Video interviews aren’t just for job seekers anymore. In 2025, they’ve become a staple in content marketing, influencer engagement, and brand storytelling. From brand documentaries to customer case studies, video interviews are a powerful way to build trust, share authentic stories, and create versatile content that connects with your audience.
Whether you’re a brand, content creator, or marketer, knowing how to plan, shoot, and repurpose video interviews can supercharge your content strategy. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create interviews that captivate and convert in 2025.
Why Brands Use Video Interviews in 2025
Brands and creators now see video interviews as more than just conversations—they’re strategic content assets. In a world craving authentic voices, video interviews help brands and creators connect on a human level.
Whether you’re highlighting customer success stories, showcasing expert advice, or running behind-the-scenes interviews with your team, these formats create relatable, engaging narratives that build audience trust and drive action.
Turn Conversations into Multi-Channel Marketing Content
Smart brands today know one good conversation can spark an entire campaign. One video interview isn’t just a piece of content—it’s a content machine. As creator Tami Oladipo says, “One long video into multiple pieces of content will be the norm.” One 30 minute interview can be cut into social media posts, blog highlights, YouTube clips, reels and even email snippets.
The beauty of this approach is in its efficiency. It allows brands to share their message in many formats without starting from scratch every time. And when done right, it pays off, businesses can see up to 4x more engagement and 53% more ROI. It’s all about getting more mileage out of every meaningful conversation.
Establish Credibility Through Expert Insights
Video interviews also give brands a platform to show they know their stuff. Featuring company leaders, industry experts or even happy customers on camera makes your message feel more real and trustworthy. Audiences want to hear from people who’ve been there and done that, not just read generic claims on a website.
When someone sees a real person explaining how a product helped them, it builds trust. And when thought leaders share insights in their own words, it elevates a brand’s authority. Authenticity and expertise help brands stand out in a crowded market.
Great for Social Clips, Podcasts and Long-Form Videos
One of the best things about video interviews is their flexibility. A long-form interview can be cut into 30 second clips that perform well on social media where short videos get 50% more likes and shares.
The same content can be repurposed into a podcast. It’s a strategic decision, especially with podcast audiences projected to surpass 500 million by the end of 2024. You’re reaching people wherever they are commuting, working out or just looking for inspiration.
For those who love in-depth content, you can create documentary-style videos that weave in B-roll, graphics and storytelling to keep viewers engaged for longer. This kind of immersive experience keeps people watching and remembering your brand.
Video Interview Tips for Content Creators
Creating an engaging video interview takes more than pressing “record.” It’s an art that blends storytelling, technical preparation and real human connection. If you want your interviews to stand out, whether for YouTube, social media or podcasts, you must approach them with intention. Here are tips to help you create video interviews that captivate and convert.
Plan the narrative: What story are you telling?
Every great video interview begins with a clear purpose. Before recording, clearly outline the goals and objectives of your video. Ask yourself: Are you educating viewers about a complex topic? Building brand awareness? Showcasing expertise? Understanding your “why” guides every production decision from tone to visuals.
Develop a narrative structure to keep your story focused. A helpful framework is: 'Once upon a time... Every day... One day... Because of that... Until finally...' This method helps you think through each part of your story—from the beginning to the end—so your interview sounds complete and well-organized instead of disjointed.
Draft a list of key statements that summarise your main points. These statements will anchor you throughout the interview process, ensuring you capture the necessary content while staying on message.
Pre-interview checklist for smooth production
Preparation prevents poor performance in video interviews. Before your shoot:
Research thoroughly: Understand the topic and interviewee’s background to ask intelligent, relevant questions.
Test all equipment: Test your gear beforehand. Use tools like the 4K Wired Streaming Camera VM20 and AM25X USB & XLR Condenser Microphone for optimal clarity.
Secure a quiet space: Select a location with minimal visual distractions and background noise.
Prepare your questions: Write specific, open-ended questions that elicit detailed responses rather than yes/no answers
Close all other windows on your computer to prevent distracting notifications during the interview. Also, let anyone sharing your space know about the interview timing so they don’t interrupt you.
Stay natural while on-topic
The best interviews feel like conversations, not interrogations. Before the interview, build rapport with your guest by chatting about their background, interests, and comfort on camera.
Start with casual “ice breaker” questions to help the guest relax before getting into more complex topics. Ask them to incorporate your question into their answer: “What inspired me to take on this role was…” This way, sound bites can stand alone and be clear.
Listen instead of thinking about your next question. This shows respect for your guest’s insights and helps you ask more relevant follow-up questions. But don’t be afraid to guide the conversation back to your key points if it strays too far from your narrative goals.
One-Way Video Interviews Tips for Content Creators
You don’t always need a second person to live on screen to create interview-style content. One-way video interviews, where you, as the solo host, ask questions or respond to pre-recorded clips, can be just as engaging, if not more so, when done well. This format gives you full control: scripting, pacing, editing and delivery.
Format: Host Reads Out Questions or Presents Pre-Recorded Guest Clips
One-way interviews fall into two categories. The first involves the host reading out the questions and then answering or commenting on themselves. The second uses pre-recorded guest clips with the host reacting to or expanding on those clips in post-production.
This structure allows you to simulate a live conversation without the logistical headaches of scheduling. Since you’re in full control of timing and delivery, it’s easier to re-record segments, adjust tone or add visual enhancements without needing anyone else on standby.
The key is to sound conversational. Instead of just reading a list of Q&AS, speak naturally as if you’re conversing with someone; your audience will notice the difference.
Script and Shot List
Success with this format comes down to preparation. Start by writing a clear, engaging script. Make sure to:
Have a strong opening and closing
List your main questions with intentional pauses for easy editing
Add cues for camera angle changes or transitions
Mark spots for inserting visual aids or guest clips
Practice your delivery beforehand. As Forbes advises, try rehearsing with a trusted friend or family member and get feedback on how natural you sound. This extra step will help your on-camera presence feel confident and conversational, not robotic or over-rehearsed.
Gear: Use a Streaming Camera
Even as a solo creator, you can achieve broadcast-level quality with the right gear, without a budget.
Camera: The NearStream VM20 4K Streaming Camera has ultra-clear visuals with 40x hybrid zoom (10x optical, 4x digital) and is perfect for wide and tight shots. USB-C connectivity makes setup fast and easy.
Microphone: The AM20X condenser mic has a supercardioid polar pattern, capturing your voice clearly while minimizing ambient noise. Whether you’re using USB or XLR, it’s ready for professional audio.
Lighting: Simple ring or softbox lighting will ensure your face is evenly lit, with no shadows.
This trio of gear will elevate your video quality while being solo-friendly.
Editing Tip: Add B-Roll and Subtitles to Keep Viewers Engaged
Editing is where your one-way interview really comes to life. Use B-roll footage wisely to keep your audience engaged from start to finish. For example, overlay a visual that supports your point when discussing a tool or concept. This prevents the content from feeling stale, especially during long talking segments.
Also, don’t skip subtitles. Many people watch videos on mute, especially on social media, so captions help you get your message across regardless of sound. Plus, subtitles are good for accessibility and SEO.
Advice for Two-Way Video Interviews (Face-to-Face or In-Studio)
Face-to-face interviews create a connection between hosts and guests that virtual formats can’t match. In-studio setups give you maximum control over the filming environment and professional results that elevate your brand.
Format: Real-time conversation, often 2-person on-camera
Two-way interviews capture authentic participant interactions, creating engaging content through natural conversation flow. Unlike one-way formats, these interviews allow for spontaneous follow-up questions and genuine reactions. The key advantage lies in the visual dynamics between participants—eye contact, body language, and non-verbal cues add depth to the conversation.
Setup: Two cameras (wide and close-ups), two mics, one mixer
Creating a polished look requires thoughtful equipment placement. The NearStream VM33 kit equips you for success with:
A primary wide-angle camera capturing both participants
A secondary camera delivering impactful close-ups for each speaker
Two lavalier microphones (like the AWM20T Wireless Mic) clipped discreetly to each person
A portable audio mixer to control sound levels on the fly
Place both cameras close together to maintain a consistent eyeline. Position the wide-angle camera at eye level and the close-up slightly higher for more flattering, cinematic angles. As a rule of thumb, "the tighter the shot, the more elevated the camera should be."
Syncing audio with audio mixer
Syncing multiple audio tracks can be tricky, but the NearStream portable mixer makes this easier by consolidating inputs into a single, balanced output. If you’re working without a timecode, have both guests clap loudly once at the start. This creates a clear visual and audio spike you can align during editing. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro also streamline this with a “Multi-Camera Source Sequence” feature for automated sync.
Capture room tone and manage cross-talk in post
Remember to capture 30–60 seconds of room tone before or after your session. This subtle ambient audio fills gaps between cuts and ensures continuity throughout your edit. For clearer conversations, record each mic to a separate channel.
During post-production, reduce, rather than completely cut, background responses like laughs or “mm-hmms.” This keeps the conversation feeling human and emotionally connected, without losing clarity.
Investing in the right gear, like NearStream's tailored Podcasting, YouTube Streaming, or Game Streaming kits, will elevate your interview quality and deliver professional and personal content.
Online/Virtual Interviews
Remote video interviews have transformed the content creation landscape, enabling connections with guests regardless of geographic location. With the right approach, virtual interviews can match or exceed the quality of in-person sessions.
Tools: Zoom, Riverside, or OBS with guest feeds
Choosing the right platform is the first step to a smooth interview. Riverside is a top choice for professionals because it records audio and video locally on each person’s device. That means your final recording stays high-quality even if the internet glitches during the call.
Zoom is another great option, especially if your guest isn’t tech-savvy. It's user-friendly and familiar, and now it also includes built-in local recording. For creators who want full control over the visuals, OBS Studio, combined with guest feeds from services like StreamYard, can create custom layouts and branded overlays. It is perfect for live streaming or high-production episodes.
Internet stability, frame matching, and camera angles
Internet reliability directly impacts interview quality. Consequently, creators should:
Use wired ethernet connections whenever possible for greater stability than Wi-Fi
Close bandwidth-consuming applications and browser tabs before starting
Have a mobile hotspot prepared as backup internet
Camera positioning at eye level creates natural conversation dynamics. This prevents unflattering angles while maintaining proper eye contact. Guests should position their camera at eye level or slightly above for the most flattering and professional appearance.
Remote mic tips: Suggest guests use lavaliers or USB mics
Audio quality remains the most critical element of virtual interviews. Clear, crisp sound keeps your audience engaged, while poor audio can ruin even the most insightful conversation.
Ask your guests to use an external microphone, either a USB mic or a lavalier (clip-on) mic. Built-in laptop mics just don’t cut it for professional recordings. Also, make sure everyone wears headphones to avoid echo and audio feedback during the session.
Backup recordings from both ends
Technical disruptions happen even with perfect preparation. Subsequently, establish protocols for recording locally on both host and guest computers.
Choose tools like Zoom or Riverside that offer built-in recording features. For extra peace of mind, have both the host and the guest record locally on their own devices whenever possible. After the interview, immediately back up your files to multiple locations, such as an external hard drive and cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. This helps protect your work from unexpected mishaps.
Best Practices for Virtual Interviews
The success of a virtual interview hinges primarily on audio quality, far more than visual elements. Research shows that high-quality audio makes speakers seem more attractive and convincing to listeners, while poor audio can negatively impact how viewers perceive the content.
1) Prioritize Audio Quality with a Condenser Microphone
High-quality audio is crucial for virtual interviews, as it significantly impacts the speaker's perception. A condenser microphone like the NearStream AM20X Condenser Mic offers excellent sensitivity and clear voice capture. It features dual USB-C and XLR connectivity, built-in noise cancellation, and a color-coded visual indicator for real-time feedback blue for noise suppression, green for monitoring, and red for mute.
2) Use an Audio Mixer to Balance Levels
Balancing audio levels between host and guest creates professional-sounding interviews. The NearStream AMIX40U Portable Mixer makes this easy with separate volume controls for each microphone. It also has three noise reduction settings (Off, Medium, High) to suit different environments. Plus, it supports 48V phantom power for pro XLR microphones with just one button.
3) Record Locally for Best Results
Local recording improves audio quality by capturing sound directly on each participant’s device, avoiding internet-related issues. Use earphones to eliminate audio bleed, back up recordings to the cloud, and record separate, synchronized tracks. This method ensures reliable, high-resolution audio regardless of network stability.
Editing & Repurposing Video Interviews
Once you’ve recorded a solid video interview, the next step is to bring it to life through smart editing and creative repurposing. You can create content that connects with audiences across various platforms by trimming, branding, and reshaping your footage. Here’s how to get the most out of every interview you film.
Cut for Short-Form Content (Reels, Shorts, TikTok)
Your full-length interview has golden moments—don’t let them go unnoticed. Creating short, engaging clips is a great way to produce content for platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok.
Each of these has different length limits: Reels can go up to 90 seconds, Shorts cap at 60 seconds, and TikTok allows up to 10 minutes (but shorter usually wins the algorithm game). To make the most of your edits, don’t just chop at random. Use tools like Opus Clip to automatically identify powerful sound bites that spark curiosity, evoke emotion, or deliver impactful takeaways. Research shows shorter videos generate around 50% more likes and shares, so these clips are perfect for grabbing attention on the go.
Add Branded Intros/Outros and Captions
Consistency matters when building your brand. Branded intros and outros add a professional touch while reinforcing your identity. They create a polished look and make your content instantly recognizable, especially when viewers encounter it on different platforms.
Remember captions, they’re no longer optional. Since most users watch videos with the sound off, adding well-timed, readable captions boosts accessibility and engagement. Stick to best practices: 1–3 lines of text, no more than 32 characters per line, and clearly identify who’s speaking if there’s more than one person on screen.
Also, if your clips include transitions between topics or segments, adding text slides in between helps provide context and keeps the audience engaged, even if they didn’t catch the full interview.
Export in Multiple Aspect Ratios for Cross-Platform Use
To truly make the most of your interview content, you’ll want to prepare it for all the different places your audience hangs out. That means exporting in several formats:
Vertical (9:16) for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts
Widescreen (16:9) for YouTube and your website
Square (1:1) for Instagram feed posts
Suppose your original footage was shot in a widescreen format but needs to be shared vertically. In that case, you'll need to crop and reframe the shots carefully. This ensures your speaker stays in focus and the clip still looks intentional. This editing style, known as "pan and scan," requires more effort but ensures your content looks clean and professional on every platform.
Conclusion
Conducting engaging video interviews goes beyond hitting "record." It’s about creating authentic conversations that resonate. By preparing thoroughly, using quality equipment, and focusing on strong storytelling, you can deliver interviews that capture attention and build trust. Whether you're recording remotely or in-studio, consistency in technical setup and post-production editing ensures your message shines. Repurposing content across platforms further extends your reach, turning one interview into a library of shareable insights. As video becomes a core communication tool in 2025, mastering the interview process is essential for brands, creators, and recruiters alike.
Ready to take your video interviews to the next level? Explore professional-grade tools and seamless recording solutions at NearStream to confidently elevate your video content.
