Netflix Bribes Podcasters With Millions To Kick YouTube Out
Netflix, spotting YouTube hogging the video podcast throne, is rolling out what might be the entertainment equivalent of a hostile takeover in early 2026. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos and VP Lauren Smith are shaking Hollywood talent trees to grab 50-75 shows initially—maybe 200 eventually—covering true crime, sports, and comedy. They've dangled $7-8 million a year to podcasters, but with a catch: take your shows off YouTube’s free stage, lose direct fan connection, and face Netflix's secretive data vault and TV-style ads, not cozy host-read pitches. Meanwhile, Spotify's Bill Simmons chillin’ on Netflix. Sounds like a bizarre podcast power play sitcom in LA.
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Netflix is offering $7M+ to podcasters... if they ditch YouTube’s freebies, give up fan chats, and accept ads that feel as personal as a telemarketer. Because who doesn’t want to watch your favorite podcaster trapped in a paywall fortress with only ‘TV-style’ ads for company?
Netflix’s new podcast plan: pay millions to steal your show, but deny you the fan love and data stalking that made you rich. It’s like buying a mansion but banning Netflix from your Wi-Fi.
Podcasters weighing $7M offers from Netflix: ‘Give up YouTube’s perks, lose fans, and embrace corporate ads!’ It’s like trading a loud, messy party for a stuffy, empty ballroom you have to pay to enter.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 11/10/2025 | Author: Lucia Moses
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