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They say audio is a visual medium: we tell stories to help the listener paint a vivid picture in their imagination. But what happens when you translate the vibe of a podcast into actual visuals?
I’m talking about video trailers for podcasts. They’re a thing now… well, they’re becoming a thing, anyway. Video podcast trailers have the ability to hook audiences and introduce them to the world of the podcast — just as a movie trailer does. But capturing the sonic character of a podcast and bringing it to life in film is no mean feat.
I think we’re right at the very beginning of video podcast trailers and their potential for audio storytelling (not to mention promotion). The medium is ripe for creativity and experimentation. So today, for your viewing pleasure and hopefully inspiration, I’m taking a look at five of the best video podcast trailers we’ve seen so far…Â
🎬 Moonface
This is a beautiful trailer that fully encapsulates all the emotion and nostalgia-tinged longing of James Kim’s stunning podcast. I enjoyed hearing James talk about the process of producing the trailer on this episode of Inside Podcasting.Â
🎬 Slow Burn
Slow Burn made great use of archival footage for its season two trailer: perfectly on brand.Â
🎬 The Shadows
Kaitlin Prest’s riveting and inventive show for CBC has an equally thrilling video trailer. Killer soundtrack, too.Â
🎬 Disgraceland
A rock and roll true crime podcast - what a premise. The trailer for season three of Disgraceland uses psychedelic colours and trippy visuals to reel you in.  Â
🎬 Even the Rich
This animated trailer is fun, peppy and gets across both the hosts’ personalities and what you’ll gain from listening in just over a minute. Wondery has a bunch of great trailers for their other shows too.Â
If you know of any fantastic video trailers for podcasts, I’ve love to hear (or more accurately, see) more of what’s out there. HMU.
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One more thing… right now I’m working on the second season of my podcast The Reinventors, which tells stories of radical career change. If you or anyone you know has changed or pivoted career, especially as a result of the P word, drop me a note at clare.wiley@outlook.com.
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