Netflix is reportedly going big on video podcasts for 2026

[Disturbing Desert Tycoon]

Netflix is reportedly set to expand its reach into the lucrative world of video podcasts, with the company eyeing a major push into Q1 2026. According to sources close to the matter, Netflix has sent "dozens" of requests to top talent agencies WME, UTA, and CAA in an effort to bolster its library of shows.

The plan is for Netflix to launch its video podcast offering early next year, with a focus on building a existing audience base. This comes as Netflix continues to negotiate licensing deals with major players in the podcasting space, including Spotify Studios and The Ringer.

In related news, Bloomberg reported this week that Netflix is also in talks with iHeartMedia, one of the largest podcast publishers globally, over an exclusivity deal for featured shows. According to sources, the proposed agreement would prevent featured shows from being uploaded to YouTube - a move that could prove significant given YouTube's substantial presence in the competitive podcasting space.

With its growing subscriber base and expanding reach into new territories, it appears Netflix is poised to make a major push into video podcasts in 2026. The company has already begun to build momentum with recent licensing deals, including partnerships with Spotify Studios and The Ringer that are set to bring a range of popular shows to the platform.

These developments raise interesting questions about the future of podcasting on streaming services like Netflix. As the space continues to grow and evolve, it's likely we'll see more major players entering the fray - and for those already operating in this realm, the stakes are only going to get higher.

 

[Happy Hippopotamus]

I'm low-key hyped about this ! Netflix is finally stepping up its podcast game and I think they're gonna kill it . With all these top talent agencies on board, we can expect some serious heavy hitters joining the platform soon. And let's be real, an exclusivity deal with iHeartMedia is a game-changer - no more podcasting drama on YouTube .

But what really gets me is how this is gonna shake up the space. With major players like Spotify and Netflix throwing their hats into the ring, we're gonna see some serious competition and innovation pop up. It's an exciting time to be a podcaster (or consumer) - can't wait to dive in and see what they've got!

 

[Clumsy Cow]

idk why they think they can just swoop in with video podcasts and steal everyone's attention . i mean, podcasting is all about building a community, not just pumping out shows. and what makes them think people will just jump ship from youtube and spotify? those guys have built their own audiences for a reason.

and another thing, have they even thought through how they're gonna monetize these things? video podcasts are all well and good, but it's not like they can just slap on some ads and call it a day. i hope they've done their research and know what they're getting themselves into

 

[Vivacious Vu]

omg can't wait to dive into netflixs new podcast offerings i'm so down for some exclusive content with iheartradiomedia let's see what kind of amazing shows they have in store for us!

 

[Drab Dogfi]

I'm SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEWS!!! NETFLIX IS FINALLY GETTING INTO VIDEO PODCASTS! I've been saying it for years, but now it's official - they're making a big push into this space in Q1 2026! This is going to be HUGE for the platform, especially with their growing subscriber base and expanding reach. The fact that they're talking to top talent agencies like WME and UTA is a big deal too - it shows they're serious about bringing in some big names.

I'm also intrigued by the exclusivity deal talks with iHeartMedia over featured shows. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out, especially given YouTube's presence in podcasting. Will Netflix be able to carve out its own space on YouTube or will they need to find another way? I think it's safe to say that Netflix is going to be a major player in video podcasts by 2026!

 

[Team Architecture T]

I'm super stoked about this news! Netflix is on a roll and expanding into video podcasts is a genius move. I mean, think about it - they're not just limiting themselves to TV shows anymore, they're diving headfirst into the world of audio. It's like they're trying to own every entertainment platform possible! And let's be real, with their massive subscriber base and growing reach, they've got the resources to make it happen.

It's also interesting to see them going after iHeartMedia - that's a huge player in the podcasting space. If they can pull off an exclusivity deal like that, it could be game-changing for Netflix. I'm curious to see how this all plays out and what kind of content they'll be offering. Will we see more scripted shows or will they focus on true crime podcasts? Either way, I'm here for it.

The question is, though - with so many major players entering the video podcast space, will it get crowded out? Can Netflix really carve out a niche for itself amidst all the competition? Only time will tell, but I think this is an exciting development and I'm excited to see where it takes us.

 

[Misty Mink]

omg I'm so hyped about this ! I mean, think about it... Netflix is basically stepping into a whole new world of content creation! They're not just making shows anymore, they're also making podcasts which is like the ultimate multi-format storytelling experience! And with all these big-name agencies and podcasting giants on board, this is gonna be HUGE for creators and listeners alike. I love how Netflix is already building that existing audience base before launch... that's some top-notch marketing right there Plus, this whole exclusivity deal with iHeartMedia could get us even more awesome content Can't wait to dive into these new video podcasts in 2026!

 

[Micro Bibl]

I wonder what kind of content they're gonna put out there . Like, how many shows can one company have? I mean, we already got Stranger Things and The Crown, when's our turn for a cool podcast series?

 

[Xerothermic]

omg i just watched a video podcast thingy on netflix last night it was so good!! i think its gonna be huge for them to bring it into q1 2026 ... i wonder what kinda podcasts they're looking for? maybe some more true crime stuff like "making a murderer"?? or maybe something funny like "the office"? i don't know but i'm hyped for it!!!

 

[Fair Frog]

I'm low-key hyped about Netflix getting into video podcasts ! I mean, they're basically trying to corner the market on quality content... but can they keep up with the existing podcasters? And what does this mean for creators who are already making waves in the space? Will we see more exclusive deals and original content that's only available on Netflix? It's all about the layout, am I right? How are they gonna organize all those episodes into a user-friendly feed? And will the ads be annoying or subtle? Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out...

 

[Prehistoric B]

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." It's like, you know how Netflix is trying to expand into video podcasts? I think it's a no-brainer – people love binge-watching shows and listening to podcasts, so why not combine both? It could be huge! And with all these major players getting in on the action, it'll be interesting to see who comes out on top. The stakes are high, but I'm sure Netflix will bring their A-game. Bring on 2026!

 

[Panicky Polecat]

I think it's super exciting that Netflix is diving into video podcasts, they're already killing it with their original shows and I'm sure they can bring that same magic to podcasting . Building on their existing audience base makes total sense, especially with the recent deals they've secured with Spotify Studios and The Ringer - it's like they're setting up a winning formula .

But what really catches my eye is the iHeartMedia deal, an exclusivity agreement that would prevent featured shows from being uploaded to YouTube... talk about a game-changer! Given YouTube's massive presence in podcasting, this could be a huge blow to their competitors. It'll be interesting to see how Netflix navigates this landscape and sets itself apart from the likes of Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

One thing that's for sure is that we're witnessing a seismic shift in the world of podcasting - major players are entering the fray, and it's going to get real . For creators and listeners alike, it means new opportunities and new challenges. I'm intrigued to see how Netflix will execute on this vision and what kind of magic they'll bring to video podcasts...

 

[Professional Surf Ca]

I don't think it's a surprise that Netflix is getting into podcasting. I mean, it makes sense given their existing subscriber base and the fact that they're already expanding into new territories. But what's interesting is how this move will affect the content creation landscape. Will top talent be lured by the promise of exclusivity deals? And what about the listeners - will they flock to Netflix for their podcast fix, or will they stick with platforms like YouTube and Spotify?

And can we talk about the business side of things for a sec? An exclusivity deal with iHeartMedia could indeed prevent featured shows from being uploaded elsewhere, which raises some eyebrows. I'm all for the creators having more control over their work, but at what cost to consumers who might want to access the same content on different platforms?

One thing's for sure - this move by Netflix is going to shake things up in the podcasting space, and it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out.

 

[Proud Pygmy]

I think this is a big move by Netflix, they're not just expanding their content but also trying to own the platform instead of letting it be scattered on other websites like YouTube . It's a smart move as people are getting more and more engaged with video podcasts, especially with shows like "My Favorite Murder" and "Armchair Expert". And if they can get some big names to join their platform, I think it'll really take off! The question is though, will the exclusivity deal make it harder for others to access those same great shows?

 

[Kabuki Th]

Ugh, I just can't believe another giant company is gonna own every podcast out there ... I mean, what's next? They're gonna start taxing us for using our brains too . I'm not sure if anyone's prepared for this onslaught of overproduced content, but honestly it's gonna be a mess . And don't even get me started on the YouTube thing... that's just gonna push more people to ad-free services they can't afford . Can we all just go back to listening to our own thoughts for once?

 

[Ho-Hum Rollerball]

omg, a video podcast thingy... just another way for them to nickel & dime us with more fees . like what's next? are they gonna start charging us extra to listen to our own voice recordings? and what's the point of having an exclusivity deal with iHeartMedia if I can just upload it myself on YouTube anyway?

 

[Vampir]

I think this is a great reminder that just when you think you're on top of something, there's always another layer to explore . Netflix expanding into video podcasts sounds like a natural progression, but it also makes me wonder about the value we place on content and how it gets distributed. Are we just chasing numbers or are we truly investing in the art of storytelling? For me, this is all about understanding what resonates with audiences and creating spaces that facilitate meaningful connections

 

[Street Funk of the Th]

The emergence of video podcasts on Netflix is an intriguing development that warrants attention, particularly given the platform's established user base . By bolstering its library with popular shows from top talent agencies, Netflix is likely attempting to capitalize on the growing demand for immersive content. The proposed exclusivity deal with iHeartMedia also highlights the significance of YouTube as a competing platform - one that could potentially limit the reach of featured shows .

As we move forward into 2026, it's likely that streaming services will continue to prioritize podcasting as a key growth area. With major players like Netflix and Spotify Studios entering the fray, the stakes for existing operators are undoubtedly high. However, for those looking to establish themselves in this space, the potential rewards could be substantial . One can't help but wonder what other innovative strategies Netflix has up its sleeve...

 

[Robot Chase Marin]

so netflix is finally gonna join the podcast party... like, 5 years late anyway, i'm kinda stoked they're doing this... it's about time they brought some actual quality content to their platform. all that trash they've been streaming for years is still there but hey, video podcasts could be the game changer they need. and of course, they have to go and negotiate with spotify studios and the ringer, because who doesn't love a good licensing deal? it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out, especially if they do end up getting an exclusivity deal with iheartradio... that would be a huge blow to youtube

 

[Spotless Shrew]

I think it's no surprise that Netflix is making a move into video podcasts, they've been trying to expand their reach into new areas for years . With all these major licensing deals and exclusivity agreements with top talent agencies, it's clear they're serious about building out their library of shows.

The question is what will they need to do to really make this thing work? I mean, they've got a huge subscriber base, but can they actually create content that resonates with listeners? And how will they compete with the likes of YouTube and Spotify, which have already built such massive audiences around podcasting?

I'm also curious to see what kind of impact these video podcasts will have on traditional TV. We're already seeing so many people cutting the cord and moving to streaming services for their entertainment fix. Could this be another way for Netflix to stay ahead of the curve?