Netflix and iHeartMedia agree to distribute video podcasts
Netflix and iHeartMedia have recently joined forces in an exclusive partnership to bring over 15 original podcasts to the online streaming giant. This collaboration will include new episodes from the current podcast lineup, as well as selected library episodes. The new video podcast episodes are set to premiere on Netflix in the U.S. in early 2026, with plans to expand to more markets in the future.
According to Parks Associates, around 85 million adult consumers in the U.S. tune in to podcasts for at least an hour each week. With this in mind, Netflix and iHeartMedia have curated a selection of podcasts to cater to this growing audience. Some of the notable podcasts featured on Netflix include “The Breakfast Club” hosted by “Charlamagne Tha God,” the true crime podcast “My Favorite Murder,” “Joe and Jada,” the Grammy-nominated music stars, comedian Chelsea Handler’s “Dear Chelsea,” and “This Is Important” with the stars of “Workaholics,” Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Blake Anderson. Other podcasts like “Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast” by Bobby Bones and “The Psychology of Your 20s” contribute to the diverse range of content available through this partnership.
Netflix’s VP of content licensing and programming strategy, Lauren Smith, expressed excitement over the collaboration, stating, “With this partnership we are incredibly excited to offer our members such unmatched variety, and to deliver highly entertaining podcasts featuring some of the world’s most dynamic personalities.” Similarly, Bob Pittman, the CEO of iHeartMedia, highlighted the significance of working with Netflix to engage with users and attract new audiences through dynamic hosts, captivating conversations, and passionate fan communities in both audio and video formats.
In this deal, iHeartMedia will retain all audio-only rights and distribution for the podcasts included, ensuring that the content remains accessible on iHeartRadio and other podcast platforms. This exclusive partnership reflects Netflix’s continued efforts to expand its content offerings beyond traditional TV shows and movies. Notably, this is not the first time Netflix has ventured into the world of podcasts, as a similar deal with Spotify is in the works to bring original video podcasts to the platform in early 2026.
The collaboration between Netflix and iHeartMedia signals a growing trend in the digital landscape, where audio and video content converge to provide audiences with a more immersive and engaging entertainment experience. As the popularity of podcasts continues to rise, this strategic partnership paves the way for more innovative content delivery and creative storytelling in the evolving media landscape.