How Are We “Watching” Podcasts?
Graphics by Megan Radakovich
Oh great, another influencer has a microphone. I can’t wait to sit down and listen to what they have to offer. What great impact they’re going to make with their specific podcast! Yet, when listening through the episode, there is consistent reference to an image on screen or a face a person is making. Now, casually listening, doing chores or homework, I feel left out. As YouTube has become the new common ground for podcasts to be released, it feels as though podcasts are slowly shifting into YouTube videos. On YouTube, there’s an entire section dedicated to these podcasts, all being in a video format. It’s ushering in this new wave of visual podcasts, where its new home is in a place highly geared toward video rather than audio. Even other apps are taking this formula, such as Spotify introducing videos along with the podcast. This new format had bled to other platforms, seeming like YouTube videos just in another space. There are now collaborations between influencers and public personalities. This is ruining the true meaning behind a podcast, which is an audio-only conversation or speech that sheds light on a certain issue or topic.
With the rise of influencers, especially within the 2020s, many gained their popularity through TikTok. Since these videos were only about 15 seconds long, typically dancing or singing along to a song, it wasn’t enough to financially support someone. The next best step was to move to YouTube, where posting longer videos allowed for profit to be gained. This general pipeline was a successful formula for many , such as Brittany Broski or Jake Shane, who both moved from Tik Tok to YouTube. What they’re most known for now would be their infamous podcasts, being staples within the YouTube community.
Although their podcasts do have audio versions, primarily much of the viewers and traction they get is from the video format. Specifically with Shane’s “Therapuss”, it acts almost like a therapy session. Guests are able to get personal while also answering fun questions.
In the past, I feel that podcasts were more conversational., As “Therapuss” somewhat flips the formula, I would much rather watch it than listen.This could also be seen with Broski’s podcast “The Broski Report.” This podcast is presented like a news channel, where Broski delves into her honest thoughts on herself, life and culture within the world. Although this falls between serious and silly, the desire for the video perspective is due to her hilarious faces and reactions. Never having guests on the show, it allows for just her personality to shine, and seeing that visually makes it so much better.
With all that said, don’t these feel more like YouTube videos? The audio versions are slowly on the way out and it feels like we’re losing that art form. Podcasts are such great ways to dive deeper into certain topics and have amazing conversations with guests. They can be played while doing things around the house, going to classes or driving around. They’re so great for casual listening, but when they become so dependent on being visually seen, it ruins its purpose. Podcasts are so important to our culture and society, and we must not lose the true essence that comes with audio.