Netflix Inc. has expressed interest in collaborating with prominent YouTube creators as it seeks to enrich its content offerings. During the company’s second-quarter earnings call, Co-CEO Ted Sarandos indicated that Netflix would consider partnerships with content creators from YouTube, provided their work meets the platform’s quality standards and monetization model.
The inquiry about potential collaborations arose from a question posed by Wells Fargo analyst Steve Cahall, who highlighted YouTube’s dominant share of U.S. TV viewership. In addressing the query, Sarandos stated, “We want to be in business with the best creatives on the planet, regardless of where they come from.” He emphasized that Netflix is open to creators from various backgrounds, including those in Hollywood, South Korea, India, and social media platforms.
Sarandos pointed out that certain YouTube creators have already seen success on Netflix. For instance, he mentioned that Miss Rachel garnered an impressive 53 million views on the platform in 2025. He also highlighted the potential for collaboration with groups like the Sidemen and video podcasters, suggesting that a range of content could be a suitable fit for Netflix’s audience.
Competitive Landscape and Strategic Focus
While acknowledging the intense competition from various entertainment sources, including other streaming services and free content, Co-CEO Greg Peters reiterated Netflix’s commitment to quality over quantity. “Not all hours are created equal,” Peters remarked. He noted that there remains a significant portion of the TV viewership landscape—approximately 80%—that neither Netflix nor YouTube currently dominates.
Sarandos echoed this sentiment, confirming that a substantial amount of the company’s resources and attention is directed toward capturing this untapped segment of the audience. This strategic focus aligns with Netflix’s broader goal of expanding its market share and enhancing viewer engagement.
Financial Performance and Future Outlook
In its recent earnings report, Netflix announced a second-quarter revenue of $11.08 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 16%. This figure surpassed analysts’ expectations, which had anticipated revenues of approximately $11.04 billion, as reported by Benzinga Pro. Looking ahead, Netflix provided guidance for the third quarter, projecting revenue of $11.526 billion—a 17% increase year-over-year—and earnings per share of $6.87, both of which exceed market forecasts.
Moreover, Netflix has raised its full-year revenue forecast to between $44.8 billion and $45.2 billion, up from a prior estimate of $43.5 billion to $44.5 billion.
In terms of stock performance, Netflix shares have experienced a robust increase of 43.69% year-to-date, with a remarkable 96.80% rise over the past 12 months. Following the earnings announcement, the stock saw a gain of 1.91% during regular trading hours, although it dipped by 1.86% in after-hours trading.
As Netflix continues to navigate a competitive landscape, its strategy of engaging with YouTube creators could play a crucial role in attracting new audiences and maintaining its position as a leader in the streaming industry.
