Streaming giants Spotify and Netflix have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership that will bring Spotify’s extensive library of video podcasts to Netflix’s global platform beginning in early 2026. The collaboration, which will initially launch in the United States before expanding to international markets, represents a strategic move by both companies to capitalize on the growing popularity of video podcasts while challenging YouTube‘s current dominance in this space.
Spotify and Netflix unite to challenge YouTube’s dominance in video podcasting, bringing new content to global audiences.
The initial content lineup will feature popular podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer, spanning genres such as sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime. Notable shows included in the partnership are The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Ringer Fantasy Football Show, The Dave Chang Show, The Recipe Club, and Serial Killers, with plans to expand the selection over time to include more studios and genres.
This partnership addresses the clear shift in audience preferences, as approximately 70-72% of podcast listeners now prefer video content according to Cumulus Media research. By bringing these visual podcasts to Netflix, both companies aim to meet this demand while providing content creators with new distribution channels and monetization opportunities.
For Spotify, the deal represents an opportunity to extend its reach beyond its own platform, diversify its content offerings, and help podcast creators discover new global audiences. According to Lauren Smith, Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy, this collaboration aims to complement Netflix’s existing programming while unlocking new audiences.
Netflix, meanwhile, gains entry into the burgeoning video podcast market, complementing its existing entertainment lineup and potentially attracting new subscribers through unique content offerings.
Though financial terms of the multi-year licensing agreement remain undisclosed, the partnership signals an important evolution in content strategy for both streaming services.
Netflix continues its pursuit of content diversification to maintain subscriber engagement, while Spotify strengthens its position against competitors by expanding distribution channels for its creators. Creators can enhance their visual content with eye-catching visualizers to improve engagement and stand out on both platforms. The partnership comes as Spotify experiences 20x faster growth in video podcast consumption compared to audio-only content since 2024.
Independent artists looking to benefit from this collaboration could leverage playlist pitching strategies similar to those used on traditional streaming platforms to increase their visibility and reach on both services.
As video podcasting continues to grow in popularity, this collaboration between two streaming powerhouses could reshape how audiences consume this increasingly visual medium, offering creators unprecedented reach and providing viewers with convenient access to diverse podcast content alongside traditional streaming entertainment.
