Thinking about launching a video podcast or leveling up the one you’ve already started? You’re in the right place. Video podcasting is quickly becoming the go-to format for creators who want to connect more deeply with their audience, grow across platforms, and stand out in a crowded content landscape.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top video podcast platforms available today. You’ll learn what features matter most, how each tool stacks up, and which platform best fits your goals, whether you're just starting or scaling fast. Let’s find the perfect launchpad to take your podcast to the next level.

Main Takeaways:

• Choosing the right video podcast platform impacts your growth, discoverability, and monetization.
• YouTube and Spotify for Podcasters are top picks for video-first creators, each offering unique reach and tools.
• Platforms like Podbean, Libsyn, and Transistor support multi-platform distribution with strong analytics and monetization options.
• Built-in features like editing tools, RSS support, and ad integrations can make or break your publishing workflow.
• OpusClip helps you go further by turning full podcast episodes into short-form video clips ready for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.

What Makes Video Podcasts Different From Audio-Only?

Video podcasts combine the storytelling power of traditional podcasts with visual elements, creating deeper connections with their audience. Unlike audio-only formats, video podcasts let viewers see facial expressions, demonstrations, and visual aids that enhance understanding and engagement.

The numbers tell the story. YouTube has become the preferred platform for podcast consumption, with 65% of viewers discovering podcasts for the first time through video. Video podcasts offer flexibility that audio can't match. Listeners can choose to watch actively or play episodes in the background while multitasking.

The platform challenge is real. While audio podcasts distribute easily through RSS feeds to every major platform, video podcasts face technical limitations. Some hosting platforms support video RSS feeds, while others require manual uploads to YouTube and Spotify. Your platform choice determines whether you can automate distribution or need to upload content manually to each destination.

Can You Host Video Podcasts With RSS Feeds?

The short answer? It depends on the hosting platform. Traditional RSS feeds were designed for audio files, creating unique challenges for video podcast distribution.

Platforms with video RSS support:

• Podbean offers full video RSS feeds that distribute to compatible platforms
• Spotify for Podcasters supports both audio and video in a single feed

Platforms requiring manual uploads:

• YouTube doesn't accept RSS feeds, but remains essential for video podcast discovery
• Apple Podcasts currently supports audio-only RSS feeds

This split means most video podcasters use a hybrid approach. They host on a platform with video RSS support for automatic distribution, then manually upload to YouTube for maximum reach. Some creators use services like Vid2Pod to convert YouTube videos into audio podcasts, expanding their audience across both formats.

Choose your hosting platform based on your distribution priorities. If you want maximum automation, pick a host with video RSS support. If YouTube is your primary focus, you might host directly there and use a separate service for audio distribution.

What Features Should You Look for in a Video Podcast Platform?

Picking the right video podcast platform is like choosing the perfect outfit for a first date; you need something that fits your style while elevating your game.

Here are the must-have features to check for:

• Compatibility and ease of use: Choose a platform that works smoothly with your current gear so you can hit record without tech headaches.
• Editing capabilities: Look for built-in tools that make it easy to clean up audio and polish video without needing third-party software.
• Distribution and hosting: The best platforms push your podcast to Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more with minimal manual work.
• Monetization features: Platforms with ad support, sponsorship tools, or paid subscriptions can help turn your passion into income.

10 Top Platforms for Video Podcast Hosting

The platform you pick can dramatically influence your reach, engagement, and wallet. Let's break down the video podcasting giants in the game.

1. YouTube

YouTube dominates video podcast discovery, with an expected monthly user count to reach 2.85 billion in 2025. It recently launched YouTube Podcasts, making it the go-to platform for video-first creators.

• Key features: Free unlimited hosting, video-first format, powerful SEO via Google search, and built-in monetization through ads, memberships, and Super Chat.
• Pros: Reach over 2 billion users, get discovered through search, and monetize without extra setup. Visual-first creators thrive here.
• Cons: No RSS feed generation, meaning you’ll need a separate host for traditional audio podcast platforms. Success often hinges on consistent uploads and viewer engagement.

2. Spotify for Podcasters

Spotify bridges the gap between video and audio podcasting. All creators can now upload video versions of their shows while maintaining audio RSS feeds.

• Key features: Free video and audio hosting, automatic RSS feed generation, Spotify-native video playback, and centralized analytics across formats.
• Pros: Easy video uploading alongside audio episodes, one dashboard for everything, and access to Spotify’s massive global listener base.
• Cons: Video playback is only native within Spotify’s app. Viewers on other platforms won’t see your video unless you republish it manually.

3. Podbean

Podbean is a fan favorite. It offers a user-friendly interface that caters to both newbies and podcast pros.

• Key features: Boasts unlimited storage and bandwidth on paid plans, live streaming, and advanced analytics.
• Pros: Super intuitive and strong community vibes. It’s swanky monetization features that make earning easy.
• Cons: The free podcast ride comes with bumps. Namely, limited storage and basic tools unless you upgrade.

4. Libsyn

The granddaddy of video podcast platforms. Libsyn mixes reliability with a buffet of options every podcaster needs.

• Key features: Flexible pricing, wide distribution including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and a customizable RSS feed.
• Pros: Rock-solid reliability, extensive directory integration, and stats that make nerds swoon.
• Cons: Its interface screams the '90s, and the cool features cost extra.

5. Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout suits podcasting beginners with its simplicity and stellar support.

• Key features: Offers auto-optimization of episodes, in-depth analytics, and easy migration for your existing podcast.
• Pros: User-friendly dashboard, free podcast plan perks. Its transcript-adding feature helps polish up audio files.
• Cons: Free podcast episodes vanish after 90 days. The customization options are quite basic.

6. Captivate

The new kid on the block. Captivate is all about growth, armed with tools that could sell ice to Eskimos.

• Key features: Unlimited everything: podcasts, episodes, editing software, smooth audio, and a sleek player that handles ads.
• Pros: Every plan is all-access. It boasts savvy marketing tools and an interface so easy, your toddler could podcast.
• Cons: No freebies here, and watch your wallet if your downloads soar.

7. Squadcast

Squadcast is a monetization supergiant. It gives your podcast a global stage and easy ad integration.

• Key features: Choose from their free podcast or premium plans, get killer analytics, and edit on the fly with Podcastle.
• Pros: Monetization is front and center with easy distribution, and insights deep enough to drown in.
• Cons: Stingy storage on the free podcast plans. Getting support can be like finding a four-leaf clover.

8. Anchor (Spotify for Podcasters)

Anchor was once a solo act, now it’s part of the Spotify band. This platform offers free podcast hosting and top-tier integration.

• Key features: Unlimited hosting, effortless distribution across platforms, and simple monetization through ads.
• Pros: Totally free podcast, made seamless with Spotify. It offers audio so smooth and an interface so easy to use, it's almost criminal.
• Cons: Basic features dominate, and we miss having access to deep analytics.

9. Transistor

For podcasters with big dreams and a need for features that scale, Transisto brings the big guns.

• Key features: Unlimited podcasts, primo analytics, dynamic ads, and even secret podcast hosting for your VIP listeners.
• Pros: Analytics are off the charts, multi-show support, and customer service that's like your granny’s place.
• Cons: No free podcast plans. Podcasters beware of download caps on each tier.

10. Riverside

Riverside is a remote recording platform turned full-fledged podcast solution; perfect for creators who prioritize video quality and production control.

• Key features: Offers local recording in up to 4K video, separate audio/video tracks, and a built-in editor that simplifies post-production.
• Pros: Delivers studio-quality remote recordings, even with unstable internet. Intuitive tools like Magic Clips and auto-captioning make content creation and repurposing a breeze.
• Cons: Limited free plan, and exporting large video files can eat up time if your workflow isn't streamlined.

How to Distribute Your Video Podcast Across Platforms

Video podcast distribution requires a different strategy than audio-only shows. While audio podcasts flow seamlessly through RSS feeds, video distribution often needs platform-specific approaches.

Automatic Distribution via Video RSS Feeds

Platforms supporting video RSS feeds can distribute to:

• Spotify (video and audio versions)
• Amazon Music (audio extracted from video)
• Podcast apps supporting video playback

Setup process:

1. Upload your video to a host supporting video RSS (Podbean, Blubrry, or Spotify for Podcasters)
2. Submit your RSS feed to podcast directories
3. The platform automatically extracts audio for audio-only apps

Manual Uploads for YouTube and Social Media

Some essential platforms require direct uploads:

YouTube:

• Upload directly through YouTube Studio
• Optimize titles and descriptions for YouTube search
• Add to a dedicated podcast playlist
• Enable YouTube Podcasts features in channel settings

Social Media Clips:

• Extract short clips using tools like OpusClip
• Upload to TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts
• Link back to full episodes for traffic

Hybrid Multi-Platform Distribution Strategy

Most successful video podcasters use this approach:

1. Host on a platform with video RSS support (for automatic distribution)
2. Manually upload to YouTube (for discovery)
3. Create short clips for social media (for growth)
4. Maintain a separate audio feed if needed (for traditional podcast apps)

This hybrid strategy maximizes reach while minimizing manual work.

How to Monetize Your Video Podcast by Platform

Your platform choice directly impacts how you can monetize your video podcast. Each platform offers different revenue opportunities and requirements.

Monetization Options on YouTube

YouTube offers the most diverse revenue streams for video podcasters:

• Ad Revenue: Share in pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll ad income (requires 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours)
• Channel Memberships: Offer perks to paying members ($4.99/month typical)
• Super Chat/Super Thanks: Receive direct viewer payments during streams or on videos
• Merchandise Shelf: Sell products directly below your videos

Monetization Features on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Spotify:

• Paid subscriber-only episodes
• Early access content for supporters
• The platform handles payment processing

Apple Podcasts Subscriptions:

• Premium audio content (video not yet supported)
• Integrates with video hosts like Podbean for audio distribution

Platform-Agnostic Monetization Options

These work regardless of your hosting choice:

• Direct Sponsorships: Negotiate your own deals, keep 100% of revenue
• Patreon Integration: Build a membership community outside platforms
• Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions through tracked links

Revenue Potential Comparison by Platform

• YouTube: Highest potential through multiple revenue streams
• Spotify: Growing video monetization options
• Self-hosted: Maximum control, but requires external monetization

Choose your platform based on your monetization priorities. YouTube excels in ad revenue, while Spotify and Podbean offer cleaner subscription models.

Case Studies: Successful Video Podcasts

Many podcasters have followed the roadmap we outlined above to make it big. Let's explore how visual elements can skyrocket a video podcast into stardom:

1. Call Her Daddy

Call Her Daddy started as a free podcast. It soon soared in popularity by incorporating clever video podcasting elements. The visual additions boosted audience engagement. Steal this strategy and make each episode more relatable and visually enticing.

2. The Joe Rogan Experience

Arguably, this is one of the best podcasts around. The Joe Rogan Experience transformed into a major visual brand by adopting the video podcast format. The shift allowed viewers to watch Rogan’s dynamic interviews and greatly expanded his reach.

3. The Office Ladies

The Office Ladies enhanced their podcast recordings by blending nostalgia with innovation. Animations made their recaps of "The Office" episodes uniquely engaging. Their creative blend of visuals with hilarious audio files makes captivating video podcast episodes.

Inspired to elevate your free podcast from audio-only to must-see TV? We know we are!

Wrap Up Your Podcast Like a Pro With Help From OpusClip

You’ve explored the top video podcast platforms, and it’s clear that choosing the right one isn’t just about where you host; it’s about how you grow. The right platform can launch your show into new audiences, help you monetize your content, and elevate your podcast from audio-only to a full visual experience.

Along the way, you’ve seen how video adds power to your storytelling, how smart features can boost discoverability, and why monetization tools turn passion projects into real revenue. But to truly maximize your reach, especially on social media, you need more than just a place to upload episodes; you need a way to share your best moments across every platform.

That’s where OpusClip comes in. With AI-powered editing, OpusClip automatically transforms long-form podcast episodes into short-form, social-ready clips, complete with captions, reframing, and clean transitions. It’s the fastest way to get your content in front of more viewers, without spending hours in the editing timeline.

Try OpusClip for free and start turning your episodes into the clips your audience actually wants to watch.