Disney+ and Hulu are expanding their video offerings beyond traditional shows and movies through a new partnership with iHeartMedia.
The companies announced Monday, August 10, that they have reached a deal to bring six iHeartPodcasts titles to their streaming platforms. The rollout begins with Hey Jonas!, the official podcast hosted by Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas.
The move gives Disney+ and Hulu another way to keep viewers engaged while the streaming business becomes increasingly competitive. Video podcasts have also attracted attention from other major streaming platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max.
When the First Podcast Arrives
Hey Jonas! will begin streaming on both Disney+ and Hulu on August 14.
The timing gives the Jonas Brothers podcast an especially strong Disney connection. Its first episode will highlight Camp Rock ahead of the Disney+ premiere of Camp Rock 3. The Jonas Brothers will also appear at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event during the opening weekend of the podcast.
The podcast gives Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas a chance to talk more directly with fans through conversations that go beyond their music careers.
Six Podcasts Are Joining the Streaming Lineup
The iHeartMedia agreement covers six titles that will arrive across Disney+ and Hulu in phases.
Pod Meets World will stream on Disney+ beginning August 24. The podcast features Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong, who starred together on Boy Meets World. The show revisits memories from the sitcom while bringing the longtime friends together for new conversations and guests.
Hulu will receive several additional shows.
Desperately Devoted will begin streaming November 2. Hosted by Teri Hatcher, Andrea Bowen and Emerson Tenney, the podcast revisits Desperate Housewives while adding commentary and personal perspectives from its hosts.
Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald will arrive on Hulu later this year. The show features Scrubs stars Zach Braff and Donald Faison as they revisit episodes of the popular comedy series and share behind-the-scenes memories.
The remaining additions are StraightioLab and Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim, both of which are also scheduled to arrive on Hulu in the fall.
Disney Is Building a Bigger Podcast Strategy
The iHeartMedia partnership is not Disney’s first move into video podcasts.
Disney+ and Hulu already feature podcasts connected to entertainment properties and popular television shows. Their existing lineup includes licensed podcasts, rewatch programs and companion podcasts tied to shows such as Paradise, American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.
The new agreement expands that strategy by bringing established iHeartPodcasts directly into the streaming environment.
For viewers, that means podcasts can become part of the same entertainment ecosystem as movies, television series and other streaming programming.
Video Podcasts Are Becoming a Bigger Streaming Trend
Disney’s move comes as video podcasts become increasingly important to major entertainment platforms.
Netflix and HBO Max have also expanded into the format, signaling that streaming companies see opportunities beyond traditional scripted and unscripted programming. Reuters reported that Netflix has also made podcast deals with Spotify and iHeartMedia.
For streaming services, podcasts can provide a relatively direct connection between viewers and familiar personalities. They can also extend the life of popular television shows by giving fans additional conversations and behind-the-scenes material.
What the Deal Means for Disney+ and Hulu Subscribers
The partnership gives subscribers access to recognizable names and established podcast franchises without requiring them to leave their streaming services.
The six shows will be introduced gradually rather than all at once. Hey Jonas! leads the rollout on August 14, followed by Pod Meets World on August 24 and additional Hulu titles later in the year.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed by Disney or iHeartMedia.
A New Role for Podcasts on Streaming Services
The deal reflects a broader shift in how Americans consume entertainment. Podcasts have increasingly moved from an audio-first experience toward video, creating new opportunities for personalities, creators and entertainment companies.
For Disney+ and Hulu, the iHeartMedia partnership provides another way to turn familiar franchises and celebrity personalities into recurring streaming content.
With Hey Jonas! arriving just days from now, subscribers will get an early look at how Disney’s video podcast strategy fits into the larger streaming lineup.