Netflix challenges YouTube – video podcasts are coming to the platform!

Netflix does not intend to slow down. After movies, series, documentaries, reality shows, and sports broadcasts, the platform will soon add something completely new – video podcasts. Together with Spotify, they announced an agreement that aims to change the market and take a hit at one of the pillars of YouTube's dominance.

Video Podcasts on Netflix – launching in 2026

According to Netflix, the first titles will debut in 2026, initially in the United States, and later in other countries. Among the premieres will be the most popular Spotify formats from the realms of sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime – from The Bill Simmons Podcast and The Rewatchables, to Serial Killers and Conspiracy Theories.

Lauren Smith, Vice President of Netflix Licensing and Content Strategy, comments:

“With the growing popularity of video podcasts, our partnership with Spotify allows us to bring full versions of these shows to Netflix and Spotify. From pop culture and lifestyle to true crime and sports – this carefully curated collection brings fresh voices and new perspectives, making our offering even more exciting.”

A blow aimed at YouTube

According to The New York Times, productions available on Netflix won't be able to appear on YouTube, which is a direct blow to the largest podcast service in the world. It is estimated that over one billion users monthly utilise podcasts on YouTube.

The new alliance between Netflix and Spotify has a clear goal – to weaken Google's dominance and create an alternative where the quality of productions matters, not just the number of views.

Netflix is growing in every direction

Podcasts are the next step in expanding the platform's offerings, which is increasingly investing in live sports and video games. It seems that Netflix wants to become a place where we will spend not only an evening with a series, but also a morning with our favourite podcast.

List of the first video podcasts on Netflix (2026)