Why Apple HLS Video Podcasts Matter

In my latest video, I’m taking a closer look at Apple’s move into HLS video podcasting and why I think it could be an important shift for creators, podcast hosts, and the broader podcast app ecosystem.

What makes this different from simply uploading video podcasts to YouTube or Spotify is the potential for a more open approach. With HLS video, podcast hosting companies can begin supporting video in a way that works through RSS and can potentially extend beyond one closed platform. That matters because podcasting has always been at its best when creators have more control over where and how their shows are distributed.

If you’re a podcaster, podcast hosting company, app developer, or just someone following the evolution of podcasting, I think this is a space worth paying attention to. Apple Video Podcasts may still be early, but it could become a meaningful new frontier for video in the open podcasting ecosystem.

Here's what happened in the video

Don't have enough time to watch my video? Here's the scoop.

1. Apple’s support for HLS video could push podcasting toward a more open video ecosystem.

In the video, I talk about why HLS is different from a simple one-to-one upload to YouTube or Spotify. Those platforms are powerful, but they keep the experience largely inside their own ecosystems. HLS video has the potential to give podcast hosts, apps, and creators a more flexible way to distribute video across the broader podcasting market.

2. Independent podcast hosting companies are starting to support video distribution.

Buzzsprout launching video distribution to Apple Podcasts feels like an important milestone. Transistor is also preparing support, and I expect more independent, RSS-first podcast hosts to explore this direction. To me, that’s exciting because it means video podcasting does not have to be limited to the major closed platforms.

3. HLS video could create new opportunities for creators, apps, and podcast websites.

If more hosting companies and podcast apps adopt HLS, creators could have more ways to present video shows across apps, websites, and directories. I also share a few resources in the video for anyone who wants to follow what’s happening with HLS video support or experiment with the technology themselves.

Watch the Full Video

Watch the full video for my complete breakdown of Apple Video Podcasts, why HLS matters, which podcast hosts are already moving in this direction, and what this could mean for the future of open video podcasting.