Spotify and Netflix have partnered to bring video podcasts to the latter’s platform, starting early 2026 in the United States. The deal will feature 16 video podcasts produced by Spotify Studios and the Ringer, a podcast producer acquired by Spotify in 2020. According to the companies, this marks a significant step in the evolution of podcasting.
The partnership between Spotify and Netflix will see the streaming giants collaborate on bringing video content to Netflix’s platform. Roman Wasenmuller, VP and Head of Podcasts at Spotify, stated that “this partnership marks a new chapter for podcasting.” The initial rollout will include 16 video podcasts, with plans to expand to other markets after the US launch.
Spotify’s Podcasting Strategy
Spotify’s investment in podcasting has been ongoing since it first began offering non-music audio and video content in 2015. The company has made significant acquisitions, including Gimlet Media in 2019, to bolster its podcast offerings. Christoffer Jennel, an analyst at equity research firm Inderes, noted that this deal is part of Spotify’s strategy to accelerate its video podcast bet, which has become an increasingly important focus.
Spotify’s move into video podcasts reflects the changing landscape of the medium. As Jennel explained, “the agreement can be seen as another step in Spotify’s ambition to establish itself as a broader media platform beyond audio.” The company has acknowledged that podcasting has evolved from an audio-first medium to a multi-format landscape.
Implications for the Podcasting Industry
The partnership between Spotify and Netflix may have significant implications for the podcasting industry. By bringing video podcasts to a new platform, Spotify is expanding its reach and potentially attracting new audiences. However, it remains to be seen how this will affect the existing podcasting ecosystem. According to Spotify, the company plans to bring similar opportunities to a wider range of podcasters in the future.
Expanding Opportunities
Spotify’s plans to expand its video podcast offerings to other creators indicate a broader strategy to become a major player in the media landscape. As the company continues to invest in podcasting, it is likely that we will see further innovations and developments in the space. For now, the partnership with Netflix represents a significant step forward for Spotify’s podcasting ambitions.
As the rollout of video podcasts on Netflix approaches, users can expect to see a new wave of content on the platform. With Spotify’s continued investment in the medium, the future of podcasting looks set to be shaped by the intersection of audio and video content. For more information on the evolving podcasting landscape, visit the Pew Research Center’s podcasting page.
With this development, Spotify is poised to further establish itself as a leader in the podcasting industry, and users can look forward to new and innovative content on both Spotify and Netflix. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other players respond to this new development.
