Oct 14 (Reuters) - Netflix ( NFLX ) said on Tuesday it

will add a slate of Spotify's ( SPOT ) most popular video

podcasts to its service from early 2026, part of a new

distribution partnership aimed at broadening the streaming

giant's entertainment lineup and drawing new audiences.

The initial lineup will feature shows such as "The Dave

Chang Show" and "The Bill Simmons Podcast," but will not include

"The Joe Rogan Experience," Spotify's ( SPOT ) most-listened-to podcast

globally.

The expansion underscores Netflix's ( NFLX ) push to diversify beyond

scripted series, films and reality programming by tapping into

the growing appeal of audio-visual podcast formats.

For Spotify ( SPOT ), the partnership is expected to extend the

reach of its creators by tapping Netflix's ( NFLX ) large global

subscriber base.

The financial terms of the deal were not announced.

"As video podcasts continue to grow in popularity, our

partnership with Spotify ( SPOT ) allows us to bring full video versions

of these top shows to both Netflix ( NFLX ) and Spotify ( SPOT ) audiences," said

Lauren Smith, vice president of content licensing and

programming strategy at Netflix ( NFLX ).

Netflix ( NFLX ) said the video podcast offering will debut in the

United States in early 2026, with a wider international rollout

to follow.

The curated slate will span sports, culture and true

crime, including "The Zach Lowe Show," "The Rewatchables," "The

Big Picture" and "Serial Killers."

"This offers more choice to creators and unlocks a

completely new distribution opportunity," said Roman

Wasenmüller, vice president, head of podcasts at Spotify ( SPOT ).