Spotify has announced that its podcasting platforms, Spotify for Creators and Megaphone, will adopt Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology for video streaming. This decision follows Apple’s February announcement regarding the addition of HLS support in its Apple Podcasts app with the release of iOS 26.4, allowing formerly Spotify-exclusive video podcasts to be distributed to Apple’s platform.
Apple developed the HLS protocol to simplify video streaming on devices such as the iPhone. Adoption of HLS will enable video podcasts to switch seamlessly between video and audio-only streams, provide offline downloads, and facilitate dynamic ad insertion, which is essential for monetization efforts.
However, HLS is proprietary technology, meaning it differs from open standards like RSS. This could result in a concentration of power within the podcasting industry. Notably, HLS is already utilized by major companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Twitch, indicating a broader trend towards a unified streaming standard.
Spotify has not provided a timeline for the implementation of HLS in Spotify for Creators and Megaphone. Meanwhile, audio-only RSS podcast feeds will remain available for listeners using applications that do not support HLS.
Additionally, Spotify is expanding its Distribution API to include support for several podcast hosting platforms, specifically Audioboom, Audiomeans, Podigee, Podspace, and Libsyn. Platforms utilizing the Distribution API will be able to distribute video content to Spotify, access video monetization programs, and view video analytics. The specific features provided by API partners will vary, as Spotify stated these platforms can choose which features to implement.
