In recent years, the podcast has become a regular format for keeping ourselves informed, entertained, and learning while we engage in other activities. However, a recent study by researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de València and the Universitat de València, published in a journal index,comunicación, shows that this soundscape is undergoing a key transformation: the rise of the video podcast. 

In essence, we are referring to shows that combine traditional podcast audio with video recordings, which are primarily available on YouTube and Spotify. 

A study of more than 100 video podcasts 

The research team — Nadia Alonso-López (UPV), Carlos López-Olano (UV), and José Gamir-Ríos (UV) — analysed 112 video podcasts published on YouTube and Spotify between September and October 2023. To do so, they examined their technical features, content, presenters, and the production models behind them. 

The results paint a clear picture: video podcasting in Spain is growing rapidly, and it is doing so in a very defined pattern. 

Independent productions and digital natives 

One of the most significant findings is that more than 80% of video podcasts are explicitly created for distribution on online platforms; in other words, they are digital natives. 

Most of them are independent projects, not tied to traditional media, although some production companies and brands are beginning to experiment with the format. 

Radio has also moved into this space: shows such as Nadie sabe nada or El búnquer broaden their audience by offering video versions. 

Conversation, humour, and entertainment

Another evident trend is the type of content. 

The conversational genre is dominant, with almost eight out of ten shows consisting of chats between hosts and guests, often in a humorous or informal tone. 

The most popular topics are: 

• General interest 

• Emotional wellbeing 

• Economics and business 

• Sport and politics, to a lesser extent 

The main intention is entertainment. However, there is also growth in outreach and educational content. 

Who presents video podcasts? 

The study highlights several key points: 

• Shows presented by a single person are the majority. 

• There is a greater male presence among hosts. 

• More than half of the presenters have no previous experience in the media. 

This reflects how the format has become a gateway into the audiovisual world for digital content creators. 

Professional sets and multi-camera production 

Although many video podcasts initially started in indoor spaces at home, professionalization is advancing quickly. 

The analysis shows that: 

• Most are recorded on professional sets. 

• More than 65% use multi-camera production, which allows for alternate shots, reactions, and visual dynamism. 

• Graphics, on-screen titles, and a carefully designed visual style are used. 

All this brings video podcasting ever closer to a television-style format… but with the creative freedom of the Internet. 

Long episodes and a presence on TikTok

Episodes typically last between one and two hours, which is significantly longer than the traditional audio-only podcast. According to the study, this length strengthens the sense of community with the audience. 

Additionally, more than 60% of shows utilize TikTok to share short clips that serve as a hook to attract new viewers. 

Why is video podcasting experiencing such rapid growth? 

The study points to several key factors: 

• Younger generations prefer to consume content with images. 

• Video enables the observation of gestures, reactions, and rapport between participants. 

• Platforms such as Spotify have introduced video functions to compete with YouTube. 

• Mobile consumption makes it easy to watch or simply listen to the duplicate content. 

All this has led to the rapid expansion of a hybrid format that combines the best of audio and video. 

A new stage in digital communication 

The research concludes that video podcasting is not just an extension of podcasting, but a natural evolution of today’s media ecosystem: more visual, more conversational, more interactive, and with a strong multi-platform presence. 

These and other issues related to podcasting and video podcasting will be addressed at the Congreso Innocast 2025, co-directed by Nadia Alonso-López, lecturer at the campus de Gandia UPV, and Carlos López-Olano, lecturer at the Universitat de València. It will be held on 11 and 12 December 2025 at the Facultat de Filologia, Traducció i Comunicació of the Universitat de València. 

The full article can be read here: Alonso-López, N., López-Olano, C., & Gamir-Ríos, J. (2025). Video podcasting español en YouTube y Spotify: conversacional y profesionalizado. Index.Comunicación, 15(2), 249–274. https://doi.org/10.62008/ixc/15/02Videop