Podcasting is changing, even as our team writes this support article, more folks are looking into video podcasts (plus we’re nosy and we want to see your cute faces). Check out our FAQ on Video podcasts, Dovetail and distribution.
Which podcast apps support video podcasts?
Not all podcast apps support video podcasts. While some apps have added video capabilities, many remain audio only.
Podcast apps that support video
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Pocketcasts
- Youtube Music
Can I publish a video through Dovetail?
Yes, Dovetail supports video! When creating your episode, choose Video under the File Format option.
We recommend upload your video with the following specs:
Format: .mp4
Video: H.264 | 1920 x 1080p | 16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio | 24 - 60 fps
Audio: AAC or PCM | 192 kbps or higher | 48 kHz | Stereo
Size: Less than 1GB
▶️ Note: Dovetail does not process video files, meaning you can publish videos in any format. Adjust the resolution and frame rate relative to the length of your podcast episode. Maintaining a high-quality video format for a long run time will result in large file sizes and download times. When choosing your file format, please consider your listeners' data usage and device storage.
Limitations on Dovetail
- No Dynamic Ad Insertion: Video podcasts on Dovetail will remain ad-free, as dynamic ad insertion is not supported on video.
- Metrics Tracking: Video streams/plays are not tracked in Dovetail Metrics. Only audio downloads are counted. Check platform-specific analytics (e.g., YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts) to analyze video performance.
Can I publish a video podcast from Dovetail to Spotify?
No. Spotify supports video podcasts, but you must upload your video episodes directly to Spotify through Spotify for Podcasters. Unlike audio podcasts, which can be distributed via an RSS feed, video podcasts require direct uploads to the Spotify platform.
To publish a video podcast on Spotify:
- Sign in to Spotify for Podcasters.
- Create a new episode and upload your video file (must meet Spotify’s format requirements).
- Add episode details, including title, description, and episode number.
- Publish or schedule your video podcast for release.
▶️ Note: Videos uploaded directly to Spotify will be rehosted by Spotify. At which point your content is no longer being coming directly from your RSS Feed. This disables dynamic ad insertion and the ability for download data to be tracked in Dovetail Metrics for that particular episode.
You can find instructions on how to publish a video podcast to Spotify here.
For detailed video specifications and requirements, refer to Spotify’s support page.
Can I publish a video podcast from Dovetail to Youtube?
No. YouTube doesn’t support uploading video content through an RSS feed. Instead, you’ll need to upload your video episodes manually to your YouTube channel. Many podcasters create dedicated playlists to organize their video episodes, making it easy for viewers to follow along.
You can find more information on how to add a video to your RSS feed here.
For detailed video specifications and requirements, refer to Youtube’s support page.
Can I publish a video podcast from Dovetail to Apple Podcasts?
Yes, you can publish a video podcast from Dovetail to Apple Podcasts. The platform supports video episodes, allowing users to stream them directly within the Apple Podcasts app, just like audio content.
To publish a video podcast on Apple Podcasts:
- Ensure your podcast is set up on Apple Podcasts Connect.
- Upload your video episodes through Dovetail, ensuring they meet Apple’s specifications.
- Apple Podcasts will deliver your video episodes to subscribers and listeners, enabling seamless playback within the app.
For more details on Apple Podcasts video requirements and best practices, visit Apple’s official support page.
What about the other apps you listed that support video?
For other podcast apps that support video, you don’t need to take any additional steps beyond what you would do for Apple Podcasts. Simply publish your episode through Dovetail, and it will be delivered to supported platforms automatically.
Questions? Reach out to our support team at podcast-support@prx.org .