Show notes
Episode 547 - MTV Closes Down, Spotify Adds Music Videos - Video is Growing in Popularity, What This Means For Podcasters
In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, host Dave examines a pivotal moment in media history: MTV shutting down operations just as Spotify rolls out music videos. For podcasters wondering whether to embrace video or stick with audio, this shift offers both clarity and opportunity.
Dave opens with nostalgia for the MTV era, recalling how music videos transformed the way fans connected with artists. For the first time, listeners could see their favorite musicians perform, not just hear them. This visual revolution shaped music discovery for decades. Now, as MTV fades into history, Spotify steps forward to integrate music videos directly into its platform—allowing users to listen and watch without switching apps. The timing, Dave notes, is anything but random.
The episode challenges a common misconception: that video podcasts only exist on YouTube and Spotify. Dave delivers a reality check to podcast coaches and creators who overlook Apple Podcasts' longstanding support for video through RSS feeds. While not heavily promoted, video podcasting on Apple has been possible for years, and ignoring this fact limits both strategy and reach. Podcasters who understand RSS-based video distribution gain flexibility across multiple platforms, opening doors that many don't realize exist.
Dave also addresses Spotify's growing role in podcasting, especially among younger listeners. While some podcasting "gurus" regularly criticize Spotify, he argues that dismissing the platform entirely overlooks its real value. Millions of users seamlessly toggle between music and podcasts on Spotify, making it a natural fit for discovery and retention. Adding video to the mix only strengthens that connection, especially as visual listening becomes more common—people play video content but don't always watch it, absorbing audio passively in the background.
For podcasters managing both audio and video feeds on Spotify, Dave offers a critical technical tip: Spotify defaults to video versions when both formats are uploaded. This means your carefully edited audio track might be ignored entirely, with Spotify pulling audio from the video file instead. The result? Lower stats for your audio feed and potential confusion about listener behavior. His recommendation: maintain separate feeds for audio and video to preserve accurate metrics and give each format the attention it deserves.
Beyond the technical, Dave reframes the video versus audio debate. He emphasizes that podcasting has no gatekeepers—no single "right way" to create. Story-driven shows, sleep podcasts, and narrative series thrive without video. Meanwhile, interview-based podcasts and personality-driven content often benefit from visual presence. The key is knowing your audience, your strengths, and your resources. Starting small with a smartphone or webcam can work. Investing in multi-camera setups and editing makes sense for some, but not all.
As Dave wraps up, he encourages podcasters to see this moment not as pressure but as expansion. Video isn't replacing audio—it's enhancing discoverability and offering new ways to connect. Whether you produce full video episodes, short clips, or stick to pure audio with complementary visuals, the goal remains the same: meet your audience where they are. Platforms competing for creators means more visibility, more tools, and more opportunity for growth.
Key takeaway: The future of podcasting isn't audio or video—it's both, used strategically. MTV's closure and Spotify's video rollout signal a media shift, but audio remains vital. Adapt where it makes sense, stay authentic to your format, and remember that connection—not complexity—drives lasting success.
Podcast Mentioned - Afterlight Fictions
https://pod.link/1712362054
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