Episode Details

AI-powered candidate screening has split into two camps — audio-first and video-first — and the format your team picks shapes far more than you'd expect. We're talking completion rates, compliance exposure, and cost structure. In this episode, we break down OVI, Spark Hire, myInterview, and Willo to help you figure out which approach actually fits your hiring reality in 2026. OVI takes the audio-first path: short AI-powered audio chats, no camera required. That simple difference — no video — turns out to matter a lot. Candidates are more likely to finish a screen that feels like a phone call than one that demands good lighting and a presentable background. And from a compliance standpoint, transcript-only analysis means no biometric data, no facial recognition, no regulatory headaches as AI hiring laws tighten globally. Spark Hire, myInterview, and Willo are all solid video-first tools with their own strengths — deep ATS integrations, collaborative review workflows, multilingual support for global teams. But they start at higher price points ($119, $149, and $249 per month respectively), and their AI video analysis features are drawing increasing scrutiny from regulators. For most HR teams doing high-volume hiring in frontline, logistics, retail, or blue-collar roles, audio-first screening offers a compelling combination: lower cost, broader candidate reach, and a cleaner compliance posture. OVI's Starter plan at $99/month is the most affordable entry point in the category. For roles where visual presence genuinely matters, video-first tools still make sense — but that's a narrower use case than many teams assume.