‘This is actually smart from Netflix’: Internet reacts as Netflix teams up with Spotify to bring video podcasts in 2026

Netflix and Spotify are teaming up to introduce video podcasts next year, eliciting a wave of diverse reactions online.

The two entertainment powerhouses will reportedly introduce video podcasts like ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast, ’ a deal that, per the Independent, will bar the shows from appearing on YouTube, a top rival.

Netflix announced this Tuesday that 16 video podcasts will be streamed across sports, culture, entertainment, and true crime, including shows from The Ringer. The latter is a network founded by Simmons, a sportswriter, which the company purchased in 2020 for about $250 million.

News of the same has since made its way to X, where scores online are reacting with a mix of amusement and praise. Here's how one user reacted, for instance:

"This is actually smart from Netflix. They know people’s attention is split across different platforms, so bringing video podcasts in means they can compete with YouTube and Spotify at the same time. They’re slowly turning into a full entertainment hub."

The comments didn't end there:

"Netflix has finished watching itself make TV history and is now listening to its next act. When streaming meets streaming, attention officially has no off switch," someone penned.

'netflix really said “what if we also became youtube”,' another quipped.

"This isn't just about Netflix adding a new content category. This is a direct, coordinated attack on YouTube's biggest strength.

"Spotify brings the exclusive, high-value podcast talent, and Netflix brings the massive TV-based audience. Together, they're building the first real challenger to YouTube's throne as the default platform for video podcasts. A massive strategic move," one more chimed in.

"So we paying Netflix to listen to podcasts now? capitalism got DLCs for everything," a fourth user pointed out.

The comments didn't end there:

"They finna turn Netflix into YouTube with better thumbnails," one user quipped.

"Netflix and Spotify joining forces, basically procrastination in HD and surround sound," another joked.

"Netflix entering the podcast space is wild first they made us binge-watch, now they’ll make us binge-listen. The streaming wars just got louder," someone else chimed in.

"Netflix is about to make documentary about how Spotify charts have changed music industry," yet another added.

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Everything we know about Netflix and Spotify's collaboration:

In a press release on its official website, Netflix and Spotify confirmed that The Ringer’s NFL, NBA, Fantasy Football, and F1 shows will soon go live on Spotify and Netflix.

"But these sports titles are just the start: Pop culture series like The Rewatchables and Dissect, as well as true crime pods such as Conspiracy Theories, are also part of this pact."

Lauren Smith, Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy, said in a statement:

“At Netflix, we’re always looking for new ways to entertain our members, wherever and however they want to watch. 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. From pop culture and lifestyle to true crime and sports, this curated selection of video podcasts adds fresh voices and new perspectives to Netflix, making our entertainment lineup more exciting than ever.”

Roman Wasenmüller, VP, Head of Podcasts at the music streaming service, added:

“This partnership marks a new chapter for podcasting. 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 favorites they never expected. This offers more choice to creators and unlocks a completely new distribution opportunity.”

In a press release on the music streaming platform's website, the company said that the collaboration reinforces its "belief that when platforms work together, creators benefit."

"By partnering with Netflix, Spotify is helping creators captivate even more fans worldwide."

The Independent has reported that the first batch of video podcasts from this deal will stream on Netflix without ads, even for subscribers with a plan that supports ads. However, the Host-read ads from the music streaming service will continue. This batch includes:

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

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