Netflix, iHeart Near Video Podcast Deal With YouTube Exit

RADIO ONLINE | Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 1:26am CT

iHeartMedia and Netflix

Netflix is nearing an agreement with iHeartMedia to bring roughly 20 video podcasts to its streaming platform, a move that would require the shows' full video episodes to be pulled from YouTube, according to reporting by Natalie Jarvey in Like & Subscribe from The Ankler.

Sources cited in the report say the proposed slate would include high-profile titles such as Charlamagne tha God's The Breakfast Club and Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, the latter part of iHeart's Stuff Media acquisition in 2018. If completed, the deal would represent Netflix's most aggressive step yet into video podcasts as it looks to challenge YouTube's dominance in podcast viewing.

A representative for Netflix declined to comment, while iHeartMedia did not respond to a request for comment.

The potential iHeart deal follows Netflix's October announcement of a partnership with Spotify to distribute video episodes from 16 podcasts spanning sports, culture, and true crime. That agreement, expected to launch early next year, also includes a provision barring full video episodes from being uploaded to YouTube.

The move comes as the podcast industry continues its shift toward video, reshaping platform dynamics. YouTube has become the leading podcast platform in recent years and has expanded its reach into living-room viewing, where it now commands a larger share of television usage than Netflix, according to Nielsen data cited in the report.

Netflix has been increasingly active in courting creators and audio companies, with reports also linking the streamer to discussions with SiriusXM, alongside separate content deals with creators such as Ms. Rachel and Mark Rober. While Netflix offers global reach and association with an awards-heavy brand, exclusivity remains a challenge for podcasters who already generate significant advertising revenue on YouTube. Industry sources also note that video rights ownership varies by show, further complicating negotiations.

According to The Ankler's reporting, Netflix's podcast strategy is still evolving, with early deals expected to inform how the company refines its approach to video podcasts over the coming year.