Tech

Apple Expands Video Podcasts in Apple Podcasts, Competing with YouTube

Apple will add an integrated video podcast experience to Apple Podcasts this spring, letting listeners switch between watching and listening in the same feed. The rollout leverages new HLS-based video playback and dynamic ad insertion, expanding Apple’s push into video content and services monetization.

📅 February 16, 2026
⏱️ 2 min read
Apple Expands Video Podcasts in Apple Podcasts, Competing with YouTube

Key Takeaways

  • Apple will launch an integrated video podcast experience in Apple Podcasts this spring, enabling seamless switch between video and audio in one feed.
  • HLS-based video playback enables adaptive streams and dynamic video ad insertion for participating networks.
  • Launch partners include Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM to support HLS video.
  • YouTube reports more than 1 billion monthly active viewers for podcast content, underscoring the video podcast trend.
  • Spotify has expanded video podcasts and monetized podcasters, signaling broader platform competition.

People Involved

  • Eddy Cue Apple Senior Vice President, Services

Entities Involved

  • Apple Inc. Technology company; owner of Apple Podcasts
  • Acast Launch partner for video podcasts in Apple Podcasts
  • ART19 (Amazon) Launch partner for video podcasts in Apple Podcasts
  • Omny Studio (Triton) Launch partner for video podcasts in Apple Podcasts
  • SiriusXM Launch partner for video podcasts in Apple Podcasts
  • YouTube Video platform; benchmark for video podcast audience
  • Spotify Video podcasts expansion; podcaster monetization
  • Netflix Video streaming company (unverified link to Netflix’s involvement in video podcasts)
  • Edison Research Research firm; source of video podcast audience data
  • Q.ai Israeli AI startup; rumored acquisition related to audio-focused tools

MarketMoodz Analysis

The Apple move could lift Services and ad revenue by driving higher engagement across iOS devices and Apple’s ecosystem, potentially expanding the addressable audience for podcast advertising. If ad demand materializes, Apple could monetize feeds without charging creators for distribution, a subtle but meaningful shift in creator economics.

Video podcasts have become a strategic battleground among YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix. The growth of video podcasting—backed by YouTube’s reported 1 billion MAU—highlights advertisers’ preference for video formats that combine reach with targeted messaging. Apple’s HLS-based approach could set a standard for cross-device, in-feed video experiences and deeper ad-tech integration; execution and partner demand will determine the pace of monetization.

What to watch next: official confirmation from Apple on pricing and the full list of launch partners, subsequent ad-network demand signals, and any updates on advertiser interest and metrics for video podcasters.

Source: Original Article

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