Netflix joins Spotify to offer Jay Shetty podcast, lines up fast-turnaround Instadocs

The first episode of Instadocs looks at the case of Alex Murdaugh

Netflix and Spotify are teaming up to acquire the exclusive video rights to Jay Shetty’s popular podcast On Purpose.

Under the deal, video episodes of the podcast will be available on Netflix from July 13, while on Spotify, both video and audio-only versions will become available on the same day.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but various reports have said the multi-year deal is worth in the range of US$100m.

On Purpose, in which Shetty interviews influential people, has drawn large audiences on podcasting platforms, while its YouTube page, where full interviews are posted, has amassed 5.6 million followers and more than 575 million views.

Netflix and Spotify will be the exclusive home to the video version of the podcast, meaning episodes will be removed from YouTube after July 13.

“Jay Shetty has an extraordinary ability to spark deep, meaningful connections that resonate with millions around the world,” said Lauren Smith, Netflix’s VP of content licensing and programming strategy.

“By joining forces with Spotify, we’re giving On Purpose an expansive new canvas, bringing these visually captivating interviews to our members’ screens with unmissable episodes to look forward to every single week.”

Separately, Netflix announced a new quick-turnaround documentary series called Instadocs, which it said will address a wide range of current events, crises and cultural moments.

Produced by Words + Pictures, Instadocs will launch on May 30 with an episode about Alex Murdaugh, whose double murder conviction was overturned two weeks ago.

“After all, the headlines can only go so far – documentaries look to uncover the full picture. The only problem has always been the wait for them,” said Netflix, adding that episodes will “move at the speed of each real-life story and arrive at the height of the conversation.”

Executive producers on the series are Josh Tyrangiel (Vice News Tonight, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Atlantic), Connor Schell (30 for 30, The Last Dance, OJ: Made in America) and showrunner Steve Yaccino (Giuliani: What Happened to America’s Mayor?).