When Netflix and Spotify announced on that they will bring a slate of video podcasts to the streaming giant in early 2026, the news lit up both investors’ feeds and fans’ timelines. The partnership, unveiled by Ted Sarandos, co‑CEO of Netflix, and Roman Wasenmüller, Spotify’s vice president and head of podcasts, is being billed as a way to blend the binge‑watch habit with the rising appetite for long‑form video‑first talk shows.
Why video podcasts matter now
Podcasts have long been an audio‑only game, but the last two years have seen creators slap a camera on the mic and platforms scramble to accommodate the visual turn. Video podcasts let viewers see facial expressions, on‑screen graphics, and that occasional kitchen mishap that makes a cooking show feel like a house party. According to Edison Research, 33% of U.S. weekly podcast listeners turn to YouTube for that visual boost – a figure that has nudged rivals like Spotify to double down on video tools.
The partnership details
The deal will roll out first in the United States, with a broader global expansion slated for later in 2026. Netflix will host full‑length video versions of sixteen shows produced by Spotify Studios and The Ringer. The line‑up jumps across sports, culture, food, and true crime, including:
- The Bill Simmons Podcast
- The Zach Lowe Show
- The McShay Show
- The Ringer NFL Show
- The Ringer Fantasy Football Show
- The Ringer F1 Show
- The Rewatchables
- The Big Picture
- The Dave Chang Show
- The Recipe Club
- Serial Killers
- Conspiracy Theories
- Dissect
- Fairway Rollin’
- The Mismatch
- …and more
Lauren Smith, Netflix’s vice president of content licensing and programming strategy, said, “At Netflix, we’re always looking for new ways to entertain our members, wherever and however they want to watch.” She added that the curated selection will sit alongside Netflix’s regular catalogue, with no new ad breaks inserted on the ad‑supported tier – existing sponsor spots baked into the podcasts will stay put.
Reactions from executives and creators
During the joint press conference, Wasenmüller emphasized discovery: “Together with Netflix, we’re expanding reach, helping creators get in front of new audiences and giving fans the chance to stumble on shows they never expected.” The sentiment resonated with podcast creators who have been locked into audio‑centric recommendation engines. By tapping Netflix’s 230 million‑plus subscriber base, Spotify hopes to give its talent a visual stage without forcing them onto YouTube’s ad‑driven model.
Industry analysts note the move marks a strategic pivot for both firms. Netflix, traditionally a movies‑and‑series platform, is now testing a low‑cost content surface that doesn’t require original production budgets. Spotify, after a 2023 shake‑up that saw the exit of chief content officer Dawn Ostroff, has been rebuilding its video podcast business with creator tools, monetisation incentives, and a partner program that rewards video‑first storytelling.
Market context and competition
The collaboration follows months of speculation after a July 2025 Wall Street Journal report hinted at talks between the two companies about joint music‑focused projects. While YouTube still commands the largest share of video podcast consumption, the partnership introduces an exclusivity clause that will pull certain video‑only episodes from the platform, steering viewers toward Netflix and Spotify. It’s a bold gamble: strip a piece of content from the biggest free video hub and hope the premium audience follows.
Meanwhile, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music have dabbled in video but haven’t yet offered a seamless streaming‑app experience comparable to Netflix’s UI. By embedding podcasts into its familiar grid, Netflix could turn a casual binge‑watcher into a regular podcast fan, blurring the lines between “watch” and “listen.”
What’s next for viewers
Early‑2026 launch dates are still vague – the companies simply promised “early 2026.” Subscribers can expect the new titles to appear under a dedicated “Video Podcasts” banner within the Netflix app, complete with thumbnail previews and episode‑by‑episode navigation. For creators, the deal promises expanded royalty structures, with Spotify pledging to keep hosts in control of their distribution while opening revenue streams tied to Netflix viewership.
If the test succeeds, more niche shows – from indie comedy panels to deep‑dive history series – could follow suit, turning Netflix into a one‑stop shop for long‑form visual storytelling. Critics will be watching whether the move draws away ad revenue from YouTube or simply adds another layer to an already crowded diet of streaming options.
Key Facts
- Date of announcement: October 14, 2025
- Initial market: United States (early 2026)
- Number of video podcasts: 16 titles from Spotify Studios and The Ringer
- Primary executives: Ted Sarandos (Netflix) and Roman Wasenmüller (Spotify)
- Exclusivity: Certain video‑only episodes will be removed from YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Netflix subscribers experience the new video podcasts?
Subscribers will find the shows under a new “Video Podcasts” section in the Netflix app. Episodes play like regular series, with thumbnail previews, skip‑forward controls, and the same subtitle options. No extra ad breaks will be added, but existing sponsor spots embedded by the creators will remain.
Which shows are launching first and when?
The initial rollout includes sports‑focused titles like The Bill Simmons Podcast and The Ringer NFL Show, culture picks such as The Rewatchables, food‑centric programs like The Dave Chang Show, and true‑crime series including Serial Killers. All will go live in early 2026, though Netflix has not disclosed an exact month.
What does the exclusivity clause mean for YouTube viewers?
A handful of video‑only episodes will be taken down from YouTube and become available solely on Netflix and Spotify. Viewers who only use YouTube for podcasts will need to switch platforms or miss those particular episodes.
How might this partnership affect podcast creators?
Creators get exposed to Netflix’s massive global audience, potentially boosting viewership numbers and ad revenue. Spotify says the deal keeps hosts in control of distribution, so they can still publish on other platforms while enjoying the extra exposure.
Will the partnership expand beyond the United States?
Yes. Netflix confirmed that after the U.S. launch, the video podcasts will roll out to additional markets later in 2026, though no specific countries or timelines were disclosed.
