WEBDESK: Netflix is now planning to explore a new form of content – video podcasts. The popular streaming service is looking to expand beyond movies and TV shows by adding creator-led content like video podcasts to its platform.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos hinted at this potential shift during the company’s Q1 earnings call.
“As the popularity of video podcasts grows, I suspect you’ll see some of them find their way to Netflix,” he said, adding that “the lines are getting blurry” between traditional talk shows and the podcast format.
He explained that the line between traditional talk shows and video podcasts is becoming less clear. This is why Netflix is aiming to provide creators with more tools and space to reach a larger audience.
Platforms like YouTube have already shown how popular video podcasts can be. The streaming service is now trying to tap into that same interest to compete in the changing digital world.
But the company wants more. “We’re looking for the next generation of great creators, and we’re looking everywhere, not just in film schools and certainly not just in Hollywood,” Sarandos said.
“I think we could help those creators reach an audience. Our model can also support more ambitious efforts for them, could help derisk them, unlike the kind of typical [user generated content] models.”
This move follows earlier partnerships with online creators like Ms. Rachel and the Sidemen, which helped bring more variety to Netflix’s lineup.
The platform believes that giving creators the freedom to tell their stories in new ways will benefit both the platform and its viewers. It could also help creators take on larger, more exciting projects using Netflix’s wide reach.
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