Podcasts were originally started as an audio-only space, but with the recent changes, they’re evolving towards video. Now, in a latest development, the streaming giant Netflix has partnered with Spotify to double down on this transition. It plans to bring video podcasts to its worldwide user base.
Spotify joins hands with Netflix to expand video podcasts to a worldwide audience
Spotify Technology LA has confirmed that it is partnering with Netflix to expand its top video podcast content. Starting next year, content from The Ringer and Spotify Studios, including The Bill Simmons Podcast, will be available to stream directly on Netflix in the US. The global expansion is also planned for a later time.
As of right now, the Simmons Podcast uploads its content on Spotify and YouTube. However, as the new collaboration takes effect, only certain video clips or highlights will be uploaded on YouTube. The full-length video will be streamed on Netflix. Lauren Smith, Netflix’s Vice President of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy, called the move “a curated expansion that brings new voices and perspectives to Netflix’s global audience.”
Video podcasts are the future, and Netflix wants to conquer it
This deal is an attempt by Netflix to test the waters of podcast distribution. It wants to explore new content aside from web series and movies. For Spotify, this shift is another signal to transform its reputation from an audio-only platform to a full-fledged video hub. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek recently revealed that the platform now hosts over 430,000 video podcasts, streamed by 350 million users worldwide. And this deal is expected to take the numbers beyond.
Industry reports reveal that YouTube has over 1 billion users watching video podcasts on its platform. Moreover, as per research done by Edison, it’s reported that about 77% of the new listeners prefer video podcasts over conventional audio-only podcasts.
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