Video Podcasts on Netflix: Ringer, Barstool Drop YouTube for Cash (Bill Simmons Subscribers React)

Описание: Kris explains why Netflix's move into video podcasts is understandably wrong.

Starting January 11th, the Bill Simmons Podcast, Pardon My Take, Ryan Russillo, and Spitting Chiclets will stream video exclusively on Netflix instead of YouTube. The consumer feedback is immediate and negative. Comments are flooded with people saying they won't follow.

The core problem is Netflix creates friction rather than removing it. There's a subscription paywall, no portability for background listening, and playback speed maxes out at 1.5x. For listeners accustomed to 2x speed on YouTube, that's a dealbreaker.

YouTube is white hot right now. It has the algorithm, the embeds, the sharing, the existing subscriber base. These podcasts are pulling six-figure views consistently. Walking away from that cuts off oxygen to the brand and prevents younger audiences from discovering the content.

For Netflix, it's low risk and high reward. They're cash rich, they get to experiment, and strong brands add portfolio diversity. Maybe something mutates into a new format. The Rewatchables pairing with movies actually makes sense.

But the fundamentals are poor. Podcasts are portable background content. Netflix is sit-down viewing. Unless they can make the experience 20% better than what already exists, consumer behavior won't change. The check better be worth it.

Bill Simmons is in a weakened state. The views are still there but the content quality has declined. Long-time listeners have noticed. A solo mailbag from a few months ago reminded people of vintage Simmons, and the contrast was stark. Adding friction on top of declining quality could accelerate damage to the brand.

It's also worth remembering this isn't Bill's decision. He sold the Ringer to Spotify and became an employee. He has influence but he's not the decision maker. The same applies to Barstool's shows. These are corporate moves, not creator choices.

Netflix is betting consumers will change their behavior. That's a big bet. Other platforms are entrenched and better suited for podcast consumption. People already browse YouTube. They already have premium subscriptions that remove ads. Everything is set up for success there.

The Reddit feedback echoes the YouTube comments. People listen to podcasts while watching games, cooking, driving, walking. The video format serves no purpose for most listeners. Portability is the entire value proposition. Netflix doesn't offer that.

Some people will try it. The first episode after the NFL playoff triple header is a smart launch. But maintaining that excitement is another story. Without a clear play beyond locking content behind a paywall, this experiment has a high likelihood of non-success from both sides.

#Netflix #BillSimmons #Ringer #RyanRussillo