Attention! Netflix has officially entered the podcasting arena: The renowned video-streaming platform has partnered with Spotify to introduce a selection of popular original podcasts, including those from Bill Simmons’ The Ringer, to its global subscribers.
The specific details of the agreement, including its duration, were not disclosed. This collaboration will introduce sports, culture, lifestyle, and true-crime podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer, aiming to “enhance Netflix’s current offerings while attracting new viewers and expanding the reach of these shows,” according to both companies’ statements.
Upcoming Spotify podcasts featured on Netflix will include “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” a series of interviews focused on sports and pop culture; “The Rewatchables,” where Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and other Ringer hosts have analyzed over 300 iconic films; and the true-crime show “Serial Killers.” The initial lineup is “just the beginning” of what is anticipated to be an ongoing collaboration between Netflix and Spotify, with plans to include more podcasts across different genres and production teams.
Viewers in the U.S. can expect to see these video podcasts from Spotify on Netflix by early 2026, with additional markets to follow.
Netflix’s foray into video podcasts aligns with a growing trend where podcasters—initially focused purely on audio—are increasingly embracing video as a strategy to boost audience engagement. Spotify has been advocating for creators to release their content as video episodes, while YouTube has emerged as a significant platform for podcast distribution. A recent study by Cumulus Media revealed that 72% of podcast listeners prefer content that includes video.
Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, discussed the platform’s growing interest in podcasts during the Q1 2025 earnings call in April. He mentioned, “We are constantly exploring various content types and creators. The distinction between podcasts and talk shows is becoming increasingly blurred. We aim to collaborate with exceptional creators across various media that audiences enjoy. As video podcasts grow in popularity, I suspect we’ll see many making their way to Netflix.”
Sarandos also noted, “As video podcasts gain traction, you’ll likely see some featured on Netflix.”
A significant portion of the podcasts included in the Netflix-Spotify agreement comes from The Ringer, established by Simmons in 2016 and acquired by Spotify in 2020 for around $250 million. The Ringer Podcast Network boasts over 50 shows within its lineup.
“This collaboration signifies a new era for podcasting,” Roman WasenmĂĽller, Spotify’s VP and head of podcasts, stated in a release. “Together with Netflix, we’re expanding discovery, assisting creators in reaching new audiences, and offering fans worldwide the opportunity to engage with beloved stories and discover unexpected favorites. This creates a broader choice for creators and introduces a unique distribution channel.”
Lauren Smith, Netflix’s VP of content licensing and programming strategy, added: “With the growth of video podcasts, our partnership with Spotify ensures that we bring the full video formats of these top shows to both platforms. From lifestyle and pop culture to true crime and sports, this curated collection of video podcasts contributes fresh voices and new perspectives to Netflix, enhancing our entertainment offering. This creates greater opportunities for creators and presents a novel distribution option.”
Spotify and Netflix have shared a selection of some of the podcasts included in their collaboration:
- Sports: “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” “The Zach Lowe Show,” “The McShay Show,” “Fairway Rollin’,” “The Mismatch,” “The Ringer F1 Show,” “The Ringer Fantasy Football Show,” “The Ringer NFL Show,” “The Ringer NBA Show”
- Culture and Lifestyle: “The Rewatchables,” “The Big Picture,” “The Dave Chang Show,” “The Recipe Club,” “Dissect”
- True Crime: “Conspiracy Theories,” “Serial Killers”
