Netflix in discussions to license video podcasts from iHeartMedia, according to report

Netflix is currently in talks to license video podcasts from iHeartMedia, according to Bloomberg. The shows in iHeartMedia’s podcast catalog that could be part of this deal include popular titles like “The Breakfast Club,” “Las Culturistas,” “Jay Shetty Podcast,” and “Stuff You Should Know.”

If the deal goes through, Netflix is aiming for exclusivity, which means that the video podcasts they license from iHeartMedia would no longer be available on YouTube. However, it’s important to note that not all podcasts from iHeartMedia may be included in this licensing agreement if it comes to fruition.

This news comes shortly after Netflix signed a similar deal with Spotify, bringing a curated selection of sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer to Netflix. Under the Spotify deal, the podcasts available on Netflix will no longer be on YouTube but will remain on Spotify. Prominent shows from Spotify, such as “The Joe Rogan Experience,” will still be accessible on YouTube.

These video podcast deals are strategic for Netflix as they aim to strengthen their competition with YouTube, which is currently the leading platform for video podcasts, with over 1 billion monthly active podcast viewers as of this year.