Apple Podcasts now supports video streaming (2026)

Apple just released iOS 26.4, and with it comes a significant upgrade to Apple Podcasts: native HLS video streaming. Listeners can now watch video podcast episodes directly inside the app and switch between audio and video at any time.

If you're a podcaster, we want to help you understand what's changed, what it means for your show, and how Transistor fits in.

What's actually new

Previously, Apple Podcasts supported video, but in a clunky way: the full video file had to be downloaded to the listener's device via RSS enclosure. In today's world of HD video, that was never practical.

HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is the same adaptive streaming technology used by YouTube and Netflix. Instead of downloading a full file, it streams the video in chunks, adjusting quality based on the listener's connection. It's faster, more efficient, and works the way modern video consumers expect.

Here's what the new experience looks like for listeners:

• Watch video episodes directly inside Apple Podcasts

• Switch between video and audio at any time — mid-episode if they want

• Download episodes for offline viewing

• AirPlay to other devices

This isn't video podcasting's first rodeo

Apple Podcasts has supported video since 2005. Back in the iTunes era, you could filter the entire directory by audio or video, and shows like Diggnation, TWiT, and Tekzilla built massive audiences through video-first podcasting delivered via RSS. That era of video podcasting is honestly what got me into the medium in the first place.

What's different now is the delivery mechanism. HLS makes video podcasting genuinely practical in a way it never was before.

What this means for audio-only podcasters

If you make an audio-only show and you're happy with it — keep going. There is still a large and engaged audience that purely wants to listen, and that's not changing. This update doesn't make audio podcasting less valuable.

But if you've been experimenting with video, or you've been publishing to YouTube and wondering how to reach podcast listeners at the same time, this is worth paying attention to.

How to watch video podcasts on Apple Podcasts

You'll need to update to iOS 26.4. Once you do, you'll see a prompt inside Apple Podcasts highlighting the new video features.

As of today, 48 shows support the new HLS video standard. Here are two you can try right now:

• Primary Technology (Stephen Robles): Apple Podcasts link

• Movies on the Side: Apple Podcasts link

The hosting providers currently supporting HLS video are Acast, Art19, Transistor, Omny, Podigee, and Audiomeans.

Want a walkthrough of the new features? Stephen Robles has a great overview here, and I published my own demo today here.

Apple's official documentation for publishers is here.

FAQ

Can I upload video to Transistor right now?

Transistor is one of Apple's approved hosting partners for HLS video. We're rolling this out gradually — if you want early access, you can join the waitlist here.

What resolution does Apple recommend?

HLS uses adaptive streaming, meaning it serves different resolutions depending on the listener's connection. For maximum quality, Apple currently recommends HD at 1920×1080.

Do I need a separate audio feed and a separate video feed?

No — and this is one of the smartest things about how this works. Your video file uses the same audio track as your regular podcast. So whether a listener watches the video or switches to audio-only, they get the same content. This is the same approach used by Spotify and YouTube Music for video podcasts. One upload, one feed, one audience.

What if I don't want to do video?

You don't have to. Audio-only podcasting isn't going anywhere. There are still plenty of folks who prefer the audio experience!

Questions? Reach out to our support team. We'll keep this post updated as we roll out video support to more Transistor customers.