Netflix keeps trying to recommend video podcasts to me — and I hate it

(Image credit: Netflix; Shutterstock)

I'm not usually in the business of moaning about Netflix and the features it offers. We already rank it as one of the best streaming services in the business, and I think its interface offers one of the better user experiences among all the streamers I frequent.

That said, over the last couple of weeks, I've seen podcast trailers appear on my homepage just enough to make me want to vent about it on the internet. So, I'm offering a humble plea to Ted Sarandos and everyone at Netflix: Please, stop trying to get me to watch video podcasts on my streaming service: I do not care.

I recognize that this is all a "me problem," and such an inconsequential one to moan about at that, but I'm genuinely sick of opening the page and seeing a big splashy ad featuring people gathered around mics at the top of my home page. Even when it's an ad for something I already listen to, like "The Big Picture," I'd much rather see that spot taken up by a show or movie I'd genuinely be interested in adding to my watchlist.

A screenshot from "The Big Picture" movie video podcast taken on Netflix. — (Image credit: Netflix/The Ringer)

This isn't just that they don't offer podcasts that resonate with me, either. Netflix does offer a range of pods that include comedy, true crime, pop culture and live sports, including some that I already listen to, but I can't ever see Netflix eclipsing somewhere like Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube as the place I go to for my podcasting needs.

Likewise, if this is meant to encourage me or other users to use Netflix for "second screen" entertainment or background listening, that's why I listen to a podcast; unless I can't get my preferred pods elsewhere, why would I make the switch from the platform I already use?

Granted, I'm also probably not the target audience; I've never really gotten on board with video podcasts in general. When I'm listening to "The Big Picture," for example, chances are I'm either mid-commute, running errands or getting on top of some chores.

My personal confusion about the video podcasting trend aside, though, the fact remains that I've been a Netflix subscriber for well over a decade and I can't say I've ever once thought the streamer's massive content library would be better if it was bolstered by video podcast feeds; I've opened the app hundreds of times, and that thought's never crossed my mind.

I'd legitimately be interested to learn whether or not this is a super unpopular opinion. Anecdotally, the chatter I've seen on Reddit tells me fellow Netflix subscribers/podcast listeners also aren't that interested, but if you do see this as a big benefit, please do tell me why below.

Otherwise, to wrap up, I'll simply bring my petty rant full circle and reiterate my point one last time in the vain hope it gets through to someone at Netflix HQ. Please, Netflix, never try to get me to watch a video podcast trailer again — I'm not interested.

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Martin is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things movies and TV. If it’s in the theaters or available to stream somewhere, he’s probably watched it… especially if it has a dragon in it. Before joining the team, he was a Staff Writer at What To Watch where he wrote about a broad range of shows that stretched from "Doctor Who" and "The Witcher" to "Bridgerton" and "Love Island". When he’s not watching the next must-see movie or show, he’s probably still in front of a screen playing massive RPGs, reading, spending a fortune on TCGs, or watching the NFL.

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