iHeartRadio to Add Free Video Podcast Distribution in 2026

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, December 22, 2025 | 2:39pm CT

iHeartRadio

iHeartMedia says it will expand its "Creators First" initiative by adding native video podcast distribution to both the app and web versions of iHeartRadio, with the feature set to roll out in early 2026.

Under the plan, creators will be able to distribute full-length video episodes directly into iHeartRadio at no cost, alongside existing audio podcasts. Video episodes will be delivered through standard RSS feeds, allowing creators to publish audio-only or video versions without changing their current workflows.

The company said the expansion is built around three core principles: preserving creative integrity, maintaining creator-controlled monetization, and allowing creators to choose where their video content is hosted. iHeartMedia will not require podcasters to use an iHeart-owned hosting provider, nor will it take a revenue share from video content distributed on the platform.

"While audio remains the backbone of the podcast medium, video podcasting is now emerging as a separate and incremental form," said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. He said offering free video distribution aligns with how the podcast industry was originally built and reflects the company's focus on creator success.

Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group, said the growth of podcast creators has naturally led to demand for additional formats such as video. He added that iHeart's scale and position as the industry's largest podcast publisher put it in a strong position to help creators expand reach and revenue as video becomes a larger part of the podcast ecosystem.

The new capability positions iHeartRadio to compete more directly with platforms that already emphasize video podcasting, while keeping its distribution model consistent with traditional audio podcast platforms.