Apple Video Podcasts FAQ

What does Apple video support include?

Flightcast hosts HLS video and attaches it to eligible episodes on an approved Apple Podcasts show. Audio and video can share the same show page, while episode metadata continues to come from RSS. Apple’s per-show availability and a working Apple Podcasts Connect connection are required.

How do I set it up?

1. Select your podcast, then open Podcast Settings → Integrations and the Apple Podcasts setup.
2. Confirm that you can access the existing show in Apple Podcasts Connect. Claim it or obtain access if needed; do not create another listing for HLS video.
3. Follow the connection instructions using your Apple Podcasts Connect API credentials. Keep private keys secure and enter them only in the intended connection form. Never email or paste a private key into a support conversation.
4. Check video availability for the show. If it is not enabled, use Contact Us → HLS Video in Apple Podcasts Connect and request enablement with the show title, Show ID and RSS URL. If already requested, check its status rather than sending duplicate requests.
5. Review the integration’s episode attachment status and use its attachment action where available. Confirm playback after processing and Apple validation.

Will all old episodes get video immediately?

Existing HLS files can be reused, but readiness is checked per episode. Some episodes may be waiting for HLS processing or Apple’s crawler; others may need attention because of a URL conflict. Audio-only episodes do not acquire video from this connection. Do not re-upload, change GUIDs or overwrite conflicting media just to force attachment.

How is this different from Video in RSS?

General RSS video exposes HLS to compatible feed readers. Apple’s integrated HLS workflow uses its dedicated connection. Traditional MOV, MP4 or M4V RSS video is another workflow and may use a separate feed; it is not the default fix for an existing show’s HLS issue.

What do the analytics show?

Flightcast distinguishes qualifying RSS-streaming video activity in Views from qualifying audio-only activity in Listens. These are measured streaming sessions, not a list of identifiable people or proof that someone watched or listened to every requested second. A dedicated Apple-only filter may differ from an all-RSS-streaming breakdown. Apple Podcasts Connect groups audio and video consumption in its own analytics.

What quality and devices are supported?

Use actual video content. Apple’s content guidelines direct episodes made mainly of static artwork, logos or audio visualizers to audio instead. Wrapping a still image in an MP4 does not make it eligible video.

HLS adapts among available quality levels; source media, encoding, connection and device capabilities affect playback. Do not assume every episode plays in 4K. Apple documents support on iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro with iOS, iPadOS or visionOS 26.4 or later, plus Apple Podcasts on the web. Availability varies by region. Apple Podcasts Subscriptions remain audio-only.

What about my listing and plan?

Attaching HLS uses the existing show and episode identities. Keep those identities when migrating or troubleshooting. Check your current plan’s video entitlement and usage terms before enabling distribution; analytics labels do not establish billing or cap treatment.