Enhancing Internal Communication
In the modern landscape, the role of internal video podcasts, also referred to as corporate podcasts, is rapidly expanding, especially as organisations adapt to remote work setups. The challenges posed by remote work, such as maintaining a unified message across distributed teams, have prompted the increased adoption of internal video podcasts as a potent communication tool.
Transitioning from traditional internal communication methods, internal video podcasts offer a dynamic way to engage your team, especially when remote work becomes a necessity without much prior preparation.
Understanding the Value of Internal Video Podcasts
In the US alone, the count of individuals engaging in weekly podcast listening is anticipated to hit a remarkable 103.6 million by the end of 2023, representing roughly one-third of the nation’s populace. Moreover, this trend is poised to sustain its momentum, with estimates pointing to around 109.1 million listeners in 2024, followed by 114.7 million in 2025, and an impressive surge to 119.4 million by the end of 2026. The potential impact of video podcasts becomes more evident when you understand that video growth is outstripping audio only in podcasting.
Traditional internal communication methods often suffer from low engagement rates, often hovering below 20%. However, internal podcasts have demonstrated an engagement boost of up to three times more (source: Storyboard, March 2020 research). In comparison to emails or videos, podcasts offer substantially higher engagement rates, making them an ideal avenue for enhancing employee participation.
Exploring the Fundamentals of Video Podcasting for Internal Communication
Creating an internal video podcast leverages existing video podcast networks. Employees can subscribe to your internal video podcast just like they do with their favourite shows. The goal is to create an effortlessly accessible listening experience that maximizes employee engagement.
Applying Video Podcasts to Business Scenarios
Internal video podcasts find utility across various industries and organisational setups, particularly where remote communication is vital:
- Large organisations with dispersed teams can maintain a unified message through internal video podcasts.
- Training and learning can be conducted asynchronously, fitting well for teams working across different time zones or responsibilities.
- Onboarding new employees becomes personalised and effective through the one-on-one nature of video podcasts.
- Complex industries benefit from rapid updates, ensuring sales teams and support staff stay current with new trends.
- Startups can harness video podcasts to communicate vision, values, and culture, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Recording Your Video Podcast
To begin, you require a camera, microphone and a suitable storage solution. While the best audio and video quality will give you better results, it’s not crucial at the outset. You can start with a basic setup using your smartphone or laptop. Upgrading to dedicated microphones and cameras like the Audio Technica ATR2100 USB and cameras like the Sony ZV-e10 can significantly increase the overall quality. For a more professional approach, consider pairing a Zoom H4n Pro recorder with a Shure SM7B mic with a Cloudlifter and multiple camera angles to help keep your employees engaged. Need to record remote? websites like riverside.fm helps you record multiple participants in high quality in different locations straight from a web browser.
Editing Your Video Podcast
Editing plays a pivotal role in elevating engagement. Well-edited content can transform the listening experience, boosting audience involvement. Editing involves packaging and delivering content in an engaging manner. Employ podcast editing software like Descript or Adobe’s Premiere Pro for a polished result. Outsourcing editing to professionals guarantees top-quality output.
Choosing the Right Platform for Hosting and Distribution
When it comes to hosting and distributing your internal video podcasts, several platforms offer diverse benefits. Let’s explore some options:
- YouTube: YouTube provides a familiar and accessible platform for hosting your internal video podcasts. With its vast user base and built-in features, you can easily create a private channel and control who has access to your content. YouTube also offers robust analytics to track viewership and engagement.
- Spotify: Leveraging Spotify for your internal video podcasts offers a unique twist. While primarily known for audio content, Spotify now supports video podcasts as well. You can create private video podcast episodes and distribute them to your team members through the Spotify platform. This provides a convenient way for your team to access content within their existing streaming routines.
- Self-Hosted: Opting for a self-hosted solution provides you with complete control over your internal video podcasts. By hosting the content on your company’s servers or a designated website, you ensure maximum security and privacy. This approach is suitable for organisations that prioritise maintaining content within their own infrastructure.
Each platform has its advantages, so the choice depends on your organisation’s specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for YouTube, Spotify, or a self-hosted solution, make sure it aligns with your internal communication goals and facilitates easy access for your team members.
Embracing internal video podcasts on the right platform can elevate your communication strategy, fostering a more connected and informed workforce. Through YouTube, Spotify, or self-hosted solutions, you empower your team with a dynamic medium that transcends geographical boundaries, driving effective communication and engagement.
