iHeartMedia Offers Creators and Publishers Unique New Video Podcast Platform

Highlighting Its ‘Creators First’ Mission, iHeart Will Seamlessly Support Both Audio and Video Podcast Distribution Within iHeartRadio – For Free

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–iHeartMedia, the leading audio media company in America, announced today that it will be extending its ‘Creators First’ mission by expanding its podcast platform offerings to seamlessly support both audio and video distribution within both the app and web versions of iHeartRadio — at no cost to creators.

In early 2026, iHeart will give creators the ability to distribute full-length video directly into iHeartRadio – for free – in addition to their existing audio distribution. When this video feature launches, creators will be able to upload their podcast episodes, including full-length video versions, through their standard RSS feeds for seamless distribution in iHeartRadio, the #1 digital radio service which also includes access to millions of podcasts.

This new feature will deliver on three important factors:

• Creative Integrity: Podcasters will control how their content is presented: If they want to offer a full-length video version of their podcast, it will be supported – and if a creator prefers distribute as audio-only, that will be supported too. iHeart will provide the tools; creators will maintain creative ownership.
• Monetization Strategy Consistent with Podcasting: Creators will retain control over their monetization, with no revenue share required to iHeart. By offering this distribution for free, consistent with audio podcast distribution platforms to date, iHeart will offer creators the most cost-effective strategy for launching and expanding their podcasts — without compromising either their creative integrity or their financial autonomy.
• Creator Control Over Where Content is Hosted: iHeart will not require creators to have their videos hosted and served from an iHeart-owned hosting provider in order to make video available on iHeart. Just as they do in audio, creators can decide where they want their videos to be hosted and served.

“While audio remains the backbone of the podcast medium, as well as its primary source of audience connection and the reason for the industry’s explosive growth, 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 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.”

“As content has become more popular and podcast creators have become true stars, we’ve seen a natural trend: Creative audio content is becoming more valuable to more platforms,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. “This makes sense: When you have some of the best creators in the world, making some of their best content in podcasting, then that’s going to drive other content types too – like video. 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.”

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to both Podtrac and Triton, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, has the highest-reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

Contacts

Media Contact:

Angel Aristone, angelaristone@iheartmedia.com