Podcasting just took another big step forward – and at Libsyn, we’re right there with it.
Apple Podcasts announced a new video experience powered by HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), making it easier than ever for listeners to seamlessly switch between watching and listening – all within a single episode.
That might sound like a technical update. It’s not. It’s a signal of where podcasting is going next.
A More Seamless Experience for Podcast Audiences
For the first time on Apple Podcasts, audiences can move fluidly between audio and video – start an episode on a walk, then pick it back up on screen when you get home. No switching apps. No separate uploads. No friction.
This shift reflects a broader reality: audiences don’t think in formats – they engage on their own terms. Podcasting is evolving to meet listeners and viewers wherever they are.
A Bigger Opportunity for Creators
For creators, this opens the door to something much bigger than just “video podcasts.” It’s about reach. It’s about flexibility. It’s about growth.
Libsyn’s Perspective
As a partner in Apple’s new HLS video rollout, Libsyn sees this moment as a natural evolution of the medium.
“Apple’s new HLS-powered video experience is a meaningful step forward for podcasting, and Libsyn is proud to be a launch partner in bringing it to life,” said Brendan Monaghan, President and CEO of Libsyn. “We see video as an expansion of what podcasting can be – unlocking new ways for creators to reach audiences, tell stories, and build and scale their brands. This partnership aligns directly with our vision for 2026, as Libsyn continues building a next-gen audio and video podcasting platform, enabling creators to publish seamlessly across formats, distribute everywhere, and monetize more effectively than ever before.”
What This Means for the Future
Podcasting has always been defined by openness – one feed, distributed everywhere, owned by the creator. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is the canvas.
Creators are no longer choosing between audio or video. They’re building multi-format brands. And platforms – Apple included – are evolving to support that reality.
At Libsyn, our focus is simple: Give creators the tools to create once, distribute everywhere, and grow on their own terms. Whether you’re audio-first, video-first, or somewhere in between, the future of podcasting is about flexibility – and opportunity. And this is just the beginning.
