Video-First Podcasting in Late 2025 — What’s Really Going On

Tom Brown
Oct 3
2 min read

And why 2026 will be the year you can’t do without it

Podcasting is no longer just an audio medium. By the close of 2025, the strongest momentum in the space is going to creators and shows that put video first. Below is a look at the current data trends, a few projections for 2026, and how leveraging a video-ready studio gives creators a clear advantage.

Where Things Stand Now: Key Trends & Figures

Audience growth & general podcast scale

Globally, the estimated number of podcast listeners in 2025 is about 584.1 million, a ~6.8% year-over-year increase.
In the U.S., 70% of adults age 12+ have listened to a podcast, and importantly, 51% have watched one.
There are now over 4.5 million active podcasts worldwide.

The video gap & emerging leaders

Podcasts with video are seeing 70% year-over-year growth in availability across platforms.
Only 17% of podcasters record video regularly, but among top-tier shows, 61% produce video episodes consistently.
YouTube dominates discovery, with more than 1 billion people per month watching podcast content.
In the U.S., about 33% of weekly podcast listeners use YouTube as their main source.
Gen Z prefers video: 84% of Gen Z monthly podcast listeners consume shows with video components.

Monetization & revenue tailwinds

Podcast ad revenue in the U.S. is projected to hit $2.51 billion in 2025, a 27% jump from 2023.
Video podcasts unlock more ad inventory (pre-roll, mid-roll, overlays) and better discovery on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Predictions for 2026

“Clips first, full episodes second.”Short video highlights will become the main entry point for new listeners.
Studios as content hubs.Creators will want multi-camera, live-ready spaces to record once and publish everywhere.
More hybrid experiences. Live events, panels, and masterminds will double as podcast episodes.
AI-assisted production.Expect automated highlight reels, previews, and smart edits to become mainstream.
Video as the default.Audio-only podcasts will still exist, but shows with video will grow faster, monetize better, and stand out more.

Why Using Our Studio Makes This Easy

You don’t need to invest tens of thousands in cameras, lights, and switchers. Our studios are designed to make video podcasting plug-and-play:

Pro gear ready: Multi-camera setups, studio lighting, crisp audio.
Content delivered in every format: Full-length video, vertical social clips, audio exports.
Client-first workflow: Show up with your ideas, we’ll handle the tech.
Scalable: Two-person interviews, multi-guest panels, or live-audience recordings.

Bottom Line & Invitation

If you’re launching a podcast in late 2025 or early 2026, audio-only means leaving value on the table. The numbers are clear: video-first is the growth pathway.

👉 Contact us today to book your first session and see how easy it can be to create a professional video podcast with us.