Netflix and audio‑media giant iHeartMedia have entered into a partnership that will bring 14 video‑podcast titles to the streaming platform, with the first wave slated to debut in the United States in early 2026 and subsequent expansion to other markets to follow. The deal covers all new episodes of the selected shows and a curated set of library episodes, and includes high‑profile titles such as "Dear Chelsea" with Chelsea Handler, "The Breakfast Club" with Charlamagne tha God, and "My Favorite Murder" with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
The partnership reflects Netflix’s broader strategy to diversify its content mix beyond scripted series and films, targeting the growing segment of casual viewers who consume short‑form, on‑demand video content. By adding video podcasts, Netflix aims to increase engagement hours, attract younger and more diverse audiences, and create a new potential revenue stream through advertising and subscription add‑ons. The move also positions Netflix more directly against platforms like YouTube and TikTok, which dominate casual viewing time, and follows a similar deal with Spotify that introduced select Ringer podcasts to the service.
For iHeartMedia, the deal offers a powerful new distribution channel that exposes its popular podcasts to Netflix’s massive subscriber base while preserving audio‑only rights on iHeartRadio and other podcast platforms. The arrangement allows iHeartMedia to tap into Netflix’s advertising ecosystem and reach viewers who may not yet be podcast listeners, thereby expanding its audience and potential ad revenue. The company’s CEO, Bob Pittman, emphasized that the partnership opens a new category—video podcasts—“to connect fans with the personalities they love in a new format.”
Netflix’s Q3 2025 earnings, released on December 15 2025, showed revenue of $11.32 billion—slightly below analyst estimates of $11.52 billion—but an EPS of $5.87 that beat expectations by $5.18. The company’s ad‑supported tier has become a significant growth engine, with analysts projecting a doubling of ad revenue in 2025. The new partnership is expected to bolster that segment by adding high‑profile, high‑engagement content that can be monetized through targeted advertising and subscription add‑ons, reinforcing Netflix’s strategy to diversify revenue streams beyond subscription fees.
The video‑podcast market is expanding rapidly, with a growing percentage of listeners preferring video formats. Major media companies are investing heavily in this space, and the partnership positions Netflix to capture a larger share of casual viewing time. While the financial terms of the deal are undisclosed, the strategic alignment suggests a focus on long‑term growth and audience expansion rather than immediate monetization. The partnership also signals Netflix’s intent to deepen its content library in a way that complements its existing offerings and supports its broader goal of becoming a one‑stop entertainment destination.
"With this partnership we are incredibly excited to offer our members unmatched variety, and to deliver highly entertaining podcasts featuring some of the world’s most dynamic personalities," said Lauren Smith, Netflix VP of Content Licensing and Programming Strategy. "Get ready to dive in with the true‑crime phenomenon My Favorite Murder, the dynamic perspectives of The Breakfast Club, and the sharp, unfiltered comedy of Chelsea Handler in this initial collection."
Bob Pittman added, "Audio podcasting has been the fastest‑growing medium over the past 20 years. Now we’re thrilled to expand that experience with an exciting new category—video podcasts. Working with Netflix—an important leader in entertainment—gives fans one more way to connect with the personalities they love."
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