IHeartMedia is adding free video distribution for podcast creators within its app and on the web.
Starting in early 2026, creators will be able to distribute full-length videos within the iHeartMedia ecosystem. IHeartMedia is also not requiring exclusivity, thus allowing creators to continue sharing the videos on YouTube and other platforms, and is not requiring a revenue share deal from creators.
“At iHeartMedia creators come first. Providing this new video distribution capability for free to our creators is an additional testament to our continuing focus on creators’ success, and is consistent with how and why the podcast industry was built to begin with,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia.
While iHeartMedia may not be participating in revenue-sharing deals on the videos, adding the capability brings the audio company in league with Spotify, which has been pushing the video versions of podcasts within the app. IHeart has positioned it as a “additional testament to our continuing focus on creators’ success.”
The move interestingly comes after iHeartMedia struck a deal with Netflix to host more than 15 video podcasts on the streaming platform. Those podcasts, which include Charlamagne tha God’s The Breakfast Club, My Favorite Murder, Chelsea Handler’s Dear Chelsea, Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast and more. The new episodes of those podcasts, as well as some older episodes, are exclusive to Netflix, per the deal.
“As the no. 1 podcast publisher, iHeart provides the scale, credibility and expertise required to navigate the complexities of the growing and evolving podcast landscape, and we’re fully committed to working with creators to help them grow and retain their audience, ensuring they reach the widest possible audience and maximize their financial performance – which now includes video. Because that’s what our creators want, deserve and should expect,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group.
