Breaking Down the Netflix vs YouTube Streaming War

Next in Creator Media talked with Business Insider media correspondent Lucia Moses about why Netflix is suddenly paying more attention to creators and YouTube, and what this might mean for the future of talent deals and distribution.Moses also weighed in on Amazon's Beast Games, Netflix's ad business and the state of Hollywood.

Takeaways:

Netflix’s Creator Strategy Evolution

• Netflix is shifting its approach, recognizing YouTube as both a competitor and a source of creator talent. They aim to bring podcasters onto the platform to revamp talk show content.

YouTube’s Dominance on TV Screens

• YouTube now leads in TV viewing time, surpassing traditional networks. This shift signals a transformation in how audiences consume video content, influencing ad spend and media strategy.

The Role of Authenticity in Creator-Led Content

• Audiences prefer unpolished, authentic content over heavily produced talk shows. Netflix and others are learning that overproduction can diminish engagement with creator-led shows.

Amazon’s Aggressive Creator Investments

• Amazon is pushing creator-led content aggressively, with deals like MrBeast’s Beast Games. Legacy studios remain hesitant due to past failed investments in creators.

The Rise of Video Podcasting on YouTube

• YouTube is actively positioning itself as a home for video podcasts, appealing to Gen Z and advertisers who see potential in habitual, TV-like viewing patterns.

Netflix’s Ad Tier Expansion

• Netflix’s ad-supported tier is growing, with over 45–50 million U.S. users. However, it lags behind Disney and Amazon, which have twice the ad-tier audience.

Brand Safety Perceptions Are Changing

• The shift in advertiser sentiment suggests that concerns over brand safety on platforms like YouTube are diminishing, making it easier for YouTube to compete for TV ad dollars.

Sports Streaming Is Fragmenting the Market

• Sports fans now face a complex streaming landscape with multiple providers like Disney, Amazon, YouTube, and cable alternatives. Consolidation may be inevitable.

Media Industry Mergers & Uncertainty

• Major mergers loom in the media and ad industries, with legacy networks being spun off. The uncertain political climate may delay some deals but will likely reshape the industry.

Guest: Lucia Moses

Host: Mike Shields

Sponsor: VuePlanner

Producer: FEL Creative