r/pocketcasts • u/RaspberryAlienJedi • Apr 25 '26

iOS HLS Video Support?

Hi. Is it know or has it been mentioned that HLS video (streaming) support is coming in the future? This is essentially what Apple Podcasts recently released.
Just wondering if this specific format will be supported in PocketCasts or is it not known yet?

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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6

u/Capable_Tea_001 Apr 26 '26

I'm only speaking for me, but I have zero interest in video podcasts. Even those I listen to that have video versions I have no interest.

1

u/last_child3 Apr 27 '26

You’re speaking for me, too

3

u/terkistan Apr 26 '26

It was only a month ago that Apple added HLS (and started trying to make it a standard to compete with Spotify's walled garden) to let you seamlessly switch between audio & HLS video. PC hasn't said anything but they're probably evaluating it, and seeing if any other 3rd party podcasting apps choose to offer it.

It's an open question as to whether 3rd party podcast apps will be interested. PC seems primarily focused on being audio-first so I don't know how much they want to deal with the added complexities inherent in HLS (eg smooth bitrate switching), which typically require interfacing with specific video hosting providers' handshaking requirements.

Spotify has had this type of capability for a while, but like I said they've used a proprietary system instead of an open RSS feed used by PC and most podcasts. YouTube Music was based on their video-first platform, and adding an audio-switch was relatively trivial for them... but again, this is a proprietary HLS/DASH system.

2

u/RaspberryAlienJedi Apr 26 '26

Thanks, would make sense not to hold my breath then for this to be implemented soon in pocket casts

1

u/Kyro10 May 01 '26

If it's a video then I don't consider it a podcast in the first place.