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Netflix is making a big bet on video podcasts, signaling a major shift in how the streaming giant plans to engage audiences beyond traditional movies and shows. The company has teamed up with Spotify’s podcast studio and The Ringer to bring 16 video podcast series to its platform starting next year.
Among the lineup are The Bill Simmons Podcast, Conspiracy Theories, and The Ringer NFL Show, alongside others covering the NBA, Fantasy Football, and F1. This collaboration marks Netflix’s first large-scale push into the booming world of video podcasts, an area long dominated by YouTube.
Netflix’s move reflects its intent to diversify entertainment options while capturing audiences who spend more time watching podcasts than listening to them. According to reports, these podcasts will debut in the U.S. in 2026 before rolling out internationally.
Interestingly, The New York Times notes that episodes won’t appear “in their entirety” on YouTube — a clear signal that Netflix wants exclusive appeal. With YouTube boasting over one billion podcast viewers monthly, Netflix’s entry into this format could significantly reshape viewing habits.
The new collaboration between Netflix, Spotify, and The Ringer brings together heavyweights in both streaming and podcasting. Spotify’s ad placements will remain within the podcasts, while Netflix won’t insert its own commercial breaks — at least for this first round of releases.
This strategic alliance could open doors for new hybrid content formats that blend talk shows, entertainment analysis, and pop culture commentary — areas where The Ringer excels.
YouTube remains the undisputed leader in video podcasts, outperforming Spotify and Apple Music combined. But Netflix is making a big bet on video podcasts as a way to keep users inside its ecosystem longer. Instead of watching clips or interviews on other platforms, subscribers could soon enjoy both long-form entertainment and behind-the-scenes discussions without leaving Netflix.
By blending podcasts with its vast video library, Netflix is positioning itself as a one-stop hub for entertainment — whether users want to binge-watch a series or tune into an engaging conversation.
Video podcasts are no longer a niche format. They’re mainstream, social media–friendly, and highly monetizable. For Netflix, this move could also boost engagement metrics and time spent on the platform — a key goal as competition for viewers intensifies.
The platform already produces several successful audio podcasts related to its original content, including You Cannot Make This Up, Skip Intro, and We Have the Receipts. Expanding into video versions allows Netflix to integrate these shows more seamlessly into its app experience.
While the company hasn’t revealed whether it will open the door to independent creators, this pilot project with Spotify and The Ringer could pave the way for future expansions. By leveraging existing talent and proven podcast audiences, Netflix can test viewer interest before fully scaling up.
If successful, expect to see Netflix introducing more interactive podcast experiences, deeper social integration, and possibly live video podcasting down the road.
Netflix is making a big bet on video podcasts, and it’s a bold yet strategic move. As the lines between streaming, social media, and podcasts blur, this shift could redefine how users consume spoken content. Whether this experiment pays off or not, it underscores one thing — Netflix isn’t just adapting to trends; it’s trying to lead them.
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