In 2026, we're going to see podcasters get more comfortable saying that their shows are staunchly AUDIO ONLY

This is my prediction, yes, but it's also my hope. No, every podcast doesn't need a video strategy. Every podcast needs to do what's right for them -- starting with answering the questions:

• "do I want to be on camera?"

• "do I want a video audience?"

• “do I want to spend money and time editing or hiring someone to make video when really, what I want to do is nurture audio listeners?”

• “do I want to shorten my season or limit my run because I need to allocate some of my budget to video?”

Not only is it OK to host an audio podcast, it's also:

• how things were for decades

• how MANY prefer to take in media, news, stories...

• FUN

• a wonderful way to engage an audience

• yes, still VALUABLE to advertisers and sponsors if that’s your path