Are There Such Things as Virtual Podcast Studios — and Do They Actually Work?

Virtual podcast studios are real, and they are becoming increasingly common in professional video podcast production.

A virtual podcast studio uses green screen and real-time virtual production technology to place presenters and guests into a digital studio environment rather than a physical set. The visual background is created digitally and rendered live, allowing a podcast to appear as though it is recorded in a custom-built studio.

The Dean Street Podcast Studio in Soho, London is built around this approach.

One of the main reasons productions use virtual podcast studios is cost and flexibility. Building a physical podcast set typically involves design fees, furniture, props, storage, and repeated load-ins and load-outs. Once built, a physical set is difficult and expensive to change.

A virtual podcast studio removes most of these constraints. Sets are created digitally, meaning they can be reused, updated, or replaced without altering the physical space. Multiple podcasts can record in the same studio while each appears to have a completely different environment.

This approach is particularly effective for production companies managing multiple shows, branded podcasts with specific visual identities, series that want seasonal or campaign-based looks, and podcasts that record frequently or in batches.

Another common question is whether virtual studios feel artificial. When designed properly, the virtual environment is not the focus of attention. It provides depth, framing, and consistency while allowing the conversation to remain central.

Importantly, virtual production does not replace the fundamentals. Audio quality, lighting, and camera placement remain critical. A professional virtual podcast studio prioritises sound quality first, using microphones and room treatment that meet broadcast standards.

For anyone asking how to build a unique podcast set without the cost of physically building one, virtual podcast studios offer a practical and scalable solution that is now widely used in professional video production.