Netflix Inc. is actively seeking partnerships with prominent YouTube creators to bolster its content library, as confirmed during the company’s second-quarter earnings call. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos indicated that while Netflix is open to collaborating with top talent from various platforms, any partnership must align with the company’s premium streaming standards and monetization model.
During the call, Wells Fargo analyst Steve Cahall inquired about Netflix’s interest in attracting YouTube stars, especially considering YouTube’s leading position in U.S. television viewership. Sarandos responded enthusiastically, stating, “We want to be in business with the best creatives on the planet, regardless of where they come from.” He acknowledged that while not every YouTube creator’s content would suit Netflix, some are already achieving substantial success on the platform. For instance, content from creator Miss Rachel garnered an impressive 53 million views on Netflix in 2025.
Strategic Focus on Quality Content
Sarandos also highlighted creators such as the Sidemen and various video podcasters as potential fits for Netflix’s audience. He emphasized that the streaming service offers distinct advantages, including “phenomenal distribution, desirable monetization, brilliant discovery in our UI, and a hungry audience waiting to be entertained.”
Co-CEO Greg Peters added context to the competitive landscape, noting the fierce rivalry from other streaming platforms, video games, and free content. He asserted, “Not all hours are created equal,” and pointed out that a significant portion—approximately 80%—of total television viewership is currently not being captured by either Netflix or YouTube. Peters stated, “The vast majority of our money and attention is focused on that 80%.”
Financial Performance and Future Projections
Netflix’s recent financial performance reflects its ongoing growth. The company reported second-quarter revenue of $11.08 billion, marking a 16% year-over-year increase and surpassing Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $11.04 billion, according to data from Benzinga Pro. Looking ahead, Netflix projected third-quarter revenue of $11.526 billion, a 17% increase year-over-year, alongside earnings per share of $6.87, both exceeding expectations. The company also raised its full-year revenue forecast to a range of $44.8 billion to $45.2 billion, up from an earlier estimate of $43.5 billion to $44.5 billion.
The stock market has responded positively to these developments. Netflix shares have surged 43.69% year-to-date and are up 96.80% over the past 12 months. On the day of the earnings call, the stock increased by 1.91% during regular trading hours but experienced a slight decline of 1.86% in after-hours trading.
As Netflix continues to explore collaborations with influential creators, its commitment to delivering high-quality content remains a top priority in an increasingly competitive environment.
