ARN has announced the launch of video on the iHeart platform, with video episodes of podcasts and short-form video now available for free on iHeart in Australia.
The new product launch introduces full-length video podcasts alongside iHeart Highlights, a new vertical video feed, marking a significant step in ARN’s evolution from an audio-first network into a broader entertainment business.
Now available on the platform are video podcasts from Australian True Crime, The Interface (BBC), Double A Chattery, No Dribble, Las Culturistas, She’s On The Money, The Daily Aus, and Two Good Sports, with more to come.
“While audio continues to be the foundation of podcasting, video is becoming a powerful complement for audiences to engage with great content. This launch is a huge step in ARN’s evolution as we continue to build a broader entertainment business that connects with audiences wherever and however they choose to consume content,” ARN chief data & technology officer Ben Campbell said.
“Video is a natural extension of our market-leading audio IP, unlocking new audiences, formats, and commercial opportunities. By giving audiences the choice to listen or watch, we’re offering more flexibility for creators, audiences and commercial partners, while staying true to the open, creator-first ecosystem that has defined podcasting from the start.”
For creators and publishers, the rollout unlocks a powerful new distribution opportunity. Video podcasts are delivered to iHeart at no cost to the creators or publishers via existing RSS workflows, enabling creators and publishers to maintain full ownership, control and monetisation while helping them grow and retain their audience.
It also gives audiences greater flexibility in how they engage with content, while preserving the audio-first experience at the heart of podcasting.
For ARN, this expands the reach and value of its ecosystem by increasing audience scale, engagement and content supply across audio and video formats, while maintaining a creator-first distribution approach.
Alongside full-length video podcasts, ARN has launched iHeart Highlights – a short-form video feed bringing together standout moments from podcasts and radio shows into a stream of snackable, shareable content.
The vertical scrolling feed features interviews, reactions, behind-the-scenes moments, and viral clips – driving discovery and seamlessly connecting audiences with longer-form podcast and broadcast content across iHeart.
Together, these launches mark the next phase of ARN’s full-funnel content strategy – spanning broadcast radio, podcasting, premium long-form video and short-form discovery – designed to expand reach across platforms and formats, create video viewing occasions, and introduce new monetisation opportunities through creator-led video integration.
Later this year, ARN will launch dynamic video ad serving – unlocking new, high impact audio-visual opportunities for brands to connect with audiences as part of the $5 billion video ad market.
Full-length video podcasts and iHeart Highlights are now available for free on iHeart in Australia, with additional content, creators and product features to roll out throughout the year.
