tech
December 19, 2025
Netflix is betting on podcasts to become the new daytime talk show
Netflix is making exclusive deals with podcast studios to compete with YouTube, but podcasters have mixed feelings.
TL;DR
- Netflix has signed deals with iHeartMedia and Barstool Sports for exclusive video rights to select podcasts, in addition to a prior deal with Spotify.
- YouTube has reported significant growth in podcast viewership on living room devices, with over 700 million hours watched monthly in 2025.
- Some podcasters are concerned that Netflix's move could contribute to a podcast bubble, similar to past experiences with Spotify's acquisitions.
- While some creators are embracing video-first podcasts, others find their audience prefers audio-only content, questioning the return on investment for video production.
- The definition of 'podcast' is becoming increasingly broad, encompassing various formats beyond traditional audio shows.
- Netflix's approach is seen as more calculated than Spotify's, which involved large acquisitions of individual creators and studios.
- Industry experts anticipate Netflix may pursue multi-million dollar deals with top podcast creators and high-profile personalities in the future.
Continue reading
the original article