SOUNDSTACK LAUNCHES HLS FOR PODCAST PUBLISHERS TO DELIVER, MONETIZE, AND MEASURE SHOWS MORE EFFECTIVELY

More Efficient Delivery Protocol Drives Podcast Engagement and Connects Advertisers to Loyal Listeners

PITTSBURGH and NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SoundStack, the independent, full-stack technology company for digital audio, today announced the launch of HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) for podcasting. The innovation allows creators and publishers to provide a more seamless, higher-quality listening experience for every user, regardless of their connection speed or device.

Unlike typical podcast delivery, which downloads content as one, large mp3 file, HLS breaks up a podcast into several small "media chunks," typically 2-10 seconds in length. This makes episode delivery faster and more seamless, reducing buffering and "stuttering," allowing publishers to create a better overall experience for audiences. Additionally enabling a wider range of ad delivery options and the potential to measure engagement more accurately, HLS also makes podcasting a better investment for advertisers.

"As podcasting continues to grow, the industry needs to keep innovating to stay on that trajectory for the benefit of the whole ecosystem," stated SoundStack CEO Jon Stephenson. "Podcast consumers are some of the most enthusiastic audiences out there – the onus is on all of us to keep them coming back, and fast, clear listening is fundamental. But that's just the starting point. Enabling more efficient ad insertion, setting the foundation for more accurate measurement, and more, HLS will be a tremendous catalyst to increased ad spend and publisher growth."

Key benefits and capabilities of HLS include:

• Faster playback start: since HLS streams files in small pieces, playback can start almost immediately; better for mobile/listeners on the go
• Better monetization: HLS allows for a wider range of ad delivery options, like HLS interstitial (a more efficient way to insert ads), which can facilitate higher publisher revenue
• Expanded content options: HLS enables, for example, the LIT (live item tag) to bring live content to podcasts, alongside other Podcasting 2.0 features
• Multiple formats: HLS enables seamless audio to video transition (and back)
• Automatic bandwidth adjustment: with adaptive bitrate (ABR), the podcast bitrate will be able adjust based on listener bandwidth and device capabilities
• More accurate measurement: HLS will be able to provide a unified view of all "media chunks"/byte range requests for a complete picture of exactly how much content was delivered, and which pieces each individual audience member received

To learn more about HLS for podcasting and to schedule a demo, contact us at https://soundstack.com/contact-sales/.

About SoundStack
SoundStack is the independent, full-stack technology / services company for podcast and digital audio businesses – enterprise media, networks, hosting platforms, ad tech, and buy-side partners. Our collective experience of having built some of the most foundational platforms in digital audio informs our core belief: when podcasters and broadcasters work with independent tech providers that are free to put the publisher first, instead of a corporate media parent, those publishers run a more successful business overall. Constantly innovating to help publishers seamlessly deliver, monetize, and measure digital audio, our team of 75+ audio tech experts is guided only by what delivers the best results for our 14k+ partners. SoundStack is headquartered in Pittsburgh and is the parent of Live365 (which continues to operate as its own brand).

Media contact:
Scott Klass, CMO
[email protected]

SOURCE SoundStack