iHeartMedia Unveils Free Video Platform for Creators
MARKETING
Highlighting Its ‘Creators First’ Mission, iHeart Will Seamlessly Support Both Audio and Video Podcast Distribution Within iHeartRadio – For Free.
For years, the podcasting industry has been built on a foundation of "audio-first" storytelling. But as podcasters become true multimedia stars, the lines between audio and video are blurring. Recognizing this shift, iHeartMedia, the leading audio media company in America, has announced a major expansion of its "Creators First" mission.
Starting in early 2026, iHeartMedia will offer a new, high-scale video podcasting platform that allows creators and publishers to distribute full-length video episodes within the iHeartRadio app and web versions, completely free of charge.
Empowering Creative and Financial Autonomy
In a move that sets it apart from many walled-garden video platforms, iHeartMedia is prioritizing creator control. The new feature focuses on three key pillars:
Creative Integrity: Podcasters maintain total control over their presentation. Whether they want to offer a full-length video version or stick to audio-only, iHeart provides the tools without dictating the format.
Zero Revenue Share: Unlike many competitors, iHeart will not require a revenue share from creators. By offering this distribution for free, consistent with traditional audio podcasting, iHeart ensures creators maintain their financial independence.
Hosting Flexibility: iHeart will not force creators to use an iHeart-owned hosting provider. Creators can host and serve their videos from wherever they choose, maintaining the open nature of the RSS-based podcast ecosystem.
A New Layer on Audio’s Backbone
While audio remains the primary driver of audience connection, video is emerging as a powerful incremental layer.
“Video podcasting is now emerging as a completely separate and incremental form to audio, in the same way that podcasting evolved as a new layer on top of broadcast radio,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “At iHeartMedia creators come first. Providing this new video distribution capability for free... is consistent with how and why the podcast industry was built to begin with.”
Scaling the Creator Economy
As the number one podcast publisher, iHeartMedia is uniquely positioned to handle the complexities of this evolving landscape. The goal is to provide creators with the scale and credibility they need to reach the widest possible audience across all formats.
“When you have some of the best creators in the world... then that’s going to drive other content types too, like video,” added Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “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.”
With this launch, iHeartMedia is signaling that the next era of digital media isn't just about listening—it’s about experiencing content however the creator intends.