What’s Working in Podcasting: AI Tools, Video Strategy & Show Structure
A Multi-Platform Approach Is a Must
This may be partly because of the competition for attention on reels and short-form content, but in 2026, a multi-platform approach is no longer optional for podcasts. If you’ve worked with us for a while, you’ve heard us say that every episode should live many lives. Long-form audio, long-form video, social reels, and text-based content for SEO all matter.
Think about your favorite big-budget show. You don’t just find it in your podcast app anymore. You see clips on Instagram and TikTok, and you may also see a trailer-style video — somewhere in the 4:30 to 8:00 range — on YouTube. The takeaway is simple: if you’re not getting all the value you can from each episode, you’re leaving attention on the table. Podcasting is now a dual-format medium, not just an audio product.
AI Tools That Are Functionality-First
We’ve tested a lot of AI podcast tools over the last few years, and honestly, it can get fatiguing watching the next shiny new one pop up. Thankfully, the fog seems to be clearing, and the tools with real functionality are the ones sticking.
Here’s our current list of winners and losers from the past year:
Winners:
Opus Clip
ChatGPT and/or Claude
Descript
Losers:
Riverside’s post-production tools
Podium
Trying to do everything yourself
Long-Form Conversations Are Still Huge — But They’re Getting More Structured
Some of you have probably gotten a little tired of hearing me say, “Let’s skip the chit-chat at the beginning of the show” — and yes, I do try to say it nicely. But even the biggest podcasts are getting more intentional with structure. There’s less “How was your weekend?” and more substance earlier in the episode.
Even major shows like The Joe Rogan Experience, Call Her Daddy, SmartLess, New Heights, and The Diary of a CEO feel more structured than they used to. In my opinion, that’s a win for the listener.
New Around the Studio
Whatever the positive version of “death by a thousand cuts” is, that’s how we’re approaching studio improvements. Small upgrades, one after another, that keep making the experience and end product better.
We recently added a fourth Blackmagic 6K camera so everything looks seamless from angle to angle. It also gives us another close-up for 3–4 person podcasts or a more creative angle for 2-person shows. On top of that, we reworked all the lighting — and it’s looking really sweet. Come check it out!