Apple is introducing video podcasting support in Apple Podcasts. The company is expanding the Apple Podcasts app to include video episodes. According to the announcement, podcast shows can now include native video through HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology.

The update allows listeners to switch between audio and video during playback. For example, a user can start listening to an episode on their iPhone and switch to watching the video without interrupting the episode. The company says videos can be viewed horizontally in full-screen mode and downloaded for offline use. 

A still from the podcast The Zane Lowe Show, shown on iPhone 17 Pro.

Apple claims this integration works with the existing Apple Podcasts experience, including personalized recommendations and curated content on the New tab and Category pages. The rollout is currently in beta on iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and visionOS 16.4. The company expects a wide rollout on Apple devices and the web in spring 2026. Early partners include Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM.

Monetization options for creators

Apple is also allowing video ad support for video podcasts. Creators can now insert video ads, including host-read spots, directly into episodes. According to the company, this will enable them to monetize shows while keeping control over content.

How Apple fits in the growing video podcasting market

This launch places Apple directly into a space where other major platforms already support video podcast formats. YouTube remains a major destination for video podcasts, with reports suggesting more than one billion users watch podcast content on its platform monthly.

Spotify has steadily increased its video podcast library, reporting over 250,000 video podcast titles by mid-2024, with 170 million users watching video podcasts. The company signed a partnership with Netflix in October 2025 to bring a selection of video podcasts, including The Bill Simmons Podcast and The Rewatchables, to Netflix starting in early 2026. Netflix itself is licensing video podcasts exclusively in the U.S., including The Breakfast Club, through a deal with iHeartMedia.

These moves highlight that video podcasts are becoming a more prominent part of streaming strategies across major platforms. The Podcast Landscape 2025 report from Sounds Profitable and Signal Hill showed that more than half of U.S. podcast consumers prefer watching podcasts over just listening on platforms like YouTube.

This data indicates that both creators and audiences are increasingly adopting video. As video podcasting continues to grow, Apple is seeking to capture a portion of this market.

Writer, The Keyword
Nelson Oboh
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Recap

When will Apple Podcasts video support be available to all users?

Apple Podcasts video support will have a wide rollout on Apple devices and the web in spring 2026. The feature is currently in beta on iOS 16.4, iPadOS 16.4, and visionOS 16.4 with early partners like Acast and SiriusXM.

Can you switch between audio and video while listening to Apple Podcasts?

Yes, users can seamlessly switch between audio and video during playbook without interrupting the episode. For example, you can start listening on iPhone and switch to watching the video content using the same playback session.

How can podcast creators monetize video content on Apple Podcasts?

Podcast creators can insert video ads, including host-read spots, directly into video episodes on Apple Podcasts. This monetization feature allows creators to generate revenue while maintaining control over their content.

Apple

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