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 hype is real. Ever since we announced that Firstory is the first hosting platform in Asia-Pacific to bring Apple Podcasts video to creators, our inbox hasn't stopped buzzing. You're excited, curious, and yes — you have a lot of questions. Let's work through them one by one.
Before we dive into the technical "how-to", let's warm up first:
Ready to Upload? Choose the Path That Works for You
New to Firstory?
- Sign up or migrate to Firstory now to get ready for Apple's video podcast features.
Already a Firstory user, or have more than 10 video episodes?
- We've opened a dedicated channel to help you upload large volumes of video content quickly. Reach out via the chat window in the bottom-right corner of your dashboard, or email us at support@firstory.me.
The Big Picture
Q: What exactly is video on Apple Podcasts?
A: It's a brand-new integrated experience that lets you add video episodes to your show. Powered by Apple's HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, it delivers excellent video quality and automatically adjusts to your listener's connection speed for a perfectly smooth playback experience. No buffering — just good vibes.
Q: How will my audience experience the video?
A: The experience is completely seamless. Apple Podcasts' video feature lets users switch between audio and video on iOS or iPadOS devices with a single tap. At home, they can enjoy the full visual experience; in the car, they can switch to audio-only mode — all without losing their place.
Q: Do I still own my videos?
A: 100%, they're yours. At Firstory, we believe creators should own their work. When you publish through us, you retain full ownership of your content and your monetization. We're the bridge — but the bridge belongs to you.
Monetization & Ads
Q: Does the Apple Podcasts video feature cost anything?
A: We're committed to bringing creators world-class features without world-class headaches. This feature is completely free for all creators. Enjoy zero-cost HLS video distribution.
Q: What are the monetization benefits?
A: Apple Podcasts' video feature supports more powerful monetization controls, including the ability to dynamically insert video ads (coming soon). That means your revenue can grow alongside your audience, and your ads can stay as fresh as your latest episode.
Q: Can I still run my own host-read sponsorships?
A: Absolutely. We know that personal connection is your secret sauce. You can continue embedding pre-recorded host-read ads into your video episodes, just like you do with audio — at no extra cost.
The Technical Details
Q: Where do I manage my video episodes?
A: You don't need to learn a whole new system. You'll continue managing your show through the Firstory dashboard and Apple Podcasts Connect. The workflow is exactly the same as what you already know — just with more visual elements.
Q: Do I need to prepare both a video and an audio file when uploading?
A: Nope — no double work required. Just upload your video, and we'll automatically generate the audio track so your audience on non-Apple platforms can keep enjoying your content in audio-only form. One upload, dual distribution.
Q: Can I add video to my older episodes?
A: Of course! Great content shouldn't be buried. You can retroactively add video to any previously published episode, giving your classic work a fresh new look and a chance to reach your listeners all over again.
Q: Do subscriber-only episodes support video?
A: Not yet. For now, subscriber-exclusive content remains audio-only. That said, your public video content is a great way to engage your broader community — giving them a kind of "front-row seat" experience.
Q: How does automatic video download work for listeners?
A: To keep things efficient, Apple Podcasts automatically downloads audio for shows your listeners follow, so they can tune in offline anytime. Listeners who want the full visual experience can opt in to automatic video downloads through their device settings.
Your Visual Journey Starts Now
We're entering a new era where stories are no longer just heard — they're seen. As the first platform in Asia-Pacific to support this feature, we can't wait to see how you'll use these tools to push past the boundaries of what a podcast can be.
Apple Podcasts is only the beginning. We're already working on video sync support for YouTube and Spotify, with the goal of letting you upload once from Firstory and publish everywhere.
The era of video podcasting is just getting started — and Firstory will stay right at the front of it.
Ready to Upload? Choose the Path That Works for You
New to Firstory?
- Sign up or migrate to Firstory now to get ready for Apple's video podcast features.
Already a Firstory user, or have more than 10 video episodes?
- We've opened a dedicated channel to help you upload large volumes of video content quickly. Reach out via the chat window in the bottom-right corner of your dashboard, or email us at support@firstory.me.