Apple Podcasts launches new video feature

apologize Podcasts are finally fully embracing video.

The tech giant, which pioneered and helped popularize the podcast audio format, faces increased competition from video podcasts on YouTube and Spotify.

On Monday, Apple said it would offer “advanced video features.” Apple Podcasts This spring. This content is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro, and on the web through Apple Podcasts.

For shows that include video in the Apple Podcasts app, users can switch between watching and listening to the show. Not only can you watch videos within the app and pan to full horizontal display, you can also download videos to watch offline. Video episodes integrate with existing Apple Podcasts features, including personalized recommendations and editorial curation in the “New” tab and category pages.

Apple has supported the video format of podcasts since 2005. But until now, the Apple Podcasts app has used RSS to distribute video podcasts. If you want to have both an audio-only and video version of your podcast, you’ll need two separate program entries in Apple Podcasts.

Apple Podcasts’ enhanced video podcasting experience uses the HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol developed by Apple. It offers adaptive streaming capabilities, automatically adjusting bandwidth usage based on your network connection. And for the first time, HLS support has been added, allowing creators to dynamically insert video ads into their podcasts, including segments read by the host.

Starting Monday (February 16), you can test HLS videos on Apple Podcasts on developer beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and VisionOS 26.4.

Eddy Cue, SVP of Apple Services, said in a statement, “Twenty years ago, Apple helped make podcasting mainstream by adding podcasts to iTunes, and over a decade ago we launched the dedicated Apple Podcasts app. Today marks a critical milestone in that journey. By bringing a category-leading video experience to Apple Podcasts, we’re giving creators complete control over how they build their content and their businesses, while making it easier than ever for audiences to listen to or watch podcasts.” said.

Creators will distribute their video podcasts on Apple Podcasts through participating hosting providers and advertising networks. The four companies supporting HLS video on Apple Podcasts for the first time are: Acast; ART19 on Amazon; Triton Digital’s Omny Studio (part of iHeartMedia); SiriusXM’s SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, and Simplecast will support HLS video at launch, with additional providers expected to join in the future.

Apple does not charge hosting providers or creators for distributing podcasts on Apple Podcasts via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video. The company said it will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee to serve dynamic ads on HLS videos on Apple Podcasts starting in late 2026.

“Podcasting has evolved by leaps and bounds over the past decade, and these innovations from Apple help maintain the integrity that makes the medium special while enhancing video and audio with new features as the two formats continue to converge,” Scott Walker, SiriusXM’s chief advertising revenue officer, said in a statement.

“Video is the next chapter of podcasting,” added ART19 CEO Geoff Mattei. “Simplifying audio distribution and empowering creators with flexible monetization solutions is the foundation of ART19, and now video deserves the same experience.”

Acast CEO Greg Glenday said the integration with Apple Podcasts’ new video capabilities “further strengthens our position as a critical growth engine for the modern podcasting business. We’re ensuring that no creator or advertiser is left without revenue or influence.” Sharon Taylor, Triton Digital’s Chief Revenue Officer, commented on Apple’s expansion of its video business: “An open approach that allows publishers to maintain control over their audiences, advertising, and measurement while expanding access to their content regardless of format supports long-term growth and greater choice for listeners.”

Apple Podcasts provides access to millions of shows across hundreds of categories in more than 170 countries and territories. The app supports premium subscriptions, allowing creators and publishers to offer subscribers exclusive content, ad-free listening, and more.