Encoding media for HLS
Encode audio and video for HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) delivery to Apple Podcasts.
Overview
Apple Podcasts plays HLS video on many devices and across a range of network conditions. Use these encoder settings for best results.
Apply HLS video encoding best practices
Use adaptive bitrate streaming, efficient codecs, and proper segmentation when you encode video for HLS delivery to Apple Podcasts:
Provide multiple quality levels to adapt to network conditions.
Use H.264 (AVC) for broad device compatibility and H.265 (HEVC) for better compression efficiency.
Use appropriate segment durations for smooth playback.
Configure encoding settings
Use these settings when preparing video for HLS delivery:
- Keyframe interval
2–6 seconds (60–180 frames at 30 fps)
- B-frames
2–3 for H.264, 3–4 for HEVC
- GOP structure
Closed GOP
- Color space
Rec. 709 for HD, Rec. 2020 for 4K HDR
Use these settings when encoding podcast audio for HLS delivery:
- Codec
AAC-LC (recommended) or HE-AAC v1/v2
- Sample rate
48 kHz (preferred) or 44.1 kHz
- Channels
Stereo and bitrate 192 kbps preferred for most content, 5.1 surround sound also supported