Netflix open to hosting video podcasts, says Co-CEO Ted Sarandos

New Delhi: As video-led podcasting continues to reshape the content landscape, Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has hinted at the platform’s growing interest in embracing independent creators within the podcasting space. Speaking on WTF is with Nikhil Kamath, Sarandos responded to a pointed question from the Indian entrepreneur about the future of independent podcasting and whether Netflix will start competing in that arena.

“What do you think happens next in the podcasting world—the independent content creators who are not sitting behind any organization? How does that world evolve? Does Netflix start competing there?” Kamath asked.

In response, Sarandos acknowledged the shift in podcast consumption, noting the rise of video-forward formats and audience behavior moving toward television screens. “I think as podcasts become more video-forward and people are increasingly watching them on their TVs, there’s a strong possibility that many of them could find a home on Netflix,” he said. “Not all, of course, but I do believe there’s a space for them on our platform. We could potentially monetize them more effectively than if they were available everywhere else.”

Sarandos framed the podcast evolution as part of a broader transformation in storytelling—one that dissolves traditional genre boundaries and places a premium on quality and community. “The breadth of places that we're looking for new storytelling and new creators is bigger than it used to be,” he said. “It's not just film schools or film festivals. A lot of times it's YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.”

While Sarandos was cautious not to suggest a blanket move into podcasting, he indicated that Netflix is watching the space closely, especially as more creators explore video-first narratives. The company’s vast global reach and established infrastructure, he suggested, could give video podcasters a monetisation edge compared to open-platform distribution models.

The remarks signal a clear openness from Netflix to explore podcasting not just as an audio format, but as a visual storytelling opportunity aligned with its core strengths—curated distribution, global reach, and monetisation. For independent podcasters and video creators building engaged communities outside the legacy media ecosystem, the platform could emerge as a compelling destination.

To aspiring creators, Sarandos offered blunt advice: don’t chase trends. “Don’t reverse engineer what you think Netflix wants. Pitch the story that you feel has to be told—the one people can’t afford to miss.”

He encouraged young professionals to learn the business from the ground up. “Start at the bottom. Be a PA. Get coffee. Sit in writers’ rooms. Learn how people work. Don’t be impatient,” he said.