How to Start a Video Podcast for Your Business: Setup, Workflow and Real Costs
This year I recorded at least 15 podcasts in a studio and about 30 fully remote ones. The difference in the final video is huge. Here's how we produce a video podcast for a founder: the setup, the prep that matters more than the cameras, how many clips you get, and what it costs.
By Evgeny Maximov·9 min read·
Why is a podcast a good first video for a founder?
Because talking to a person is easier than talking to a lens. A good host asks the questions, keeps the energy up and pulls the stories out of you. You don't need a script, only a topic and a few stories. And one hour of conversation becomes a long video, a podcast episode, a month of Shorts and several articles. More on the format in the easiest first video for owners.
The catch: a podcast only works for a business if it's produced like a video, not like an audio show with a webcam.
Should you record in a studio or remotely?
This year I recorded at least 15 podcasts in a studio and about 30 fully remote ones. My recommendation is clear: in person.
| Studio | Remote (Zoom) | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | two people in one room, real reactions | delays, people talk over each other |
| Look | premium, three cameras | two webcams in boxes |
| Shorts | clean close-ups, strong clips | hard to cut, clips perform worse |
| Cost | studio and crew | almost free |
Remote is fine for a guest on another continent, or as a test. For a show that represents your business, it's worth the studio.
What equipment does a video podcast need?
- Three cameras: a wide shot of both people and a close-up of each speaker. The close-ups are where your Shorts come from.
- A microphone for every person. Sound is more important than the picture. People forgive a terrible image, not bad audio.
- Soft light from the side, the same color on both speakers.
- A simple set that doesn't distract: a table, two chairs, something of your brand in the background.
If you rent a studio, all of this is usually included, often with an operator. If you build your own set, see nine filming setups ranked by cost.
How much does it cost to rent a podcast studio in the US?
Prices on the big rental marketplaces in October 2026:
| Marketplace | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Peerspace | studios typically $30–150 an hour; podcast studios in Los Angeles listed from about $40 to $200 an hour |
| Giggster | podcast studios average about $105 an hour, with a typical 2-hour minimum |
| PodcastRental | over 250 studios in New York, from about $25 an hour |
So a 2–3 hour recording usually costs a few hundred dollars for the room. A camera operator and sound engineer add more, and big-city premium studios cost several times the average. One tip from experience: always have a backup studio. I once had a studio owner stop answering a few hours before a client shoot. I found another studio in 30 minutes, and the shoot happened. Independent studios are great, but plan for the day one of them disappears.
What happens before the recording?
The prep is where most business podcasts are won or lost. Before every recording I do a 30-minute interview with the client. We agree on:
- the key stories to tell
- the one main idea of the episode
- why the episode exists and who it's for
- which stage of the buyer's path it serves
- where it sends people next: a video, a lead magnet or a call
After that, the recording feels like a conversation, not an exam. And the editor gets an episode with a clear point, which makes the clips stronger.
What happens after the recording?
- The full episode is edited as a video: cuts between cameras, clean sound, chapters.
- Clips: we usually get about 10 good ones from an hour. The normal range is 5 to 15. The same editor who cut the episode cuts the clips, because they already know the best moments.
- Packaging: the speaker's face, the host's face and one short hook phrase. Not the episode title.
- Distribution: YouTube, podcast platforms, Shorts on every platform, a LinkedIn post, an email, and about five search articles from one episode.
How to turn one episode into a month of content is in how to repurpose YouTube videos.
How much does video podcast production cost?
| Part | Cost |
|---|---|
| Our pre-production and post-production | from $500: topic, prep, episode edit, clips, thumbnails, publishing |
| Filming | priced separately, depends on the location: studio rent, operator, travel |
| Done-for-you B2B podcast services on the market | often from about $3,000 a month. For example, Content Allies runs B2B podcasts end to end, including guest outreach, and its engineer joins each recording. Services like this produce both online podcasts (remote calls) and offline ones (in a studio) |
For us, a video podcast is a standard service. The format is very close to classic YouTube production: the same prep interview, the same editors, the same clips, thumbnails and publishing. The studio is the only extra part.
The full price picture for every format is in YouTube video production cost. And if you're still choosing between a podcast and a classic channel, read YouTube vs podcast first.
Want us to produce yours? Here's our video podcast production service.
FAQ
What is video podcast production?
Video podcast production covers everything around a filmed conversation: planning the topic and guest, preparing questions, recording with several cameras and microphones, editing the full episode, cutting short clips, designing thumbnails and publishing on YouTube and podcast platforms.
How much does video podcast production cost?
Evgeny Maximov's agency charges from $500 for pre-production and post-production of a video podcast; filming is priced separately because it depends on the location. Done-for-you B2B podcast services often start around $3,000 a month.
How much does it cost to rent a podcast studio in the US?
In October 2026, studios on Peerspace typically rented for about $30–150 an hour, and Giggster showed an average of about $105 an hour for podcast studios, often with a 2-hour minimum. Studios in big cities with a camera operator cost more.
Is it better to record a video podcast in a studio or remotely?
In a studio, if you can. Evgeny Maximov records both and finds that in-person episodes have more energy, look premium and cut into much better Shorts. Remote Zoom recordings are cheaper but look worse and produce weaker clips.
How many cameras do you need for a video podcast?
Three is the standard: a wide shot of both people and a close-up of each speaker. Plus a separate microphone for every person. Sound matters more than the picture.
How many clips can you get from one podcast episode?
Evgeny Maximov's team usually gets about 10 good clips from an hour-long podcast. Across speakers the normal range is 5 to 15 good Shorts per hour; more only from very skilled speakers.
How should a business owner prepare for a podcast recording?
Do a 30-minute prep interview before the recording: the key stories, the one main idea, why the episode exists, which stage of the buyer's path it serves and where it sends people next. Then the recording feels like a conversation, not an exam.
Should a business start with a podcast or a YouTube channel?
A podcast is often the easiest first long video for a founder, because a good host does the heavy lifting. It works best published as a video on YouTube, with clips on other platforms.
How long should a business video podcast episode be?
Most business episodes work at 40–90 minutes. Long enough for real stories and depth, which is what builds trust, and enough material for about 5 to 15 good clips per hour.
Do I need a host for my business podcast?
It helps a lot, especially at the start. A good host asks the questions, keeps the energy up and pulls out the stories, so the founder can just talk. Evgeny Maximov often hosts client podcasts himself.
Founder of a done-for-you YouTube agency for high-ticket founders. Making content since 2014. More about me
Want a video podcast without the production headache?
We plan the episode, host or prep you, edit the episode and the clips, and publish everywhere. From $500, filming priced by location. 7-day money back guarantee.
Book a call →