Why Your Podcast Probably Needs Video in 2026: 57 Percent of Audiences Watch and Listen
New York, United States – May 15, 2026 / Hangar Studios /
Hangar Studios, a New York podcast production company founded in 2009, has expanded its vodcast and video production capacity in response to a structural shift in how American audiences consume podcasts. According to Edison Research’s Infinite Dial 2026 report, 57 percent of Americans now both listen to and watch podcasts, and YouTube has become the primary podcast platform for 39 percent of weekly listeners in the United States.
Two production configurations
The studio offers two vodcast production configurations. The first is single-camera capture for solo hosts and two-person interview formats, recorded at the studio’s 417 Fifth Avenue location in Manhattan. The setup is suited for podcasts that want a visual layer for YouTube, Spotify Video, and short-form social without the cost or complexity of a multi-camera production.
The second is full multi-camera production through a partner studio, intended for shows that need broadcast-grade visual treatment. The setup includes a director, multi-cam grid, broadcast lighting, color grading, and platform-specific cutdowns for YouTube, Spotify Video, and short-form social. Hangar uses partner-studio facilities for the multi-camera tier, expanding capacity without compromising sound or video quality.
Timeline and session structure
Vodcast production at Hangar runs on a six to eight week timeline from initial concept conversation to first published episode. Standard recording sessions are booked in two-hour blocks for a 30 to 45 minute finished episode. Guests join 15 to 20 minutes before call time for tech check and headphone fit.
For remote vodcast guests, Hangar provides a guest preparation deck in advance, plus a 15-minute pre-call check before the host joins the session. The studio uses Source-Connect and Zoom configurations depending on guest setup.
A note from the founder
“The brands losing money right now are the ones running a great audio show that nobody can find,” said Jennifer Chernicky, founder and CEO of Hangar Studios. “YouTube became the largest podcast platform in the country while a lot of teams were still treating video as a nice-to-have. We built the vodcast workflow so brands can keep the audio quality they already have and add a video layer that actually holds attention.”
Production portfolio
The studio’s vodcast slate includes shows for Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Refinery29, Melissa Wood Health, Sakara Life, Chairish, The Knot, and Thrive Market, plus founder-led brands across consumer products, finance, and health categories. Recent productions include Microsoft’s Scott and Mark Learn To series, JPMorgan Chase’s Market Matters, Move with Heart with Melissa Wood Health, and But Are You Thriving? for Thrive Market.
Visual reference for prospective clients
The studio has published a short reference video showing the visual difference between remote recording, single-camera, and multi-camera setups. The video is available on the studio’s site for prospective clients evaluating which configuration fits their show.
Availability
Brands and creators evaluating vodcast production for a Q3 or Q4 launch can book a 30-minute discovery conversation with a producer. Learn more about vodcast production at Hangar Studios on the studio’s website.
About Hangar Studios
Hangar Studios is an award-winning podcast, vodcast, and audiobook production company founded in 2009. The studio has produced more than 600 shows for Fortune 500 brands and independent creators across six continents, reaching over 50 million listeners. Hangar is headquartered at 417 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and is the first podcast production company owned and operated by a woman of color.
Media Contact
Jennifer Chernicky, Founder and CEO
The Hangar Studios
(516) 366-0333
thehangarstudios.com
Contact Information:
Hangar Studios
417 Fifth Ave. 8th Floor
New York, NY 10016
United States
Jennifer Chernicky
+1-516-366-0333
https://thehangarstudios.com
