Netflix and Spotify have announced a partnership to bring video podcasts to the streaming platform in early 2026, marking Netflix’s first major entry into the podcasting space.

Netflix has agreed to host video versions of more than a dozen podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer, beginning in early 2026. The content lineup spans sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime categories, featuring popular shows such as “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” “The Rewatchables,” and “Conspiracy Theories.”

“As video podcasts continue to grow in popularity, our partnership with Spotify allows us to bring full video versions of these top shows to both Netflix and Spotify audiences,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy, in a press release.

The initial launch will be limited to the U.S. market, with plans to expand to additional countries later. The companies have not disclosed financial terms or the duration of the licensing agreement.

Spotify Expands Video Strategy

The Netflix deal represents part of Spotify’s broader video expansion strategy. Just one day after announcing the Netflix partnership, Spotify revealed an additional arrangement with Samsung TV Plus to launch a dedicated FAST channel featuring content from The Ringer, according to Deadline.

Unlike the Netflix agreement, the Samsung TV Plus partnership creates a non-exclusive “greatest hits” channel for The Ringer’s content library, allowing viewers to access shows like “Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay” and “Speidi’s 16th Minute” without a subscription.

“Since its launch, The Ringer has been at the forefront of podcasting, blending sharp analysis with enthusiasm across topics in sports, culture, and entertainment,” Geoff Chow, Spotify’s Head of Podcast Studios & Managing Director of The Ringer, said in a statement.

Netflix Targets YouTube’s Podcast Dominance

The partnership positions Netflix to compete more directly with YouTube in the video podcast space. According to EMARKETER, citing Edison Research data, YouTube leads among podcast platforms, with 31% of weekly and 33% of monthly podcast listeners choosing it as their preferred platform.

The two streaming giants maintain similar audience engagement metrics, with Netflix averaging 37 minutes of daily time spent, compared to YouTube’s 39 minutes in 2025, according to EMARKETER’s report.

This move follows Netflix’s earlier, more modest entry into podcasting through a co-production with BBC Studio’s Audio unit in May under the Netflix Podcasts banner. The Spotify deal, however, represents the first time podcast content will be available directly through the Netflix platform.

On an April earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the company is “constantly looking at all different types of content.” He added that the line between podcasts and talk shows is becoming increasingly blurred.

New Distribution Channel for Creators

For podcast creators, the Netflix-Spotify partnership opens access to Netflix’s substantial subscriber base. Roman Wasenmüller, VP and Head of Podcasts at Spotify, described the deal as “a new chapter for podcasting” that expands discovery opportunities and helps creators reach new audiences.

“Throughout this expansion, the core principles of Spotify’s podcasting model remain unchanged: Creators retain control, benefit from multiple revenue streams, and are supported in building sustainable businesses,” reads Spotify’s press release.

The full list of podcasts included in the deal spans 17 shows across three categories:

Sports: “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” “The Zach Lowe Show,” “The McShay Show,” “Fairway Rollin’,” “The Mismatch,” “The Ringer F1 Show,” “The Ringer Fantasy Football Show,” “The Ringer NFL Show,” and “The Ringer NBA Show.”

Culture/Lifestyle: “The Rewatchables,” “The Big Picture,” “The Dave Chang Show,” “Recipe Club,” and “Dissect.”

True Crime: “Conspiracy Theories” and “Serial Killers.”

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