if…
You want a simpler workflow.
You record on the go or batch frequently.
You prefer lower production costs.
Your listeners value intimacy and storytelling over visuals.
Your show format doesn’t benefit from visuals (e.g., coaching, interviews, narrative, education).
Consider adding video if…
You want to improve discoverability on YouTube.
You already create video content and can easily repurpose it.
You have a visually engaging format (e.g., comedy, demonstrations, co-host chemistry).
You’re growing a personal brand and want more face-to-camera visibility.
But even then — video clips are often enough. You don’t need full video episodes to get the benefits of video.
A Smart Podcast Strategy: Audio-First + Light Video
Instead of going “all in” on video podcasting, the best approach for most creators is a hybrid model:
1. Keep your podcast audio-first.
Prioritize great sound quality. Make your episodes easy to listen to while people drive, walk the dog, cook dinner, or fold laundry — because that’s where podcast listening happens.
2. Use video strategically, not exhaustively.
You don’t need a full video podcast. Instead, use:
Short YouTube clips
Audiograms
Face-to-camera teasers
Reels/TikToks
Repurposed content
Let video serve as your top-of-funnel discovery engine while audio remains the core experience.
3. Publish on the platforms listeners actually use.
Make sure your show is available — and optimized — on:
Spotify
YouTube (for search + clips or full episodes)
Apple Podcasts
These three platforms continue to dominate weekly podcast listening.
Can Your Podcast Be Audio-Only? Absolutely.
Not only can your podcast be audio-only… it can be just as successful (or more successful) than shows that split their energy across audio and video.
The data makes it clear: Audio is winning. And you’re not behind if you haven’t jumped on video yet.
If anything, you’re right on time.
Need help deciding how video fits into your podcast strategy?
This is exactly the kind of work I do with clients every day — helping you create a podcast strategy that actually supports your business, not your overwhelm.
If you want clarity on whether video is worth it for your show, let’s chat, book a 1-hour strategy call right here, or if you know you’re ready for more focused, strategy-driven management, you can book your discovery call here.
Audio is still winning, and so are you.