Spotify adopts Apple’s HLS tech for video podcasts

Spotify announced on Thursday that it plans to adopt Apple’s HLS video technology, which Apple recently introduced on Apple Podcasts to enhance the video experience. HLS, which stands for HTTP Live Streaming, is a video technology that adjusts quality in real-time. By adopting this technology, Spotify-hosted shows will soon be able to distribute and monetize their video podcasts on Apple Podcasts. This integration is designed to expand creator reach without requiring any changes to their existing setups.

With the adoption of HLS, Spotify listeners should be able to enjoy a consistent video experience, regardless of their internet connection. According to Apple, HLS technology automatically adjusts video quality in real time based on network speed. This adjustment occurs whether users are on Wi-Fi or relying on cellular data. As a result, video podcasts will play smoothly with minimal interruptions, leading to less buffering and fewer sudden drops in video quality. Spotify plans to roll out these HLS upgrades later this year.

Additionally, Spotify is making it easier for podcast creators to distribute and monetize video content across platforms. The company announced that creators using hosting providers such as Libsyn, Podigee, Audioboom, Audiomeans, and Podspace can now publish video podcasts directly on Spotify and earn revenue through the Spotify Partner Program. This integration is currently live, following its announcement earlier this year. By allowing creators to use these specific hosting providers, Spotify aims to streamline the publishing process and expand monetization opportunities across the platform.

These updates build on Spotify’s video strategy. The platform has expanded its video capabilities following its initial launch of video podcasts in 2020. Earlier this year, the platform further expanded access for creators by lowering the requirements for video monetization. As video continues to drive the growth of podcasting, Spotify’s improvements help creators reach and engage viewers who prefer visual content, further strengthening its position in the podcast landscape. This strategy has driven engagement: as of November 2025, nearly half a million shows and over 390 million users have streamed a video podcast on Spotify.

Why it matters

Spotify is adopting Apple’s HLS technology to allow creators to distribute and monetize video podcasts across platforms without changing their existing setups. This integration aims to provide a more consistent video experience for listeners while expanding creator reach.