Now, with video podcasts on YouTube and Spotify, creators must think about both listening time and watch time. Viewers don’t just want good conversations; they want an engaging experience that looks and sounds professional.
There isn’t a single “ideal length” for everyone. The right answer depends on your format, your audience, and even where you record.
So, how long for a video recording? In this article, I’ll share what really matters when deciding your video podcast episode’s ideal length. We’ll look at benchmarks, the pros and cons of short vs. long episodes, and tips to keep viewers engaged no matter what.
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Why Length Matters More for Video Podcasts
In audio podcasting, listeners often multitask. They’ll tune in while driving, cooking, or exercising. That makes it easier to hold attention for 30, 45, or even 60 minutes.
But in video podcasting, things are different. Watching requires focus. If your video doesn’t grab attention quickly, viewers will click away to the next thing.
Here’s why episode length matters more for video:
- Shorter attention spans: Viewers have less patience for long content unless it’s visually and emotionally engaging.
- Platform algorithms: On YouTube and Spotify, the algorithm rewards watch time. The longer people watch, the more the platform recommends your video to others.
- Quality signals: Viewers judge not only the conversation but also the production value — things like camera angles, lighting, and audio.
That’s why investing in production quality is just as important as deciding how long to record. At our studio, we provide multi-camera setups, professional lighting, and editing support. These tools help you keep your audience watching longer, whether your video podcast is 15 minutes or 90 minutes.
Key Factors That Determine Ideal Video Podcast Length
There’s no single rule for podcast duration. The ideal length for a video podcast episode depends on several factors:
1. Platform
- YouTube: The sweet spot is often 20–40 minutes for interviews or talk shows. Viewers enjoy depth, but drop-off rates rise after 45 minutes unless your content is really strong.
- Spotify Video Podcasts: Longer formats work, but you still need to capture attention early. Episodes between 30–60 minutes perform well.
- TikTok / Instagram Reels / Shorts: Here, the goal is discovery. Clips from 30 seconds to 5 minutes can go viral and bring new people into your podcast funnel.
By choosing the ideal length for each platform, you can easily promote your podcast on social media to for better engagement.
2. Audience Expectations
- Casual viewers: These people have short attention spans. They’re looking for highlights or quick tips in 10–20 minutes.
- Niche or loyal fans: If your podcast serves a dedicated community, they may happily watch episodes of 60+ minutes if the topic is valuable.
3. Format
- Solo updates or quick tips: Best kept short — 5 to 15 minutes.
- Interviews: 20 to 60 minutes, depending on depth and guest.
- Roundtables or storytelling: Often 40 minutes or more, since these formats need time to unfold.
4. Production Quality
Good visuals keep people engaged. Even if your content is long, viewers are more likely to stick around if your video looks and sounds professional. Multiple camera angles, clean audio, and well-lit spaces make a huge difference.
Data & Benchmarks for Video Podcasts
Let’s look at some numbers to guide your decision:
- Average podcast length (audio): Around 38 minutes.
- YouTube podcasts: Popular shows often run 20–40 minutes.
- Shorter clips (5–10 minutes): Perform well for discovery and social sharing.
- Long-form (60+ minutes): Effective for loyal audiences, but require strong production quality to hold attention.
Examples:
- The Joe Rogan Experience is famous for its long episodes (often 2–3 hours), but it works because of Rogan’s brand and huge audience.
- On the other hand, many YouTube creators find success with 15–25 minute episodes, which balance depth and viewer retention.
Short vs. Long Video Podcasts: Pros & Cons
Our studio can also help you repurpose a 60-minute recording into short clips for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts — maximizing both reach and engagement.
Short-form (5–20 minutes):
- ✅ Easier for new viewers to try.
- ✅ High retention rates.
- ✅ Great for repurposing into clips.
- ❌ Hard to dive deep into complex topics.
Medium length (20–40 minutes):
- ✅ Balances depth with attention span.
- ✅ Fits YouTube and Spotify algorithms well.
- ✅ Works for most interview and solo formats.
- ❌ Requires tighter editing to avoid filler.
Long-form (60+ minutes):
- ✅ Perfect for loyal fans and in-depth conversations.
- ✅ Can establish authority in your niche.
- ❌ Risk of drop-off if production quality is low.
- ❌ Harder to edit and repurpose.
How to Keep Viewers Watching
No matter how long your episode is, keeping viewers engaged is the real challenge. Here are some practical video podcast recording tips:
- Start strong: Hook viewers in the first 60–90 seconds with a story, question, or bold statement.
- High audio and video quality: Poor quality can turn your listeners away, so make sure to record and edit your video properly.
- Use multiple camera angles: This avoids visual fatigue and makes the conversation feel dynamic.
- Break into chapters: Add timestamps or overlays so viewers can skip to the parts they care about.
- Add B-roll and graphics: Simple text overlays or cutaway shots keep things visually interesting.
- Pacing matters: Cut out filler and keep the conversation moving.
At our studio, we don’t just record — we also provide multi-camera setups and editing services. Plus, we offer a reels and shorts package, so you can turn one recording into many pieces of content that attract new viewers across platforms.
More tips for an attractive video: Best Camera Settings For Podcast
Conclusion – How Long For A Video Recording?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question: How long should a video podcast be? The ideal length for a video podcast episode depends on your audience, your format, and the platform you publish on. Short episodes are great for discovery. Medium-length shows balance, engagement, and depth. Long-form works for loyal fans but requires higher production quality.
