iHeartMedia is expanding its push into video with a new video podcast distribution on the iHeartRadio app.
The move follows the licensing of multiple video podcast feeds to Netflix, and adding radio station video clips to the app. Podcast creators will be able to implement the video via their podcast RSS feed in early 2026 for distribution on the app.
iHeart says that podcasters will control how their content is presented, They can choose video or audio-only podcasts retaining creative ownership and control over their monetization with no revenue share required, and where they wish to host their audio and video.
iHeartMedia Chairman/CEO Bob Pittman 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.”
iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne followed, “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.”
RadioInsight sources tell us that additional video streaming of radio content is planned for later in 2026.
