Video podcasts:one soundtrack for YouTube and audio feeds
More podcasts publish a video version alongside the audio feed. The simplest workflow is one audio mix used for both, and that mostly works, with a few adjustments.
One mix, two loudness expectations
Video platforms and podcast apps have different loudness expectations. Video platforms typically normalise playback volume, often around -14 LUFS, while many podcast shows aim for around -16 LUFS. One practical approach is to master to your podcast target and let the video platform adjust playback. Why your music sounds quieter after upload explains normalisation in more detail.
Visual segments need visual cues
On audio, a stinger marks a segment change. On video, you can add a title card at the same time. Keep the stinger, since audio listeners still need it, and let the title card appear on its first beat.
Intros on video
Video viewers skip intros even faster than audio listeners. Keep the video intro very short, or start with a cold open and put the intro after the hook.
- The Turning Point on the Cinematic & Trailer shelf
A cinematic rise like The Turning Point works well behind a video title sequence: short, big and clear.
Clips for social
Video podcasts get cut into short clips for Shorts, Reels and TikTok. Music helps those clips feel finished. Add a short bed under the clip, and trim it on a bar line so it ends cleanly. Music for YouTube Shorts covers vertical clips.
Check where you can publish
Before you post clips on new platforms, check the licence for where your music can be used.