Client - Casefile Podcast
Case study
Increasing views and reach on youtube
Project direction, code, animation - Mat Rydzik
Illustration - Sotiris Kizilos
Visual branding - Paulina Szymanska
Credits
Objective
To develop a visual template for an already existing audio-only podcast, enabling listeners to also watch key footage from each case. I took an existing basic implementation of a similar idea and improved on it. A crucial part of the project was designing a system that would allow fast video output to match the show’s weekly release schedule.
Clients existing youtube videos - simple image with a waveform reacting to the audio
Concept
It was crucial to identiy that the project consisted of two stages - visual revamp and the template iplementation.
Results
The developed solution allowed the client to quickly produce high quality videos, in a relatively short time therefore increasing their viewcount and revenue from youtube uploads.
*over a year after the implementation
Some youtube comments from the viewers
The added pictures really add to the experience of listening and watching 👀😊
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HOLY COW Casefile with pictures now too? This is like the CHERRY ON TOP!!!! 🍒 🌟
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Loving the changes ❤️
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Great visuals.
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The added pictures really add to the experience of listening and watching 👀😊 • HOLY COW Casefile with pictures now too? This is like the CHERRY ON TOP!!!! 🍒 🌟 • Loving the changes ❤️ • Great visuals. •
Process - Visual Revamp
First stage was to plan out the visual “blocks” that will then be
linked to the code. I wanted to create a “series like” episodes with common intro, title sequence and outro with credits.
Episode opening animation
Episode title sequence
Episode credits
The main body of each episode would be a 3D illustrated studio depicting an annonymous host, various animated studio equipment and waveform that would sync to the audio.
The last element was the pop up/zoom in on the screen where we would display any video or photo assets related to each episode.
Process - Template Implementation
This was the most challenging part: finding a way to quickly align visual content with the already-produced podcast audio. Because the show releases weekly, I typically had only 5–6 days between receiving the final audio file and the episode premiere. Each episode contains over 100 assets, so doing everything manually would have been too time-consuming.
The only viable solution was to precisely synchronize the script with the audio. Writers would place markers in the script corresponding to specific images or videos. Later, I could automatically match these markers to their timing in the audio and place each asset on the video timeline.
I divided the workflow into three stages:
A writer reviews the original script, selects the appropriate assets, and places markers directly in the script.
I developed a workflow that syncs the marked script with the audio, extracts all markers, and generates a list of assets with precise timestamps.
Lastly, I created a script that reads the marker data and automatically distributes assets, scenes, and elements onto the video timeline.