Video became the central focus of the podcasting industry in 2026, with major platforms and creators adapting rapidly to the shift.
Streaming services such as Netflix, Tubi and Hulu integrated podcasts into their apps, expanding the reach of audio content and blurring the lines between traditional streaming and podcasting.
Apple introduced HLS video support to its podcast platform, allowing creators to deliver richer, more interactive experiences to their audiences.
Spotify expanded its Spotify Partner Programs to include
Spotify expanded its Spotify Partner Programs to include international creators, further globalising the podcasting landscape and encouraging a wider range of voices and formats.
The latest episode of Podcast Perspectives, a Signal Award-winning show, brought together 27 industry leaders to reflect on the year and discuss what lies ahead for podcasting.
Bryan Barletta, Founder and President of Sounds Profitable and President of Podcast Movement, shared his concerns and hopes for the future: “What scares me the most is that podcasting feels like the most attractive word to describe influencer and creator today.
My hope in that fear is that everybody
“My hope in that fear is that everybody here spends the time to learn and educate so that as we spread out – because I think it’s going to happen, I think we’re going to be diluted into the greater creator economy – we can become ambassadors and the leaders in the audio-forward side of this space.”
Ainsley Rossitto, Head of Podcasts at beehiiv, highlighted the growing business acumen among podcasters: “What gives me the most optimism is that more podcasters are thinking about their business around their show.
“They want to figure out ways to build a direct relationship with the people listening. They’re thinking about new ways to keep them coming back, adding things like a newsletter or a subscription, which not only give them ways to deepen that relationship, but also expand their revenue and not be so reliant on apps and platforms to manage that relationship for them.”
Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital,
Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital, noted the continued growth and trust in podcasting: “I think podcasting hasn’t reached full mainstream, but it’s gotten the scale without losing any of the trust that was and is so powerful in podcasting.
“Record growth in 2026 and knowing that that’s going to grow again in double digits next year is probably the most optimistic point that I could bring.
“I do worry a little that sometimes the industry forgets how important the audio element is to podcasting, and the trust and attention that comes with that. That’s the reason that podcasting is so valuable and powerful.
My hope is that I’m wrong in being
“My hope is that I’m wrong in being scared about those things and that we step into those new worlds next year in a thoughtful way that retains the magic of podcasting for what it is.”
As the industry looks to 2027, experts are focused on maintaining the unique value of audio while embracing new opportunities in video and creator-driven content.
