Netflix is still in the early stages of adding video podcasts to its platform, but company co-CEO Ted Sarandos say the initial performance has reinforced their belief that the format can become a meaningful extension of its entertainment ecosystem.
Speaking late Tuesday during a quarterly earnings call, Sarandos told analysts the streamer has been encouraged by early engagement. The company is experimenting with podcast-driven programming designed specifically for video audiences.
“It’s still very, very early, but we’re super pleased by the early results that we’re seeing,” Sarandos said, noting that the company views podcasts as a long-term opportunity rather than a short-term content add-on.
Over the past several months, Netflix has assembled a growing slate of partnerships aimed at building a diversified video podcast portfolio. Among the most notable is a co-exclusive agreement with Spotify, which brings select shows from Spotify Studios and The Ringer to Netflix in video form.
The company has also struck a deal with iHeartMedia, making more than 15 of its most recognizable podcast brands available to Netflix viewers, including The Breakfast Club, My Favorite Murder, and multiple Stuff franchises.
In addition, Netflix recently finalized a multiyear partnership with Barstool Sports. The agreement makes video versions of popular podcasts exclusive to Netflix. The shows include Pardon My Take, The Ryen Russillo Podcast, and Spittin’ Chiclets. The move strengthens the platform’s connection to sports culture. It also reinforces Netflix’s focus on personality-driven content.
Sarandos said additional agreements and original concepts are already in development, signaling that the company intends to scale beyond distribution deals alone.
“We have a lot more to come, and some new originals,” he said. “Members love them. We’re excited to broaden the investment to include them.”
That strategy includes in-house production. Netflix is set to debut a new weekly video series on January 30. The show will be hosted by comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson. The streamer also recently launched The White House, a sports talk series hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.
Sarandos described video podcasts as a modern evolution of the traditional talk show. He argued that the value comes from scale and variety, not a single flagship title. He added that the format will support Netflix’s expanding sports strategy. It will also extend into comedy, entertainment, and true crime, a genre the platform already dominates.
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