February 16, 2026
UPDATE
Apple introduces a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts will enable HLS video podcasts with a best-in-class experience for creators and users
Apple today announced a transformative update coming to Apple Podcasts this spring that will bring advanced video podcasting capabilities to the app. This enhanced video podcast experience uses Apple’s industry-leading HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology to set a new standard that gives podcast creators unprecedented control and monetization while providing users with the highest quality viewing experience.
“Twenty years ago Apple helped bring podcasting to the mainstream by adding podcasts to iTunes, and more than a decade ago we introduced a dedicated Apple Podcasts app,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services. “Today marks a defining milestone on that journey. By bringing a premium video experience to Apple Podcasts, we’re giving creators full control over their content and how they build their business, while making it easier for viewers to listen or watch podcasts.”
In the Apple Podcasts app, users will be able to seamlessly switch between watching and listening to shows, making discovering and watching video podcasts as easy and enjoyable as listening to audio podcasts has always been. Users can watch video from within the app and switch to horizontal full view, as well as download videos to watch offline. And automatic quality adjustment using HLS technology ensures smooth playback in network conditions, providing the best possible experience whether listeners are on Wi-Fi or mobile. Video episodes will be integrated with existing features that Apple Podcasts users already love, including customized recommendations and editorial curation on the New tab and Category pages.
A new video podcast experience empowers creators. Creators distribute through participating hosting providers and ad networks while maintaining full control over their content and monetization. Acast; ART19, an Amazon company; Triton’s Omniy Studio; and SiriusXM, including SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz and Simplecast, support HLS video at launch, with more providers joining in the future. For the first time, creators can dynamically insert video ads – including host-read spots – unlocking access to the wider video ad market while maintaining full creative control. Video integrates seamlessly into existing shows without disrupting viewers or downloads, and creators can monetize through sponsorships and dynamic advertising. Apple does not charge hosting providers or creators to distribute podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video. Starting later this year, Apple will charge participating ad networks to display dynamic ads in HLS video on Apple podcasts.
“Apple Podcasts is synonymous with podcasting itself. Bringing video to the platform is a defining moment – expanding what’s possible for creators, advertisers and the medium as a whole,” said Greg Glenday, CEO of Acast. “We’re proud to help lead this evolution, unlocking new audiences and revenue for Acast creators and a new premium canvas for brand storytelling. This integration strengthens our position as a critical growth engine for the modern podcast business. We’re ensuring that no creator or advertiser leaves revenue or reach on the table.”
“Video is the next chapter of podcasting. Simplifying audio distribution and empowering creators with flexible monetization solutions is what ART19 was built on, and now video deserves the same experience,” said Geoff Mattei, CEO of ART19. “Partnering with Apple Podcasts to distribute video to publishers is a momentous moment for creators who have been waiting for this.”
“Podcasting has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past decade, and this innovation from Apple helps preserve the integrity of what makes the medium so special, while enhancing video and audio with new capabilities as the two formats continue to converge,” said Scott Walker, SiriusXM’s director of advertising revenue. “For publishers, marketers and creators, HLS video on Apple Podcasts brings a new opportunity to grow their business. As a leader in podcasting that promotes access to an open ecosystem, we’re excited that a major player like Apple continues to grow the podcasting industry and support the advertising community.”
“Video is becoming an increasingly important way for audiences to interact with audio content, and Apple’s move into this space is a meaningful step forward,” said Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer, Triton Digital. “An open approach that allows publishers to retain control over audience, advertising and measurement – while expanding access to content across formats – supports long-term growth and broader choice for listeners.”
Podcast hosting providers and podcast creators can learn more about how to enable HLS video on Apple Podcasts, as well as how to use Apple products and tools to capture, produce and share exceptional video podcast episodes at podcasters.apple.com..
The addition of HLS video podcasts builds on the incredible experience that Apple Podcasts already offers in more than 170 countries and regions. As a dedicated app designed specifically for podcasts, Apple Podcasts allows users to explore millions of shows in hundreds of categories and customize their listening and viewing with features such as Enhance Dialogue mode, playback speeds from 0.5x to 3x, auto-generated chapters, timed links and transcripts of over 125 million episodes in 13 languages. Listeners can also directly support creators through premium subscriptions with benefits such as exclusive content and ad-free listening.
Starting today, HLS video is available for testing in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. The feature will be available to iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro users as well as through Apple Podcasts on the web this spring. Apple’s podcast catalog is available for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, Vision Pro and on the web at podcasts.apple.com.
Press Contacts
Dew Oh
Apple
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Heather Norton
Apple
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Apple Media Helpline
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