Spotify's podcasting platforms are embracing Apple's HTTP Live Streaming protocol, marking a significant shift toward interoperability in the video podcast space. The company announced that Spotify for Creators and Megaphone will support HLS, the same technology Apple integrated into its Podcasts app with iOS 26.4 earlier this year.

This move allows Spotify-exclusive video podcasts to reach Apple's massive user base, breaking down previous platform silos. HLS enables key features like seamless switching between video and audio streams, offline downloads, and crucially, dynamic ad insertion for monetization. Apple originally developed the protocol to optimize video streaming on iPhone devices, and it's already widely adopted across major platforms including Microsoft, Google, and Twitch.

The adoption raises questions about industry consolidation since HLS remains proprietary technology controlled by Apple, unlike open RSS standards. However, Spotify confirmed that audio-only RSS feeds will remain available for apps that don't support HLS, ensuring backward compatibility. The company also expanded its Distribution API to include Audioboom, Libsyn, and Podigee, allowing these hosting platforms to distribute video content to Spotify and access its monetization tools.

While Spotify hasn't provided a timeline for HLS implementation, this shift represents a pragmatic compromise between proprietary convenience and open standards. The change should ultimately benefit podcast creators by expanding their potential audience reach across multiple platforms.