Netflix adds short-form publisher content from Variety, BuzzFeed, and others
Original: Netflix dabbles in shorter video content with its new set of publisher deals with Variety, others
Why This Matters
Netflix's push into short-form publisher content signals a strategic pivot to compete directly with YouTube and TikTok for daily viewer engagement.
Netflix announced partnerships with publishers including BuzzFeed Studios, Condé Nast, Hearst, Penske Media (Variety, Billboard, Rolling Stone), and Tastemade. Starting August 3, 2026, short-form videos ranging from 2 to 20+ minutes will be available to subscribers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Netflix is expanding its content offering by partnering with major publishers to bring short-form video to its platform. Starting August 3, 2026, subscribers in six English-speaking markets will have access to content from BuzzFeed Studios, Condé Nast, Hearst Magazines, People Inc., Tastemade, and Penske Media brands including Variety, THR, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Eater, and Indiewire. Videos will range from 2–3 minutes to over 20 minutes and include titles such as Vanity Fair's Lie Detector, Billboard's 24 Hrs With, BuzzFeed Celeb's 30 Questions, and Tastemade's Struggle Meals. Netflix described the strategy as a way for members to 'deepen fandom and create more ways to carry those stories throughout their day.' The move follows a Bloomberg report indicating Netflix is losing subscribers between seasons of top shows and increasingly competing with YouTube and TikTok. Netflix already introduced a TikTok-style 'Clips' feature; these publisher deals go further by bringing standalone short-form content to the platform. Netflix said additional publishers will be added over time.