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Netflix Doubles Down on Podcasts Challenging YouTube’s Dominance

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Streaming giant Netflix is ramping up its push into video podcasts, announcing a series of partnerships aimed at stealing market share from YouTube’s massive audience.

The latest moves include adding select Spotify video podcasts—like sports, culture, and true-crime titles from Spotify Studios and The Ringer—starting in early 2026 in the U.S., with global expansion planned.

Netflix has secured an exclusive deal for over 15 iHeartPodcasts, bringing new episodes and library content to the platform. Kicking off this week, The Pete Davidson Show launches exclusively on Netflix January 30, with weekly episodes, signaling more original programming ahead.

These steps form part of Netflix’s broader strategy to mimic YouTube, which boasts 2.5 billion monthly active users compared to Netflix’s 300 million subscribers.

YouTube now surpasses Netflix in TV viewing time, prompting the streamer to diversify with cheaper, personality-driven content, live sports like Christmas football, and creator signings such as kids’ educator Ms. Rachel.

Yet, podcast consultant George Witt argues Netflix’s approach has flaws. “They treat podcasting as a genre, not an industry,” he said, criticizing the platform’s “gated community” model that isolates podcasts rather than embedding them in genre rows—like placing a sci-fi film podcast alongside Alien movies or a rom-com analysis show (Love Factually) in the rom-com section.

Witt also notes that many video podcasts are consumed as audio—minimized on screens while users multitask—questioning the appeal of firing up a TV for them.

Finally, he faults the focus on celebrity-driven shows from big networks, which capture less than 1% of listens, ignoring niche hits like Beef with Bridget Todd on historic rivalries or The Secret Life Of Songs.

While competitors like Disney+ tie companion podcasts to hits such as Only Murders in the Building, Netflix leads in innovation.

Services like HBO Max (with Game of Thrones fan pods) and Paramount+ (Star Trek coverage) have yet to follow suit. Analysts see this as Netflix fortifying against YouTube, much like its streaming pivot crushed Blockbuster.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Lama Godoz

    Lama Godoz

    January 17, 2026 at 11:49 am

    YouTube would still retain it’s customers regardless of Netflix’s new venture’s success…

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Ekiti 2026: Re-elect Oyebanji for second term – Tinubu tells residents

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.

Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.

The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.

He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.

Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.

“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.

Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.

Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.

APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.

A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.

He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.

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Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

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Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.

READ ALSO: Isaac John Turns Heads at Ex-Internationals Cup in Lagos, Declares Himself Ready for the Big Stage 

Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.

During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.

The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.

His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.

Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.

The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.

For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.

Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.

With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.

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