In beta: HLS video streaming

We're beta testing a new feature at Transistor: HLS video streaming for podcasts! This feature allows your listeners to seamlessly switch between audio and video versions of your episodes, all within the same RSS feed.

What is HLS Video Streaming?

HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is a media delivery protocol that automatically adjusts quality based on connection speed.

For this beta, we've implemented HLS in the podcast:alternateEnclosure (as described by Podcasting 2.0 and the Podcast Standards Project).

This allows creators to upload video for their episodes, and link to it in their RSS feeds. Podcast apps that support it (like Fountain and True Fans) will allow listeners to switch from audio-mode to video mode.

How It Works

Once you've been approved for the beta, the process for adding video to your episodes looks like this:

1. Upload your video to a streaming service like Cloudflare Stream

2. Add the HLS manifest URL to your episode in Transistor

3. Publish - your RSS feed now includes both audio and video versions

4. Listeners enjoy seamless switching between formats in supported apps

Your podcast remains fully compatible with all existing podcast players, while gaining video capabilities in apps that support this new standard.

Here's an example of the Primary Technology podcast, with video enabled on True Fans:

Required: 3rd-party video hosting (for now)

The hosting and bandwidth costs for serving video podcasts can be high. We're evaluating whether or not there is a cost-effective solution Transistor could provide in the future.

In the meantime, for this beta, you'll need your own Cloudflare Stream account (starting at $5/month for 5,000 minutes). Be aware: you'll personally be responsible for any overage costs that occur on your Cloudflare Stream account.

On our side, we'll continue testing out different solutions for serving video, to see if video hosting is a service we can offer our customers in the future.

Why We're Building This

The podcasting landscape is evolving. Creators have told us they're interested in video podcasting, and that they want to distribute their podcast "everywhere." We're exploring how video can enhance the existing podcast experience.

This beta helps us answer critical questions:

• How much does video streaming actually cost in practice?

• Do listeners actually want to switch to video mid-episode?

• Can we make this feature sustainable for creators of all sizes?

Getting Started

Interested in trying HLS video streaming as a podcaster?

1. Be a Transistor customer (or start your free trial)

2. Sign up for Cloudflare Stream (or another HLS-compatible service)

3. Contact us to enable the beta on your account

We'll walk you through the setup process and help you get your first video episode live.

Interested in trying HLS video streaming as a listener?

• Download the Fountain1.2.8 beta or True Fans on iOS.

• Try streaming one of these episodes:

  • Primary Technology: Fountain | True Fans

  • Build your SaaS: Fountain | True Fans

You can also watch this quick demo.

The open podcast ecosystem thrives when we experiment, learn, and build together!