Netflix podcasts will get a dedicated content acquisition executive after the streaming company hired former Apple Podcasts manager Steve Wilson. He will initially join as a consultant, Netflix confirmed.

Key Takeaways

  • Wilson previously managed partner relations at Apple Podcasts and recently left Daylight Media.
  • Netflix has required participating podcast shows to leave YouTube, where established creators risk losing audience reach and revenue.
  • Netflix has not disclosed podcast-specific viewing figures.

Netflix podcasts compete for established shows

Netflix began adding video versions of established audio shows in 2025, including The Breakfast Club and The Bill Simmons Podcast. Its approach has focused largely on persuading podcast networks to encourage their talent to join the service.

Participating shows have been required to leave YouTube, a major rival for online video audiences and the leading platform for podcast consumption in the United States. YouTube has offered talent millions of dollars to stay, while a move to Netflix can give creators visibility on a major streaming platform.

A small part of content spending

The podcast initiative remains a relatively minor part of Netflix’s $20 billion content investment, which is directed primarily toward films and series. In September 2026, co-Chief Executive Officer Ted Sarandos called podcast and creator deals a “very small investment and very small addition” to the existing business.

A study published earlier in 2026 found that 13% of U.S. Netflix households had watched at least one minute of a podcast on the service. The Breakfast Club was the most popular program by total views in that study. Netflix has not released its own podcast-specific viewing figures.

Wilson’s appointment comes after Netflix announced plans in October 2026 to cut 6% of its workforce.

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