Netflix to Stream Spotify Video Podcasts, Expanding Content Horizon in 2026

Netflix has announced a significant partnership with Spotify, set to bring a curated selection of video podcasts to the streaming giant's platform starting in early 2026. This collaboration aims to diversify Netflix's content offerings and tap into the rapidly growing video podcast market.

spotify.com reported, The initial rollout will feature 16 popular video podcasts from Spotify Studios and Bill Simmons' The Ringer, covering genres such as sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime. These shows will first be available to subscribers in the United States, with plans for a wider international expansion to follow.

Lauren Smith, Netflix's VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy, stated that the partnership allows Netflix to bring full video versions of top shows to its audience as video podcasts continue to grow in popularity. This move adds fresh voices and new perspectives to the platform.

mediaplaynews.com noted, For Spotify, this deal represents a strategic shift towards broader distribution, moving away from its previous emphasis on exclusive content deals. Roman Wasenmüller, Spotify's VP and Head of Podcasts, remarked that this partnership marks a new chapter for podcasting.

The collaboration is designed to expand discovery for creators and help them reach new audiences globally, leveraging Netflix's massive subscriber base. It offers more choice to creators and unlocks a completely new distribution opportunity for their content.

latimes.com reported, Among the prominent titles included are "The Bill Simmons Podcast," "The Rewatchables," "The Dave Chang Show," "Conspiracy Theories," and "Serial Killers." Notably, Spotify's most-listened-to podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," is not part of this initial agreement.

The financial terms and the exact duration of the licensing deal between the two companies have not been publicly disclosed. Both platforms anticipate that this strategic alliance will enhance their respective offerings and user engagement.

• spotify.com noted, This partnership underscores the significant evolution of podcasting from an audio-first medium to a dynamic multi-format landscape. Spotify has been actively pivoting towards video podcasts since 2023, introducing tools for creators to publish video versions of their shows and implementing monetization features through its Partner Program.

• The move by Netflix is a clear indication of its strategy to diversify content beyond traditional films and TV series, aiming to keep subscribers engaged and attract new ones. This expansion into video podcasts complements other recent initiatives, such as scaling its mobile gaming offerings and planning physical retail locations.

• mediaplaynews.com reported, A Cumulus Media study highlighted that approximately 72% of podcast listeners prefer shows that include a video component, demonstrating a strong market demand for this format. This statistic likely influenced both Netflix and Spotify in forging this distribution agreement.

• The deal positions Netflix in more direct competition with YouTube, which currently dominates the video podcast space with over 1 billion monthly podcast listeners. By securing popular video podcast content, Netflix aims to capture a share of this audience.

• latimes.com noted, For Spotify, the collaboration with Netflix is expected to significantly extend the reach of its creators by leveraging Netflix's vast global subscriber base. This aligns with Spotify's updated strategy of wider content distribution, a shift from its earlier focus on exclusive, high-cost deals.

• The initial selection of 16 video podcasts spans diverse categories, including sports-focused shows like "The Zach Lowe Show" and various Ringer NFL, NBA, F1, and Fantasy Football programs. Culture and lifestyle content includes "The Big Picture" and "Recipe Club," alongside true crime series.

• spotify.com reported, Spotify's internal data from Q2 2025 revealed that over 350 million of its nearly 700 million users have streamed a video podcast on its platform, marking a 65% year-over-year increase. Video podcast consumption has grown 20 times faster than audio-only content since 2024, reinforcing the format's rising popularity.

• While the financial terms remain undisclosed, the arrangement allows Spotify's existing advertisements to remain embedded within the podcasts on Netflix. This approach enables Netflix to test the video podcast waters without immediately disrupting its ad-free subscriber experience, while Spotify maintains its revenue streams.