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YouTube star Mark Rober sees product sales surge post-Netflix deal
Mark Rober, a leading YouTube creator, is now featured on Netflix
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos states that the company's venture into podcasts and YouTube-inspired content is proving successful.
Sarandos specifically praised science educator Mark Rober's series as an early triumph.
He emphasised that Netflix not only helped the YouTube star connect with a wider audience but also increased sales of his science kits.
"He experienced a significant rise in his consumer product sales following the first week on Netflix, despite having an extensive global audience," Sarandos mentioned in a recent discussion with POLITICO.
On "Mark Rober's CrunchLabs," which debuted in November, the former NASA engineer conducts science experiments and competitions in his backyard.
Sarandos expressed optimism about Netflix's Pete Davidson interview series, as well as its official behind-the-scenes podcasts about popular series like "Bridgerton."
"I believe a video podcast is simply the evolution of talk shows," Sarandos remarked.
YouTube, already the leading US streaming TV platform, has secured its spot as the top destination for podcasts.
Netflix has been trying to rival YouTube by attracting some of its top creators like Rober and preschool educator Ms. Rachel.
Netflix also introduced a lineup of video podcasts earlier this year, featuring shows like Bill Simmons', Charlamagne Tha God's "The Breakfast Club," and Barstool Sports content.
Some creator representatives have questioned whether Netflix can convert its viewers into regular video podcast consumers and if leaving YouTube will affect creators in terms of audience and revenue.
Netflix has aimed for video exclusivity with many podcast arrangements, while some YouTube creators' contracts, such as Rober's and Ms. Rachel's, have remained nonexclusive.
Sarandos mentioned that Netflix was reporting "encouraging results" from its podcasts, focusing on areas like comedy, sports, and true crime, subjects that already perform well on the service. He did not disclose specific numbers.
