4 Keys to Building a Successful Video Podcast in 2026
There are millions of podcasts worldwide, and roughly 90% of shows never make it past episode three. Out of the remaining 10%, even fewer reach 20 episodes. And among the podcasts that do stay consistent, only a small fraction ever achieve meaningful reach.
There is a lot that goes into running an impactful podcast. Strategy, planning, a clear vision, a strong why, production quality, and long-term consistency all matter far more than most people realize.
A few years ago, we experienced a golden age of video podcasting. Short-form single angle talking head reels were getting massive reach and often funneled viewers into full episodes. While the landscape has slightly shifted, video podcasting is still one of the most effective ways to build trust with potential clients, provide real value, and establish a strong personal brand.
Long-form content, especially on YouTube, is still the end game.
It allows people to spend meaningful time with your ideas, your values, and your expertise, which creates a deeper and more durable connection.
Running a successful video podcast is multi-faceted, but from my experience, these four things are crucial.
1. Consistency
You likely will not see significant results in the first one to two years. This is where most people quit. If the content is good, people will eventually find you. This happens more often than you think.
For example, The Way of Love Podcast had very few subscribers in its first year. In the second year, it grew from a few hundred subscribers to over 11,000 in a relatively short period of time. That kind of delayed growth is common.
2. Quality
Clean audio, crisp video, thoughtful set design, and strong editing all play a role. Every production company and videographer has a distinct style, so finding the right creative partner who aligns with your vision is key. Quality signals care, credibility, and intention. It becomes part of your brand image.
Your creative partner is not just a technician. They are truly a collaborator. The final product is the result of chemistry between the team, where your vision and the artist’s vision come together. If you are not personally handling the production side, it is especially important to work with someone who genuinely understands your vision and consistently delivers the level of quality you are looking for.
3. Have fun
This is often overlooked, but it’s essential. Podcasting is a form of expression. Authenticity and joy are contagious. People can tell when you genuinely enjoy the process versus when you’re doing it simply because “everyone has a podcast.” Video podcasting is not for everyone, but when you find your rhythm and style, it becomes an incredibly rewarding journey. Many unexpected fruits and opportunities can come from consistently creating content online. The ceiling is high, and the possibilities are wide open.
4. Have a strong why
Viktor Frankl famously said that a person who has a strong why can bear almost any how.
Simon Sinek echoes this idea with Start With Why.
And the greatest book of all time, The Holy Bible, tells us that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, and that without vision, people perish.
This matters because the journey of running a podcast is not easy. There will be days when you feel uninspired to create. Days when the content you poured your heart into gets minimal engagement. Days when you are bold and start receiving criticism or hate in the comments. Even worse, you may begin to doubt yourself, or the enemy may whisper that no one is watching and none of it matters.
I have experienced all of this, and still do at times. It was especially intense before I started The Way of Love Podcast. There were many moments when I wanted to quit. But I pushed through, and because I didn’t give up, there has been real fruit from the podcast. Lives impacted. Conversations sparked. Doors opened.
That’s why starting with a strong why is so important. Ask yourself what impact you want to bring into the world. This is a powerful platform, and lives will be touched through it. When you have that vision and that why, you hold onto it during the seasons when results are slow or invisible.
These are some of the biggest keys I’ve found that can help you on your podcast journey. There are more that I’ll share in the future, so feel free to connect with me on Facebook or Instagram.
And if you’ve been feeling a nudge to start a podcast, bring one back to life, or step into long-form content but have been holding back, I want to encourage you to start creating. It may be the very tool God uses to reach the people you’ve been praying for.
