Apple is getting video in podcasts (at last)

While I can sort of understand why Apple remained resolutely focused on the idea that Apple Podcasts should be all about audio, rather than video, it’s a decision that means YouTube and Spotify now dominate in the age of vcasts (video podcasts).

Now Apple plans to change all that with its newly announced video podcasting push, coming later this spring. 

This should bring its service up to speed against competitors, with features like picture-in-picture mode and the ability to download video episodes for offline viewing.

What Apple said

“Twenty years ago, Apple helped take podcasting mainstream by adding podcasts to iTunes, and more than a decade ago, we introduced the dedicated Apple Podcasts app,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services.

“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.”

Key Features of Apple Podcasts’ Video Podcasting Update

• Seamless Switching: Users can switch between watching and listening to shows within the Apple Podcasts app.  
• Integrated Video Playback: Video can be watched directly in the app, with options for horizontal full display. 
• Offline Viewing: Episodes can be downloaded for offline access.
• Automatic Quality Adjustment: Video quality adjusts automatically for smooth playback across different network conditions.
• Personalized Recommendations: Video episodes are integrated with personalised recommendations and editorial curation, enhancing discovery and user experience. 
• Picture-in-Picture Mode: Watch video podcasts while using other apps.  
• Dynamic Video Ad Insertion: Creators gain control and monetization opportunities through dynamic ad insertion.

Acast; ART19, an Amazon company; Triton’s Omny Studio; and SiriusXM, inclusive of SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, and Simplecast, are supporting HLS video at launch, with additional providers to join in the future. 

Apple does not charge hosting providers or creators to distribute podcasts on Apple Podcasts, whether via traditional RSS/MP3 or HLS video. Apple will charge participating ad networks an impression-based fee for the delivery of dynamic ads in HLS video on Apple Podcasts starting later this year.

More information

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. HLS video is available for testing in beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. The functionality will come to iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro users, as well as via Apple Podcasts on the web this spring.

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