tech
December 28, 2025
‘Painful to hear!’ How podcasts’ rush to video is turning them into dreadful listens
From Joe Marler’s visual-only stunts to the incomprehensible shuffling sounds Steven Bartlett recently subjected headphone users to, dodgy audio experiences are on the rise
TL;DR
- Podcasting is pivoting to video, expanding the medium beyond audio-only recordings.
- This shift often results in visual elements taking precedence over audio quality and listener experience.
- Examples include confusing visual gags and unexplained visual aids in popular podcasts.
- The drive for video content is linked to its potential as a marketing tool for social media sharing.
- Some producers believe the focus on video comes at the expense of both audio and visual quality.
- Beautifully produced, audio-only podcasts still exist, leveraging sound design for immersive experiences.
- The convenience and imaginative potential of audio are overlooked in the rush towards video-centric content.
- Dedicated audio listeners may abandon podcasts with poor sound quality or content designed primarily for viewers.
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