Netflix Co-CEO Says Video Podcasts May Come to the Streamer

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos says video podcasts might be the subsequent format to look on the streaming service because it pursues creators in lots of areas.

On the corporate’s first quarter earnings name Thursday, Sarandos stated the “strains are getting blurry” between podcasts and discuss exhibits, in response to a query on whether or not video pods may work on Netflix.

“As the recognition of video podcasts grows, I believe you may see a few of them discover their strategy to Netflix,” Sarandos stated.

His feedback confirmed earlier reporting by Enterprise Insider that Netflix was exploring potential offers with video podcasters because it appeared to its subsequent section of progress.

Netflix execs have turn into more and more aggressive about placing YouTube creator-led exhibits on the platform and speaking up its benefits to creators.

This comes as YouTube leads the media pack when it comes to TV watch time. In accordance with Nielsen, YouTube accounted for 12% of TV watching time in March, extending its lead over Netflix, which got here in at 7.9%.

Netflix’s prime execs have these days argued that Netflix is best than YouTube in serving to creators develop and generate income. Alongside different media giants like Amazon and Disney, Netflix has additionally been leaning into in style YouTubers, choosing up offers with the Sidemen, preschool educator Ms. Rachel, and the stay courting present Pop the Balloon.

“We’re in search of the subsequent era of nice creators, and we’re wanting in every single place, not simply in movie colleges and positively not simply in Hollywood,” Sarandos stated on the decision. “Creators at the moment have instruments that have been unimaginable a decade in the past to inform tales, to succeed in viewers.”

Some creators are anticipating the status, up-front cash, and talent to succeed in new viewers that Netflix and different Hollywood gamers can afford.

However for others, particularly well-established creators, the benefit is much less clear once they’ve constructed multiplatform companies independently and luxuriate in management over their productions in addition to direct relationships with their audiences.