Emphasizing our “Creator First” mission, iHeart seamlessly supports both audio and video podcast distribution within iHeartRadio for free
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–iHeartMedia, a leading U.S. audio media company, today announced that it is expanding its podcast platform offerings and extending its “Creator First” mission by seamlessly supporting both audio and video distribution at no cost to creators on both the app and web versions of iHeartRadio.
In early 2026, iHeart will allow creators to stream full-length videos directly to iHeartRadio for free, in addition to their existing audio distribution. Once this video feature launches, creators will be able to upload podcast episodes, including full-length video versions, through a standard RSS feed for seamless distribution on iHeartRadio, the #1 digital radio service, which also includes access to millions of podcasts.
This new feature accomplishes three important things:
- Creative integrity: Podcasters control how their content is displayed. If you would like to provide a full-length video version of your podcast, we are supported. Additionally, if creators wish to stream audio-only, that is supported as well. iHeart provides the tools. Creators retain ownership of their creatives.
- Monetization strategies consistent with podcasting: Creators have control over monetization and don't need to share any revenue with iHeart. By offering this distribution for free, like previous audio podcast distribution platforms, iHeart provides creators with the most cost-effective strategy for launching and growing their podcasts, without compromising their creative or financial autonomy.
- Creators control where their content is hosted: iHeart does not require creators to host and serve their videos from iHeart-owned hosting providers in order to make them available on iHeart. Just like with audio, creators can decide where to host and distribute their videos.
“Audio remains the backbone of the podcast medium, the primary source of audience connection and the reason for the industry's explosive growth, but just as podcasting evolved as a new layer on top of broadcast radio, video podcasts are emerging as an incremental format completely independent of audio,” said Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “At iHeartMedia, creators come first. Providing this new video distribution feature for free to creators is further proof of our continued focus on creator success and aligns with how and why the podcast industry was built in the first place.”
said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “As content grows in popularity and podcast creators become real stars, we've seen a natural trend: creative audio content is becoming more valuable to more platforms.” As a publisher, we offer the scale, credibility, and expertise you need to navigate the complexities of a growing and evolving podcast landscape. And we're committed to working with creators to help them grow and retain their audiences, ensuring they reach and maximize the widest possible audience, because that's what our creators want, deserve, and should expect. ”
About iHeart Media Co., Ltd.
iHeart Media Co., Ltd. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is America's leading audio media company, and 9 out of 10 Americans listen to iHeart Broadcast Radio every month. iHeart's broadcast radio assets alone reach more viewers in the U.S. than any other medium, accounting for more than four times the ad-supported audience of the largest digital-only audio service. According to both Podtrac and Triton, iHeart is the largest podcast publisher with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, hosts the most recognized live events across all genres of music, has the #1 social footprint of any audio player, has the highest reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad technology solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasting. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connections and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. For more company information, please visit iHeartMedia.com.
contact address
Media contact:
angel aristone [email protected]
