Disney+ and Hulu announced a video podcast deal with iHeartMedia on August 10, 2026, bringing six iHeartPodcasts titles to the streaming services beginning with “Hey Jonas!” on August 14, marking a significant expansion of the platforms’ podcast offerings to U.S. audiences.
The collaboration will debut “Hey Jonas!” simultaneously on both services, with new episodes featuring the Jonas Brothers at Disney’s D23 fan event premiering the same week as “Camp Rock 3.” Four additional iHeartPodcasts titles—”Desperately Devoted,” “Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald,” “Pod Meets World,” and “StraightioLab”—will roll out to Hulu in coming months, while “Pod Meets World” will also stream on Disney+. “Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim” is set for fall release on Hulu. All programs will feature weekly episode releases across both platforms.
The deal represents iHeartMedia’s strategy to expand its podcast reach beyond audio-only formats as streaming services increasingly prioritize video content from established creators. Video podcasting has become a growing revenue stream and audience engagement tool for both podcast networks and streaming platforms seeking to differentiate their content libraries. iHeartMedia, one of the largest podcast publishers in North America, operates hundreds of shows across news, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle categories.
“Fans can’t get enough of the stories and talent they love, and podcasts have become one of the fastest growing ways for audiences to connect with them,” said Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning and Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company. Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO for iHeartMedia, said, “Podcasting continues to evolve as audiences increasingly want to engage with the shows and personalities they love in more ways and across more platforms. Disney+ and Hulu have built powerful streaming destinations with incredibly passionate fan communities, making them ideal partners to expand the reach of these beloved iHeartPodcasts.”
For podcast producers and audio professionals, the deal signals a broader industry shift toward multiplatform distribution strategies. Creators whose audio content gains traction now have clearer pathways to video adaptation and broader streaming visibility. The arrangement also demonstrates that established podcast talent can command premium placement on major streaming platforms, potentially raising expectations for compensation and promotional support among other podcast producers seeking similar distribution deals.
The announcement joins an expanding slate of podcast content on Disney+ and Hulu that includes licensed titles “Handsome” and “We’re Here to Help,” rewatch shows like “The Mess Around with Hannah and Lamorne” and “Prison Breaking With Sarah and Paul,” and companion podcasts for flagship series including “Paradise,” “American Idol,” “Dancing with the Stars,” and FX’s “The Shards.” The platforms have built dedicated podcast collections accessible directly within their streaming interfaces, reflecting their strategic commitment to audio content as part of the overall viewing experience.
The timing of the deal coincides with broader streaming industry trends showing increased investment in podcast content as a retention and discovery tool. Video podcast adoption has accelerated since 2024, with platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple TV+ expanding their video podcast offerings. Disney’s integration of podcast content directly into streaming apps positions the company competitively within a crowded marketplace, while giving iHeartMedia access to Disney’s estimated 150 million global streaming subscribers.
The video podcast expansion underscores how traditional audio content has become integral to streaming strategies across the industry. For podcast networks and independent creators, the trend suggests growing opportunities for content adaptation and cross-platform licensing, provided their shows demonstrate sufficient audience engagement and star power. As streaming services continue prioritizing original and licensed podcast content, the landscape for audio creators increasingly favors those with established fanbases and production infrastructure capable of delivering video-quality programming on multiple platforms simultaneously.
Source: Iheartmedia — Read the original article →
