Spotify has announced a partnership with Netflix to bring its video podcasts to the streaming platform starting in early 2026. The deal is part of Spotify’s broader strategy to expand its video content offerings and create new monetization opportunities through advertising.
At launch, the collaboration will feature a curated selection of sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer. Over time, Spotify plans to include additional podcasts from other studios and genres, expanding the reach and visibility of its video podcast library.
The Shift to Video Podcasts
Spotify’s focus on video podcasts has grown significantly over the past year. The company introduced tools that allow podcasters to publish shows as videos, offered incentives for popular video hosts, and launched a Partner Program to help creators monetize their content. This push is designed to compete with platforms such as YouTube and attract younger, video-first audiences, particularly Gen Z.
The move comes after major strategic changes at Spotify in 2023, including layoffs and the departure of chief content and business officer Dawn Ostroff. During her tenure, Spotify invested billions in podcast studios like Parcast, The Ringer, and Gimlet Media and signed exclusive podcast deals with personalities such as Joe Rogan and Alex Cooper. Despite these investments, the podcast business did not yield the expected profits, prompting Spotify to explore new growth areas through video.
Video consumption on Spotify has been growing rapidly. As of Q2 2025, the platform hosts over 430,000 video podcasts, with video consumption rising 20 times faster than audio-only podcasts since 2024. More than 350 million users have streamed video content on Spotify, marking a 65% increase year-over-year.
Global Rollout and Creator Opportunities
Initially, the Spotify-Netflix video podcasts will be available to users in the United States, with plans to expand to other global markets later. Spotify VP and Head of Podcasts Roman Wasenmüller described the partnership as a “new chapter for podcasting,” noting that it helps creators reach wider audiences, expands content discovery, and unlocks a new distribution channel.
Spotify has not disclosed specifics regarding ad revenue sharing or monetization arrangements with Netflix. However, the collaboration aligns with the company’s aim to increase its ad-supported revenue by leveraging popular video content.
Notable Podcasts in the Distribution Deal:
- 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
- The Ringer NBA Show
- The Rewatchables
- The Big Picture
- The Dave Chang Show
- The Recipe Club
- Dissect
- Conspiracy Theories
- Serial Killers
Why This Matters
The partnership reflects Spotify’s evolving strategy to focus on video as a key growth area, enhancing monetization opportunities while catering to shifting consumer behavior. For Netflix, the deal adds high-demand podcast content to its library, giving subscribers new options for engagement and content discovery.
This move marks an important milestone in the convergence of streaming media and podcasting, signaling that video podcasts could become a major segment in both industries.
