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Captivate Announced as Day One Launch Partner for Apple Podcasts’ New HLS Video Release

The announcement came at South by Southwest last week in Texas, and revealed that Captivate will be supporting Apple’s HLS video delivery system from the moment it launches.

What does this mean for you, the creator?

This is a major overhaul of Apple Podcasts’ video podcasting setup: with the new update, listeners will be able to switch seamlessly between audio and video versions of your podcast within the same feed in the Apple Podcasts app, a big change from the separate feeds for audio and video Apple currently uses. It’s something we’re really excited to be working with Apple on!

Ok, what’s HLS?

HLS stands for HTTP Live Streaming. It’s a video delivery method originally developed by Apple and today it’s one of the most widely used ways to stream video online.

“HLS is a really solid video streaming solution for podcasters. It gives the listener a seamless experience, adapts to connection changes and solves a lot of the challenges large MP4 files can present for video podcasting. It’s a fantastic product, and we’re proud to support it on Captivate.”

Kieran McKeefery, CTO and Co-Founder of Captivate

Instead of delivering one giant video file, HLS breaks a video into lots of small segments. Think of it like slicing a long episode into loads of tiny chunks.

When someone presses play:

• Their device requests the first few chunks
• The player downloads more chunks as needed
• Playback continues smoothly in the background

This has two big advantages.

First, it starts playing faster, because the player doesn’t need the entire file before it begins.

Second, the video quality can adapt in real time. If someone’s internet connection drops, the player can automatically switch to a lower bitrate version of the same segment. Then if their connection improves, it can switch back to a higher quality stream. All this, with no listener impact.

What’s this got to do with my podcast?

Apple Podcasts’ new HLS video capabilities means listeners will be able to seamlessly switch between audio and video mode within the Apple Podcasts app when they’re streaming a podcast. For creators, this represents a powerful new option for distribution and provides greater flexibility in how you choose to present your content.

Our focus is always on supporting creators so they can deliver high-quality content. HLS video support provides producers with a reliable delivery solution, and we’re ensuring Captivate podcasters have access to it from day one. We’re also grateful to Apple for their continued support of the podcasting industry and for helping move the medium forward.

Rob Walch, Vice President of Podcaster Relations at Captivate

What is Captivate’s role?

If you want to use HLS video streaming for your podcast, you can do that with Captivate. We’ll support the uploading and distribution of HLS video files directly within our dashboard, making the process as seamless for you as uploading a regular audio podcast.

We’ve worked closely with Apple to ensure an intuitive, stress-free user experience.

We’re beyond thrilled to be supporting Apple’s HLS video from the very start. Apple is known for its innovation and quality, two things we value more than anything at Captivate. It’s a proud moment to be a day-one launch partner as podcasting takes another step forward.

Mark Asquith, MD and Co-Founder of Captivate

When is HLS for Apple Podcasts releasing?

Apple have slated HLS for a spring release to Apple Podcasts. As soon is they release it, Captivate will support it. Keep your eyes here for updates!

Check out our Q&A webinar on the release, streaming Tuesday April 14th at 4pm UK, 11am Eastern here:

Next steps

Read about Captivate’s other huge features, like our in-house monetization tools and our unmatched dynamic ad insertion technology!