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How to Run a Thriving, Profitable Podcast

Do podcasts NEED video in 2026? (Podcraft Pointers)

Published 28 days ago • 2 min read

Hello, Podcrafters!

I saw Santa yesterday, slinking out of a community centre fire exit for a quick vape and a scroll on his phone. Not exactly a Perry Como lyric, is it? Still, the big fella is clearly moving with the times 🎅

Know someone who's been "meaning to start a podcast" for months?
Our 5-Day Podcast Launch Challenge starts January 12th. One task per day, live support, published podcast by the Friday. Only 9 spots left!

In the penultimate 2025 edition of Pointers, we’ll help you make a few final calls on that Christmas list. Is it time to forget the webcam and double down on audio? Or does it make sense to sneak some studio lighting in at the last minute?

🎬 Should You Make a Video Podcast?

Video has become the loudest topic in podcasting. Everyone seems to have a strong opinion, and plenty of advice is delivered with absolute confidence.

What's usually missing is nuance. Many arguments lean on hype or personal preference rather than data, context, or an honest look at the trade-offs. Before making a major creative decision, podcasters need more than hot takes. They need clarity.

Video is optional in podcasting, and it's a door that's always open to you, even if you launch with audio-only. This guide is here to help you decide whether adding a video component suits your style and goals. Let's look at both the opportunities video offers and the reasons some creators choose to stick with audio.

👉 Should I Make a Video Podcast in 2026?​

Mic Drop Fact: You can make sound visible.
A Chladni plate (a metal plate covered with sand) vibrates into geometric patterns when a violin bow is drawn across it. The patterns change with pitch, showing sound’s hidden geometry.

💡 Protecting Your Creative Brain in the Age of AI

Are you using AI to sharpen your thinking, or quietly letting it replace it?

Can podcasters and creators still work with AI without losing the slow, human thinking that makes ideas worth sharing? We talk about using AI as a sounding board rather than a generator, why “thinking walks” still matter, and how convenience can flatten creativity if you are not careful.

Keeping the video podcast thread running, Colin also talks us through his updated studio lighting setup. Will you be inspired to create something similar? Or will it help reinforce your decision that visuals just aren't for you right now?

🎧 Listen to the latest episode of Podcraft​

😋 Sound Bites

A tasting platter of fresh tools, tips, and treats for your podcast. Short links, big value!

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🧙‍♂️ The Podcasting Sage Says:

“Your mic doesn’t create trust. Your honesty does.”

Authenticity always sounds better than polish.

Two Other Things to Help Your Show 🚀

Here are two ways to accelerate your podcast journey: The support to create something great, and the tools to make it work:

1️⃣ The Easiest Way to Make Your Podcast?​
Use Alitu to record, edit, clean up, add music, transcribe, and publish. All-in-one tool, built by podcasters. No tech headaches or app juggling.

​Try the Alitu Podcast Creator app to turbocharge your workflow

.. and ...

2️⃣ Personal Coaching & Education Help You Succeed?​
Join the Podcraft Academy to get expert coaching, step-by-step courses and plug-and-play resources to help you launch, grow and monetise your show with confidence.

​Join the Podcraft Academy to get confidence in growing your show

🙋 Have you already launched your podcast?

We love helping new podcasters get started, but thriving comes from building momentum and creating great content. If you’re already past launch, click the link so we can share resources that help you stay consistent, grow, and monetise.

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Cheers!
Matthew & Colin

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PS - ❓Got a podcasting question you’d love answered in next week’s email? Hit reply and ask away. We’ll pick one to feature!

The Podcast Host, Stephen’s Street, Inverness, Scottish Highlands IV2 3JP
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How to Run a Thriving, Profitable Podcast

Colin Gray

Join 29,000+ podcasters & creators to get Launch, growth and success tips for your show. Quick, actionable points, every week, from tool reviews to growth tactics, and much more, all aimed at helping you create the show of your dreams. If you're building a personal or a content brand, then get started and grow with us!

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