The best video podcasts are not just on YouTube. In fact, many of the best ones are available on Spotify. Here we cover how you can watch Spotify video podcasts and set the correct settings to do so. Additionally, we will provide you with some tips on how you can identify a video podcast on Spotify that you will enjoy. So, without further ado, let's get to it!
Can You Watch Videos on Spotify?
Yes you can. Spotify offers video versions of certain podcasts that can be watched in the app or the web version, as well as music videos for specific artists and songs. Spotify also offers a 'Canvas' mode that plays short looping visuals alongside a number of tracks.
How To Watch Spotify Video Podcasts
Whether you're a podcast enthusiast or just getting started, you may be wondering how you can listen to and watch Spotify video podcasts. After all, the music streaming service is known for its music, not its video content. Fortunately, it's actually relatively easy to find and watch Spotify video podcasts, and here's how:
Configure Your Settings in The Spotify App
Before you start streaming a video podcast on Spotify, you need to configure your settings in the Spotify app. By default, the app may not automatically play the video when streaming podcasts. To ensure video playback works as intended, open the App Settings by clicking on the gear icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
For iOS users, open the "Data Server" section and make sure you've toggled to "off" the "Download audio only" and "Stream audio only" settings under "Video Podcasts."
For Android users, similarly, toggle to "off" the "Download audio only" and "Stream audio only" toggles in the settings in the "Data server" section.
The reason you need to do this is that if you leave these features toggled "on", you will not be able to access the videos of podcasts and songs uploaded with a video on Spotify. Also, when you want to download these videos, you will not be able to do it if these features are on.
Watch Video Podcasts on Spotify
Now that you have your settings set, launch the app, navigate to "search" by clicking the icon at the bottom, and type in your desired podcast in the search bar or choose "Podcasts" from the "Browse All" section. From there, you'll see a variety of podcasts to choose from, including many popular video podcasts.
Once you've found a video podcast you want to listen to, click on it and hit the "play" button. The podcast will start playing automatically.
To put this concisely:
1. Open Spotify.
2. Navigate to the show you want to watch and go to the episode page.
3. Play your desired podcast episode.
4. Tap the play bar at the bottom of the screen to view the full-screen video.
5. Sit back, watch and enjoy!
Note: if you want to go back to just listening to the podcast, you can easily do that too.
Why Can I Still Not Watch Podcast Videos on Spotify?
There are several reasons why you may be unable to watch Spotify video podcasts, even after following the steps above.
First and foremost, not all podcasts have videos available. While many do, some only provide audio versions of their episodes. In this case, you'll need to listen to the podcast instead of watching it.
Second, some podcasts have videos but they may not be viewable on Spotify. In this instance you'll need to watch the video on the podcast's website or another platform like YouTube.
Additionally, there may be an issue with your internet connection. If your connection is spotty or slow, streaming video content can be complex. In this case, we recommend watching the video podcast at a later time or on another device.
Lastly, watching video podcasts may not be available in your country, and you might have to use different VPN servers. The truth is some regions do not yet have access to this feature. It is especially the case in location where Spotify has only recently been launched. In this case, perhaps a VPN would be your best bet. You can try services like AstrillVPN, Express VPN, or CyberGhost. Each provider offers different features and pricing so keep that in mind when choosing the most suitable option for yourself, as suggested on Privacy Journal. However, Spotify constantly expands its features to more and more locations, so keep your tabs on that too.
How to Search Podcast Episodes on Spotify
1) Open up the Spotify app or desktop web-player.
2) Click the search icon on the left hand side.
3) Enter the name of the podcast you're looking for or the topic of the type of podcast you'd like to find.
4) At the very top, tap on the "Podcasts & Shows" tab to filter to podcasts.
5) Spotify will now show you podcasts and specific episodes relevant to your search.
How To Spot Great Video Podcasts For You on Spotify
It's not just a question of simply looking for and finding a popular podcast but also of being able to identify video podcasts that would be great for you. After all, there are so many different types of podcasts out there, and not all of them will be interesting for you.
Here are several factors to consider when looking for an excellent video podcast for you on Spotify:
The topics covered: The description of the podcast should give you a pretty good idea of what topics are covered in each episode. If you're interested in the issues therein, then it's probably the right podcast for you.
The guests: Scroll through the episode list of the podcasts, and see who is usually invited to the show. See any personalities you like? Try playing the first few minutes of episodes they're in, and you are likely to find the show quite interesting.
The format: How is the podcast structured? Is it simply an interview between the host and the guests? Or are there segments in between where other things happen? If you know what kind of format you prefer, you can use that to identify great video podcasts for you on Spotify. Otherwise, try different forms and see which you like more.
The length: How long are the episodes? If you like to listen to podcasts during your commute, then you may prefer shorter episodes that you can finish in one go. On the other hand, if you enjoy relaxing and listening to podcasts over a more extended period of time, longer episodes might be more up your alley.
The production quality: Take a look at the video and audio quality of the podcast. Is it professionally produced, or does it have a more DIY feel to it? There's no right or wrong answer here, as some people prefer one over the other. It really just comes down to personal preference.
The reviews: Finally, take a look at the reviews of the podcast on Spotify. See what other people are saying about it. If it has mostly positive reviews, then it's likely you'll enjoy the podcast as well.
What Podcasts Have Video on Spotify?
Besides some podcasters like Joe Rogan or Steven Bartlett, who are known for rocking video podcasts on Spotify, there's currently no way to filter which podcasts have videos on Spotify. But to make your life easier, let's throw in some of the best Spotify video podcasts currently out there that you might enjoy:
1) The Joe Rogan Experience
Joe Rogan's no-holds-barred conversations cover everything from UFOs to MMA. He grills scientists, comedians, and conspiracy theorists alike, often for hours. It's raw, unfiltered, and wildly popular.
2) Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
Steven Bartlett digs into the minds of movers and shakers. It's more than just business talk, as you'll hear personal stories of epic wins and face-palm failures. A goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs and the success-hungry.
3) Lex Fridman
Lex Fridman, a well-known computer scientist, goes deep on tech, science, and what it means to be human. He trades ideas with some of the brightest minds around. It's brain food for the future-obsessed.
4) Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper
Alex Cooper dishes on sex, dating, and relationships without sugarcoating a thing. It's bold, it's brash, and it's not for the faint-hearted. Expect real talk about the messy world of modern romance.
5) The Misfits Podcast
The Misfits, a crew of gaming YouTubers, spill the tea on their wild adventures and epic fails. It's a chaotic peek into the world of content creation, fueled by friendship and questionable decisions.
6) The Comments Section with Brett Cooper
Brett Cooper dissects what's got the internet buzzing, from memes to movements. She's not afraid to ruffle feathers with her hot takes on pop culture and politics. It's a fresh, often controversial, spin on current events.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a podcast enthusiast or just getting started, we hope this article has helped you learn more about how to watch video podcasts on Spotify.
There are a ton of great video podcasts out there, and we encourage you to explore and find ones that suit your interests. With so many different topics covered, there's definitely something for everyone.
If you're a podcaster yourself, we urge you to try Podcastle and explore the benefits and opportunities it offers to podcasters and audiovisual content creators.
