Spotify adopts Apple's HLS video tech for cross-platform podcasts
Original: Spotify to adopt Apple’s new video podcast tech, offering creators easier cross-platform distribution
Why This Matters
Cross-platform compatibility could accelerate video podcast adoption and creator revenue
Spotify announced Thursday it will adopt Apple's HLS video streaming technology to enable creators to distribute video podcasts across platforms without setup changes. The move expands creator reach and improves video quality with adaptive streaming.
Spotify announced plans to embrace Apple's HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) video technology, recently introduced on Apple Podcasts. The adoption enables Spotify-hosted shows to distribute and monetize video podcasts on Apple Podcasts without requiring changes to existing creator setups. HLS automatically adjusts video quality based on network speed, reducing buffering and quality drops. Spotify will roll out these upgrades later this year alongside new monetization options including direct sales and partner integrations. Creators using hosting providers like Libsyn, Podigee, Audioboom, Audiomeans, and Podspace can now publish video podcasts directly on Spotify through the Partner Program. As of November 2025, nearly 500,000 shows and over 390 million users have streamed video podcasts on Spotify.