"Netflix is ramping up the ambitions of a major video podcast push, set for early 2026, as it seeks to challenge YouTube's dominance in the space. The streamer told potential partners it wants to have 50 to 75 shows at launch, two dealmakers told Business Insider, with one hearing the platform is looking to build that number to as many as 200 over time."
"Last month, Netflix announced a deal with Spotify to put popular shows like "The Bill Simmons Podcast" and "The Rewatchables" on its platform. It's also approached other podcast networks, including iHeartMedia, home to shows like "Jay Shetty Podcast" and "The Breakfast Club," Bloomberg reported. Leading Netflix's licensing efforts is Lauren Smith, Netflix's VP of content licensing and programming strategy. The original content push is distributed across multiple content teams."
"Netflix's move into podcasts is both a response to YouTube's growing presence as a TV player and a sign of how Netflix is expanding beyond its core TV and film roots to become a hub people turn to for all kinds of content, including live sports, games, and more. Netflix's move into podcasts also shows how far the format has evolved, said Michael Calvin Jones, SVP of Wasserman Creators."
Netflix plans a large video-podcast expansion in early 2026, aiming to launch with 50 to 75 licensed and original shows and scale toward roughly 200. The company is licensing existing podcasts and commissioning new originals across pop culture, true crime, sports, and comedy. Netflix has struck deals with Spotify and approached networks including iHeartMedia. Licensing is led by VP Lauren Smith, while original production spans multiple content teams. The move responds to YouTube’s growing role as a TV-like platform and reflects the format’s visual shift from audio-only to visual-first programming.
Read at Business Insider
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