TL;DR
Spotify’s podcast platforms are adopting Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol, allowing video podcasts to be distributed across more apps, including Apple Podcasts. This move enhances compatibility, monetization, and user experience but raises industry concentration concerns.
Spotify has confirmed that its podcasting platforms, Spotify for Creators and Megaphone, are adopting Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, enabling video podcasts to be distributed to Apple Podcasts and other platforms supporting HLS.
Spotify’s integration of Apple’s HLS technology marks a significant shift in how video podcasts are distributed and monetized. Apple introduced support for HLS in its iOS 26.4 update in February, allowing podcasts to stream video content with features like offline downloads and dynamic ad insertion. Spotify’s move means that podcasts hosted on its platforms can now utilize this standard, potentially reaching a broader audience through Apple Podcasts and other HLS-compatible apps. Although Spotify has not specified a timeline for full implementation of HLS support, it confirmed that audio-only RSS feeds will remain available for non-HLS-compatible apps. Additionally, Spotify is expanding access to its Distribution API, which now supports platforms like Audioboom, Podigee, and Libsyn to distribute video content, monetize via Spotify’s ad tools, and access analytics. This API support allows third-party hosting services to choose which features to enable, giving flexibility in how they leverage Spotify’s ecosystem.
Why It Matters
This development is important because it could reshape the video podcast industry by standardizing distribution across major platforms, potentially increasing reach and monetization opportunities for creators. However, the adoption of a proprietary protocol like HLS raises concerns about industry consolidation, as it may give Apple and other HLS-supporting companies more control over content delivery and monetization. For listeners, this could mean more seamless viewing experiences across devices, but it also raises questions about industry power dynamics and openness.
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Background
Previously, video podcasts relied primarily on RSS feeds and platforms that supported video uploads directly. Apple’s support for HLS in iOS 26.4 in February marked a shift toward a more standardized streaming protocol, favored by major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Twitch. Spotify’s move to adopt HLS aligns with broader industry trends toward unified streaming standards, aiming to improve user experience and monetization options. The integration also signals Spotify’s intent to compete more aggressively in the video podcast space, which has seen rapid growth in recent years, especially amid increasing demand for visual content.
“We are excited to support Apple’s HLS technology, enabling creators to distribute their video podcasts more broadly and effectively.”
— Spotify spokesperson
“Support for HLS allows podcasts to deliver richer, more flexible streaming experiences to users across devices.”
— Apple Podcasts team
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear when Spotify will fully roll out HLS support across all its platforms or how widespread adoption among creators and hosting services will be. The long-term industry impact of relying on a proprietary protocol like HLS, especially concerning market concentration, remains uncertain. Additionally, it is unclear whether all features of Spotify’s video monetization and analytics tools will be available to third-party platforms supporting HLS.
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What’s Next
Next steps include Spotify implementing HLS support on its platforms, with updates expected in the coming months. Monitoring how hosting platforms and creators adopt the new standard will be key, alongside potential industry responses regarding the use of proprietary streaming protocols. Further announcements from Spotify and partners about feature support and user experience improvements are anticipated.
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Key Questions
What is Apple’s HLS technology?
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) is a streaming protocol developed by Apple that allows live and on-demand video content to be delivered efficiently across devices, supporting features like adaptive streaming, offline downloads, and dynamic ad insertion.
How does this affect video podcast creators?
Creators can now distribute their video podcasts more broadly through platforms supporting HLS, potentially reaching more listeners and enabling better monetization options via dynamic ads and analytics.
Will all podcast apps support HLS now?
No, support depends on whether the app supports the HLS protocol. Spotify’s move encourages broader adoption, but compatibility varies across platforms.
Does this mean Spotify is moving away from RSS feeds?
No, RSS feeds remain the primary method for audio-only podcast distribution. HLS support mainly enhances video distribution and streaming features.
