Netflix is set to begin streaming video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer in early 2026, marking a major collaboration between two of the world’s biggest streaming platforms.
The partnership, announced on Tuesday (October 14), comes three months after reports surfaced that both companies were in discussions about teaming up on a range of music and entertainment projects.
According to The Wall Street Journal, early talks between Netflix and Spotify centered on the idea of collaborating on music-focused content — including a potential awards show, a live concert series, celebrity interview specials, and short-turnaround documentary projects designed to stay relevant to fast-moving cultural trends.
Under the new deal, Netflix will introduce select Spotify video podcasts to its subscribers, beginning with a U.S. rollout before expanding internationally. The curated collection will include popular titles across sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime — genres that already attract millions of listeners on Spotify’s platform.
Some of the confirmed shows include The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Zach Lowe Show, and The McShay Show in the sports category. Cultural and lifestyle podcasts such as The Rewatchables, The Big Picture, and The Dave Chang Show will also feature, alongside true crime hits like Conspiracy Theories and Serial Killers.
“As video podcasts continue to grow in popularity, our partnership with Spotify allows us to bring full video versions of these top shows to both Netflix and Spotify audiences,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix’s VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy.
Smith added that the collaboration aligns with Netflix’s mission to offer diverse forms of entertainment to its global audience. “From pop culture and lifestyle to true crime and sports, this curated selection of video podcasts adds fresh voices and perspectives to Netflix, making our entertainment lineup more exciting than ever,” she said.
While neither company has confirmed whether the earlier-discussed music-related projects are still in development, the deal signals a growing overlap between music and video streaming platforms as they compete for user attention and engagement.
For Spotify, this partnership extends its video distribution capabilities beyond its own app. Since launching video podcasts globally in 2020 for both free and Premium users, Spotify has introduced monetization programs for creators and expanded partnerships with major studios and personalities.
“This partnership marks a new chapter for podcasting,” said Roman Wasenmüller, Spotify’s VP and Head of Podcasts. “Together with Netflix, we’re expanding discovery, helping creators reach new audiences, and giving fans around the world the chance to experience the stories they love — and uncover new favorites they never expected.”
Spotify’s acquisition of The Ringer in 2020 for $250 million cemented its place as a key player in the podcasting industry, with a growing focus on sports and culture content.
For Netflix, the deal comes at a time when the company is diversifying its content library and revenue streams, following its recent price adjustments in the U.S. Earlier this year, Netflix raised the monthly cost of its ad-free Standard plan to $17.99, up from $15.49, while its Premium plan increased to $24.99 from $22.99.
These changes have widened the pricing gap between Netflix and Spotify, which raised its own Premium subscription fee by just $1 to $11.99 in June 2024. Despite the difference, both platforms appear to be aligning strategically — combining Spotify’s audio storytelling expertise with Netflix’s massive global reach to reshape how audiences experience podcasts in visual form.
