Netflix plans an aggressive expansion into video podcasts in 2026, licensing content from Spotify Studios and The Ringer while engaging talent agencies for additional shows ahead of a first-quarter launch.
The streaming service aims to build a robust library of video podcasts featuring established audiences by early 2026. Sources informed The Hollywood Reporter that Netflix has dispatched dozens of requests to agents at William Morris Endeavor (WME), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). These outreach efforts target securing more video-podcast content to bolster the platform’s offerings. The initiative follows Netflix’s strategy to integrate audio-visual content that draws from proven listener bases, ensuring immediate engagement upon rollout.
Complementing these moves, Netflix entered licensing discussions with iHeartMedia, a prominent global podcast publisher. Bloomberg reported this week on the negotiations, noting iHeartMedia’s production of popular series such as Stuff You Should Know and The Breakfast Club. Netflix seeks an exclusivity agreement in these talks, which would restrict the featured shows from distribution on YouTube. This provision aims to channel viewership exclusively through Netflix’s platform.
YouTube stands as Spotify’s primary competitor in the podcast domain, having exceeded one billion monthly active podcast viewers at the beginning of 2025. In contrast, Netflix’s recent agreement with Spotify, finalized last month, incorporates nine sports-focused podcasts at launch. Among these are The Bill Simmons Podcast, hosted by the sports media personality Bill Simmons, and The Zach Lowe Show, featuring NBA analyst Zach Lowe’s in-depth basketball commentary.
Further enriching the lineup, additional video podcasts slated for Netflix include Serial Killers, a true-crime series exploring infamous cases, and The Ringer’s The Rewatchables, a film discussion program that dissects classic movies episode by episode.
