iHeartMedia announced it will expand its podcast platform to support both audio and video distribution for creators at no cost. Starting in early 2026, podcasters will be able to upload full-length video episodes directly into iHeartRadio through their standard RSS feeds. This move is part of the company’s ongoing ‘Creators First’ mission.
The new feature will allow creators to choose how their content is presented, offering support for both full-length video and audio-only versions. According to the company, this approach ensures that creators maintain control over their creative output and how it is distributed.
Monetization remains in the hands of the creators, with iHeartMedia stating that there will be no revenue share required. The distribution service for both audio and video podcasts will remain free for users, aligning with existing industry standards.
Additionally, iHeartMedia clarified that creators are not required to use an iHeart-owned hosting provider for their videos. Instead, they can select where their content is hosted and served.
Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, said: “While audio remains the backbone of the podcast medium, as well as its primary source of audience connection and the reason for the industry’s explosive growth, video podcasting is now emerging as a completely separate and incremental form to audio, in the same way that podcasting evolved as a new layer on top of broadcast radio. At iHeartMedia creators come first. Providing this new video distribution capability for free to our creators is an additional testament to our continuing focus on creators’ success, and is consistent with how and why the podcast industry was built to begin with.”
Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group added: “As content has become more popular and podcast creators have become true stars, we’ve seen a natural trend: Creative audio content is becoming more valuable to more platforms. This makes sense: When you have some of the best creators in the world, making some of their best content in podcasting, then that’s going to drive other content types too – like video. As the no. 1 podcast publisher, iHeart provides the scale, credibility and expertise required to navigate the complexities of the growing and evolving podcast landscape, and we’re fully committed to working with creators to help them grow and retain their audience, ensuring they reach the widest possible audience and maximize their financial performance – which now includes video. Because that’s what our creators want, deserve and should expect.”
