How to publish video on Apple Podcasts
Deliver video that integrates seamlessly with your existing podcast, monetize on your terms with dynamic video advertising, and use the same tools and workflows you rely on today. You stay in control while giving your audience more ways to engage.
Get started
If you’re interested in adding HLS video to your show, make sure you’re working with a hosting provider that supports video on Apple Podcasts, and check with them to see if you’re eligible. If you are, follow the steps below to generate an API key.
If you’re new to Apple Podcasts and interested in delivering video, contact us.
Generate an API key
First, you’ll need an Apple Podcasts Connect account. Don’t have one yet? You can create one in just a few minutes. Make sure to claim your show if it’s not already visible in your account.
Next, you’ll generate an API key. This is a unique identifier used to authenticate a connection between your Apple Podcasts Connect account and your hosting provider. The API key allows your hosting provider to publish shows and episodes to Apple Podcasts on your behalf, making it easy for you to incorporate into your workflow. They will not have access to your listening analytics, subscription reporting, or banking or tax information.
If you have an Apple Podcasts Subscription and have already shared an API key with your hosting provider, you do not need to repeat this process again. Refer to your hosting provider for resources that explain any additional steps required to enable this feature on their platform. Note that Apple Podcasts Subscriptions only supports audio at this time.
In Apple Podcasts Connect, choose Account. Then select the Keys tab. To create a new key:
- Click the + icon next to Active.
- Enter a name for the key.
- Click Generate.
Download and share your API key
You can only download an API key once, so make sure you’re ready to share with your hosting provider or prepared to store it safely. You should always save a backup of your key in a secure place.
When you’re ready, simply click Download API Key. Don’t change the file name as it consists of your Issuer ID and Key ID which are needed when sharing the key with your hosting provider.
Work with your hosting provider
Your hosting provider has resources that explain any additional steps required to enable this feature on their platform. Use the tools they provide to publish your episodes with multiple quality variants that allow for high-quality playback or quick streaming. Supported file types vary by provider, so check which ones yours supports.
HLS enables your video episodes, but you still control your podcast metadata in your main RSS feed. If you want to change the title, description, or any other show information, make the update in the same way you do today, through your hosting partner and in the RSS feed.
Your show and video
When you publish HLS video on Apple Podcasts, your audience sees a single, integrated show page where video and audio-only experiences are accessible. Your fans can start listening on the go, then seamlessly switch to video when they get home—right where they left off.
With iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4, and in the Apple Podcasts web application, shows that have video episodes are marked with a new badge. When a user taps play on an episode, Apple Podcasts plays the video. Users can switch to audio-only, and back to video. This can be done at anytime during the episode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about publishing video with your hosting provider:
Can I publish video using multiple hosting providers?
Yes. You should generate separate API keys for each hosting partner.
If I change hosting providers, can I publish video through my new provider’s dashboard?
If your new hosting provider supports video, you can still use this feature after authorizing them with a new API key. Contact your hosting provider for more information and check out some of our tips for changing hosting providers.
How many keys do I need?
Your hosting provider should let you know if you need one key for each show or one for all shows in your account.
What happens if I lose the key?
You can revoke keys that are lost or no longer needed.
Can I use dynamic advertising in my videos?
If your hosting provider supports it, HLS makes it easy to offer dynamic advertising in your show.
Can I have host-read baked-in advertising in my videos?
Yes. Many podcasters already do this today, and if this works best for you then you can still do it. Reach out to your hosting provider for their ad policies and plans.
Are there any updates to Analytics if I offer video episodes? How will I see how my video episodes are performing?
In Analytics, video and audio consumption are grouped together under your show’s overall metrics. This reflects how audiences engage with your content—seamlessly switching between listening and watching as part of a single, unified experience. Your hosting provider may also support this in their own analytics tools.
How are automatic downloads impacted by video?
For video, the audio for followed shows will be downloaded automatically, so users always have something to play offline. However, users can choose to also automatically download video episodes—all of these new options for video downloads can be managed in Settings. Learn more about automatic downloads.
Is it possible to transition my show from video to audio in the future?
You have complete control over the distribution of your show. If you find that audio-only better suits your strategy, you can switch back through your hosting provider at any time.
How does this impact Apple Podcasts Subscriptions? Can I offer video as part of a paid subscription?
Apple Podcasts Subscriptions remain audio-only at this time.
Video podcasts with RSS
Video podcasts using standard RSS feeds remain available to all creators through many hosting providers. Learn more about distributing video podcasts using RSS.
Note: HLS video may not be available in all countries and regions. See availability of Apple Podcasts features.