The Firstory dashboard now supports video episodes. Once you upload a video, your episode syncs to Apple Podcasts in video form — listeners can choose to watch the video or switch back to audio-only listening; on other platforms it keeps playing as audio, so the listening experience is unaffected. This article walks you through uploading a video episode.
💡 Video features are rolled out gradually based on account type. You can subscribe to the Enterprise plan to start using them right away.
Before you start
Don't have a show on Firstory yet? Take care of this first, then come back to upload video: for a brand-new podcast, start a new show and publish your first episode; if you already publish elsewhere, import or migrate your show to Firstory; and if your show is currently distributed by Firstory and you want to take ownership in your own Apple Podcast Connect account, see claim your show in Apple Podcast Connect.
Before uploading video for the first time, you need to connect your Apple Podcast Connect API key (a one-time setup — see Section 1 below).
Video is currently supported on Apple Podcasts first; video sync to platforms like Spotify and YouTube is still in the works.
Video mode only applies to publicly published episodes. If an episode is members-only content, simply upload the audio.
Audio is still required; video is an optional extra asset, and the audio and video can be different lengths. You can also keep uploading audio only, exactly as before — your existing workflow is completely unaffected.
1. Before your first use: connect Apple Podcast Connect
To upload video, you first need to connect your Apple Podcast Connect API key. This is a one-time setup, and every episode afterward will use it automatically.
When you switch to the "Video" tab, if it isn't set up yet you'll see the prompt "Please set up your Apple Podcast Connect API key first." Click "Go to key setup" to set it up. Once done, return to the upload page and you can upload video directly.
2. Before uploading: get your video ready
To make sure your video syncs smoothly to Apple Podcasts, export your video file according to the following specifications:
Video format | MP4 |
File size limit | 30 GB |
Video codec | H.264 High Profile |
Resolution | 1080p |
Video bitrate | ≥ 25 Mbps |
Audio codec | AAC-LC |
Audio bitrate | ≥ 128 kbps stereo |
FPS | 24 or 30 |
3. Upload a video episode
Step 1 — Go to "Upload Episode"
In the left-hand menu of the dashboard, click "Upload Episode" to start the episode upload flow. The first step of the flow is "Upload Media."
Step 2 — Switch to the "Video" tab
"Upload Media" has two tabs: Audio and Video. Audio is required, so first upload the episode's audio on the Audio tab; then switch to the "Video" tab (marked New) to add your video. Video is optional, and the audio and video can be different lengths.
If you see "Please set up your Apple Podcast Connect API key first" when you switch to the Video tab, it means you haven't connected your key yet — please first complete the setup in "Before your first use: connect Apple Podcast Connect" above.
Step 3 — Upload the video file
Click "Choose file," or simply drag and drop your video into the upload area; select the MP4 video you've prepared, and the system will start uploading.
Step 4 — Complete the episode details and publish
After the video uploads, follow the flow to complete the remaining steps: Episode Details → Platform Details → Enable Ads → Publish. Once published, your video begins syncing to Apple Podcasts; other platforms play this episode's audio as usual.
4. Frequently asked questions
Will listeners on other platforms (Spotify, KKBOX, etc.) see the video?
No. For now, only Apple Podcasts supports video; other platforms still play the episode as audio, so the listening experience is unaffected.
After uploading video, do I still need to upload audio separately?
Yes. Audio is required, and video is an optional extra asset; together they make up the episode's content. The audio and video can be different lengths.
Can I add video to an audio-only episode I already published?
Yes. Go to your Episode List, find that episode, click Edit, and add the video on the Video tab in the first step, "Upload Media."
Can I upload video for members-only episodes?
Not at the moment. Video mode only applies to publicly published episodes; for members-only episodes, please upload the audio directly.
When will Spotify and YouTube support video?
Video sync to Spotify and YouTube is still in the works and is expected by the end of the year, at which point you'll be able to sync to every video platform at once.