Women in video podcasting - is the competition fair?
The Gender Gap in Video Podcasting
Is video podcasting an uneven playing field for women?
As more and more creators incorporate video elements into their podcasts, the unique challenges faced by women can't be ignored.
From societal beauty standards to issues of confidence, we delve into whether the current environment is fair and what measures we can take to level the field.
If you're curious about how these dynamics impact content creation and what can be done to foster a more inclusive space, this episode is for you.
Our discussion covers several critical aspects.
You'll hear about the extra pressures women face when appearing on camera, such as the need to always look 'camera-ready', which involves dealing with hair, makeup, and lighting in ways that men often don't.
We'll also explore how these pressures can affect the quality of the content itself, steering focus away from substance and towards superficial elements.
Plus, we offer practical tips for women podcasters to navigate this challenging landscape.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy
Transcript
In this episode of the Podmaster, I'm asking, is video podcasting an unequal playing field for women?
Neil Velio:Podmaster.
Neil Velio:Hi there.
Neil Velio:And if this is your first time listening to the Podmaster, we help you master the art of podcasting one episode at a time.
Neil Velio:I'm Neil Velio, founder of podnos, and today a topic that's both a little bit tricky but incredibly important at the same time.
Neil Velio:Video podcasting and the gender gap trigger warning, mostly because if you've not noticed, I am not a woman speaking about women's issues.
Neil Velio:However, women need allies.
Neil Velio:I'm told this all the time.
Neil Velio:So this is my intention to try and add a little bit of consideration to the debate.
Neil Velio:It's no secret that video podcasting has become a huge talking point in the industry.
Neil Velio:It's no longer something we can ignore, not even us old fart purists.
Neil Velio:Joe Rogan.
Neil Velio:Yes, the meathead with all the conspiracy theories.
Neil Velio:He's the poster boy for video podcasts, and his success has inspired countless podcasters to include a video element.
Neil Velio:But here's the thing.
Neil Velio:Not everyone feels comfortable being on camera.
Neil Velio:And for many women in particular, the hurdles can feel particular particularly high.
Neil Velio:So today I'm asking the question, is video podcasting an uneven playing field for women?
Neil Velio:And if so, what can we do about it?
Neil Velio:Let's get into it.
Neil Velio:The reality of Video Podcasting for women.
Neil Velio:All right, let's start with the obvious.
Neil Velio:Video podcasting adds an extra layer of visibility to your content.
Neil Velio:And while this can be a fantastic way to connect with your audience, it also means putting yourself, your face, your expressions, your appearance, sometimes even your pajamas.
Neil Velio:If, like me, you record at random times front and center.
Neil Velio:Now, for many women, this visibility comes with additional pressures.
Neil Velio:There's the expectation to always look camera ready.
Neil Velio:That might mean spending extra time on makeup, hair and lighting to meet societal beauty standards that, let's be honest, aren't as strictly applied to men.
Neil Velio:Joe Rogan, for example, can just show up in a T shirt and nobody bats an eyelid.
Neil Velio:He doesn't even need to shave.
Neil Velio:But how often do we see podcasters who identify as women given the same freedom or at least leeway?
Neil Velio:This isn't just about vanity.
Neil Velio:It's about confidence.
Neil Velio:The pressure to look perfect can make women feel less confident, which can then impact the way they present their content.
Neil Velio:And if you're not feeling confident, that can affect the connection that you have with your audience.
Neil Velio:Only yesterday, I watched a webinar from a well known podcast hosting company that had a bunch of industry thought leaders presenting to the audience.
Neil Velio:One particular presenter was clearly not that comfortable in front of the camera, and having looked a little bit into her content in the past, historically she rarely comes on camera.
Neil Velio:I connected the dots straight away.
Neil Velio:This is a presenter that was not comfortable in that video format.
Neil Velio:How much better, or at least more relaxed would her presentation have been had it been audio only?
Neil Velio:It is definitely something to consider, and of course, that's just looking at things from the creator perspective.
Neil Velio:What about from the viewer's experience?
Neil Velio:Well, here's something to think about as well.
Neil Velio:When content creators feel pressured to conform to these beauty standards, it can unintentionally shift the focus away from the substance of the content to the surface level.
Neil Velio:Presentation viewers may end up judging or valuing the content based on how the creator looks rather than what they're actually saying.
Neil Velio:This creates a feedback loop where appearance becomes a larger part of the equation than it should be.
Neil Velio:And for women creators, this can mean having their expertise and insights overshadowed by scrutiny of their looks.
Neil Velio:It's a subtle yet significant way the pressure impacts the entire video podcasting ecosystem.
Neil Velio:So should women avoid video podcasting?
Neil Velio:It's a valid question.
Neil Velio:Does this mean that women should avoid video podcasting altogether?
Neil Velio:In my view, absolutely not.
Neil Velio:Video podcasting has so much potential to enhance your content and grow your audience, but it does mean there's a need to be strategic and supportive in how they approach it.
Neil Velio:First, let's acknowledge that the video podcasting world is not perfect.
Neil Velio:It's okay to feel frustrated by the double standards, but at the same time, it's important to focus on what we can control, and there's a lot we can do to level the playing field.
Neil Velio:Tips for Women Doing Video Podcasts if you're a woman considering video podcasting, I've got some practical tips to help you feel more comfortable and confident on camera.
Neil Velio:I know, I know.
Neil Velio:I'm not a woman.
Neil Velio:What do I know?
Neil Velio:However, a lot of these principles are essentially the same as the ones I would share with men.
Neil Velio:There's not a huge amount of difference.
Neil Velio:Not every man on the planet feels comfortable going in front of a camera.
Neil Velio:I mean, my appearance should definitely give you an idea about how little I consider what I look like on camera I should do.
Neil Velio:I know this.
Neil Velio:I'm not showing up the best.
Neil Velio:However, for the point of this video, I thought, why not go au naturale?
Neil Velio:Okay, so first of all, lighting is your best friend.
Neil Velio:You don't need expensive equipment.
Neil Velio:But investing in good lighting can make a world of difference.
Neil Velio:Soft, flattering lighting can help you feel more confident and reduce the pressure to pile on with makeup.
Neil Velio:Also, a lot of software can help with filters now if it empowers you, use them shamelessly, but don't feel you have to, and certainly don't get drawn into the temptation on that.
Neil Velio:2.
Neil Velio:Be yourself.
Neil Velio:Remember, your audience is there for you.
Neil Velio:If you're not into heavy makeup or elaborate hairdos, that's totally fine.
Neil Velio:Authenticity resonates from far more than perfection.
Neil Velio:Start small.
Neil Velio:If the idea of a full on video podcast feels daunting, start with shorter video clips or teasers.
Neil Velio:This can help you ease into the process and build your confidence over time.
Neil Velio:Remember, re, record and edit.
Neil Velio:Unlike live streaming, podcast recording gives you the chance to refine your presentation and feel more in control of the final product.
Neil Velio:Nobody's seeing it being made, so it's a great way to build your skills without the pressure of being live and perfect in the moment.
Neil Velio:Just focus on the content.
Neil Velio:Ultimately, great content will always trump appearance.
Neil Velio:If what you're saying is valuable and engaging, your audience could care less about how you look, even if your signature image is of someone wearing a mechanic's vest at a haircloth.
Neil Velio:Changing the narrative this is the wider thought piece on this.
Neil Velio:As podcasters, we have the power to challenge these double standards by being visible and unapologetically ourselves.
Neil Velio:When women in the podcasting world embrace video on their own terms, they pave the way for others to do the same.
Neil Velio:We also need to support each other, share resources, give feedback, and celebrate women who are killing it in the video podcasting space.
Neil Velio:Together we can make this space more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Neil Velio:So that's it.
Neil Velio:That's my thoughts on evening the Imbalance between Men and Women in Video Podcasting.
Neil Velio:I hope this topic's given you some food for thought and maybe even a bit of encouragement to give a podcast ago if the only thing that's been holding you back is what you're going to look like in the social clips.
Neil Velio:If you've got any thoughts or tips on this topic, particularly if you are someone who identifies as female in the space, I'd love to hear them.
Neil Velio:I always think every single episode is an opportunity for teaching moment.
Neil Velio:If you think I'm full of crap, let me know.
Neil Velio:If you agree and you'd like to share your own insights on how you overcome this unfair bias towards appearance for women in video podcasting, let me know.
Neil Velio:You can reach me on any of the social media channels listed@podmastery.co or email me Neil podnos.co.uk P O-K-N-O-W-S.co.uk and if you found this episode helpful, please don't forget to give it a follow in your favorite podcast app.
Neil Velio:Leave it a review and share it with a friend who might benefit from it.
Neil Velio:If you know any female leaders who are thinking about starting a video podcast, they might find this useful.
Neil Velio:Thanks for listening and I'll speak to you next time on the Podmaster.
Neil Velio:The Podmaster is a Podnos production.
Neil Velio:Find out more about us@podnos.co.uk.
