## Apple Podcasts Embraces the Future with HLS Video
Apple is set to redefine the podcasting landscape this spring with a groundbreaking update to Apple Podcasts: the introduction of advanced video podcast capabilities. This isn’t just about adding video; it’s about delivering a best-in-class experience powered by Apple’s industry-leading HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology.
**A New Standard for Creators and Listeners**
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services, highlighted the significance of this update, stating, “Today marks a defining milestone in that journey. By bringing a category-leading video experience to Apple Podcasts, we’re putting creators in full control of their content and how they build their businesses, while making it easier than ever for audiences to listen to or watch podcasts.”
This enhancement allows users to seamlessly switch between audio and video formats, making video podcast discovery and consumption as intuitive as traditional audio podcasts. Viewers can enjoy full-screen viewing, download videos for offline access, and benefit from automatic quality adjustment via HLS, ensuring smooth playback regardless of network conditions.
**Seamless Integration & Enhanced Features**
Video episodes will integrate seamlessly with existing Apple Podcasts features, including personalized recommendations and curated content on the New tab and Category pages. This means listeners can continue to discover new shows and enjoy a consistent podcasting experience.
**Empowering Podcast Creators**
The new video podcast experience is designed to empower creators. Through participating hosting providers and ad networks, creators maintain complete control over their content and monetization strategies. Acast, ART19 (an Amazon company), Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM are among the initial supporters of HLS video, with more providers expected to join in the future.
For the first time, creators can dynamically insert video ads – including host-read spots – unlocking access to a broader video advertising market while retaining full creative control. This opens up new revenue streams through sponsorships and dynamic advertising, all without disrupting existing followers or downloads.
Apple will not charge hosting providers or creators for distributing podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video. However, participating ad networks will be subject to an impression-based fee for the delivery of dynamic ads in HLS video.
**Industry Leaders Weigh In**
Industry leaders are enthusiastic about the potential of this update. Greg Glenday, Acast’s CEO, stated, “Bringing video to the platform is a defining moment — expanding what’s possible for creators, advertisers, and the medium as a whole.” Geoff Mattei, ART19’s CEO, added, “Working with Apple Podcasts to bring video distribution to publishers is a significant moment for creators who’ve been waiting for this.”
**Expanding the Apple Podcasts Ecosystem**
The addition of HLS video podcasts builds upon the already robust Apple Podcasts experience, available in over 170 countries and regions. With features like Enhance Dialogue mode, variable playback speeds, automatically created chapters, timed links, and transcripts, Apple Podcasts continues to innovate and enhance the listening and viewing experience.
**Availability**
HLS video is currently available for testing in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. The functionality will be rolled out to iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro users, as well as via Apple Podcasts on the web, this spring.
**Learn More**
Podcast hosting providers and creators can find more information about enabling HLS video on Apple Podcasts at [podcasters.apple.com](https://podcasters.apple.com/).
[Apple Newsroom](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/)
