A Deep Dive Into Everything You Need to Know About Video on Apple Podcasts
Firstory Team
The team behind Firstory, Asia's leading podcast platform.
The buzz is real. Since we announced that Firstory is the first hosting platform in APAC to bring video on Apple Podcasts to our community, our inbox has been glowing. You’re excited, you’re curious, and naturally, you have questions. We’re here to answer them all, let’s begin!
Before we dive into the technical "how-to," let’s get the ball rolling:
Ready to Be Seen? Choose Your Path
New to Firstory?
Migrate to Firstory today and be among the first to unlock video podcasting on Apple Podcasts.
Existing user / High-volume creators (10+ video episodes)?
Contact us directly—we’ve opened a dedicated channel to fast-track your bulk video uploads.
The Big Picture
Q: What exactly is video on Apple Podcasts?
A: It is a brand-new, integrated experience that allows you to publish video episodes directly to your existing show feed. It’s enabled by HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology from Apple, which ensures your video is high-quality and adapts to your audience’s internet speed for perfectly smooth playback. No buffering, just vibes.
Q: How do my fans experience the video?
A: It’s incredibly seamless! Video on Apple Podcasts allows users to switch between audio and video with a single tap on their iOS or iPadOS devices. They can watch the full visual experience at home or switch to audio-only while driving, without losing their place in the episode.
Q: Do I keep ownership of my videos?
A: 100% yes. At Firstory, we believe creators should own their craft. When you publish through us, you maintain complete ownership of your content and your monetization. We are the bridge, but you own the bridge.
Monetization & Ads
Q: What are the monetization benefits?
A: This is the exciting part. Video on Apple Podcasts supports greater monetization control, including the ability to dynamically insert video ads. This means your revenue can grow alongside your audience, and your ads stay as fresh as your latest episode.
Q: Can I still include my usual host-read ads?
A: Absolutely. We know that personal connection is your "secret sauce." You can continue to include baked-in, host-read advertising in your video episodes just as you do with audio, at no additional cost. For the tech-savvy looking into dynamic video ad insertion, just check your Firstory plan settings for the details!
Q: Is video available for Apple Podcasts Subscriptions?
A: For now, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions are focused on the premium audio experience. While paid subscriber content remains audio-only, your free video podcasts are a brilliant way to engage your wider community and give them a "front-row seat" to your world.
The Nitty-Gritty
Q: Where do I manage my video episodes?
A: No need to learn a whole new system. You’ll continue to manage your show through your Firstory dashboard and Apple Podcasts Connect. It’s the same workflow you love, just with more visual flair.
Q: Is there a cost for this feature?
A: We’re committed to bringing global-tier features to our creators without the "global-tier" headache. This feature is completely free for all creators. Enjoy HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) video distribution at no cost.
Q: How do automatic downloads work with video?
A: To keep things efficient, Apple Podcasts automatically downloads the audio for followed shows so fans have content ready offline. However, fans who want the full visual experience can choose to automatically download video episodes as well in their device Settings.
Q: What if I want to switch back to audio-only later?
A: You are in the driver's seat of your creative journey. If you decide that audio-only better suits your show’s direction in the future, you can easily switch back through your Firstory dashboard. We’re here to support your story, whichever way you choose to tell it.
Your Visual Journey Starts Now
We are entering a new era where stories aren't just heard—they're seen. As the first platform in the APAC region to support this, we can't wait to see how you use these tools to push the boundaries of what a "podcast" can be.
Ready to Be Seen? Choose Your Path
New to Firstory?
Migrate to Firstory today and be among the first to unlock video podcasting on Apple Podcasts.
Existing user / High-volume creators (10+ video episodes)?
Contact us directly—we’ve opened a dedicated channel to fast-track your bulk video uploads.
Let’s make your story seen and your voice heard, one video episode at a time.