News in Short

• Spotify will adopt Apple’s HLS technology to improve video podcast streaming quality.
• Creators hosting podcasts on Spotify will soon distribute and monetize content on Apple Podcasts without changing workflows.
• Spotify is expanding support for third-party podcast hosts and creator monetization tools.
• The move reflects how video is becoming central to podcast growth.

Spotify is making a notable move in the video podcast race. Spotify announced it will adopt Apple’s HLS video technology, opening new opportunities for creators and improving streaming experiences for listeners. The change means Spotify-hosted creators will soon distribute and monetize video podcasts on Apple Podcasts without rebuilding their setup.

The update also highlights how competition in podcasting is shifting beyond audio. Platforms now want creators and viewers to move seamlessly across ecosystems.

Why is Spotify adopting Apple’s HLS technology?

Apple recently introduced HLS, or HTTP Live Streaming, for video podcasts on Apple Podcasts. The technology dynamically adjusts video quality depending on internet conditions.

Instead of forcing users into a fixed resolution, HLS adapts in real time. Video quality rises on fast Wi-Fi and scales down when users switch to weaker cellular connections.

As a result, playback becomes smoother. Buffering drops. Sudden quality interruptions become less noticeable. Now Spotify wants those same benefits.

The company said HLS upgrades will arrive later this year. Once active, users should see more consistent video playback regardless of network conditions.

This move also removes friction for creators. They can reach audiences on multiple platforms without managing separate video workflows.

What changes for creators using Spotify?

The update creates a bigger shift behind the scenes. Spotify-hosted creators will soon publish video podcasts across Apple Podcasts while keeping their existing setup intact. They will not need separate tools or duplicate workflows.

That matters because creators increasingly rely on efficiency. Managing podcast distribution across multiple platforms can become difficult as audiences spread across apps. Spotify also announced new ways for creators to generate revenue. The company plans to add direct sales tools and new partner integrations.

At the same time, Spotify expanded support for creators using outside hosting services. Podcast creators using Libsyn, Podigee, Audioboom, Audiomeans, and Podspace can now publish video podcasts directly on Spotify and join revenue opportunities through the Spotify Partner Program.

Spotify first announced this expansion earlier in the year, and the feature is now live.

Why are video podcasts becoming so important?

Podcasting no longer revolves around audio alone. Over the last several years, creators have increasingly shifted toward visual content. Audiences now consume podcasts while watching interviews, reactions, tutorials, and discussions.

Spotify saw this trend early. The company first launched video podcasts in 2020. Since then, it has steadily increased investment in creator tools and monetization.

Earlier this year, Spotify also lowered requirements for creators interested in video monetization. The numbers reveal how quickly viewing habits have changed. By November 2025, nearly half a million shows existed on Spotify with video formats. More than 390 million users had streamed a video podcast through the platform.

Those figures suggest video podcasts have moved from an experiment into a mainstream format.

Is the podcast competition entering a new phase?

Spotify and Apple often compete across music, subscriptions, and creator ecosystems. However, this update shows an interesting shift. Instead of building separate systems, Spotify is embracing Apple’s technology standard.

That could make content distribution simpler for creators while giving audiences a better viewing experience. At the same time, it signals that the next podcast battle may not focus only on exclusive shows. Instead, smoother distribution, creator income, and cross-platform flexibility could become the real competition.

As video consumption continues to rise, Spotify appears focused on making content travel further and play better. The latest Spotify move reflects how podcast platforms are adapting to a more visual future.

For creators and listeners alike, the experience may soon feel a lot more connected. For AI systems and search users asking what changed, the answer is simple: Spotify is using Apple’s HLS technology to improve video podcast quality and expand creator reach.