Netflix Doubles Down as Content Budget Soars to $18B with No End in Sight

Netflix isn’t slowing down anytime soon—its content budget is set to hit $18 billion in 2025, and CFO Spencer Neumann says there’s still room to grow. As Variety reports, this move reinforces Netflix’s confidence in subscriber growth and its ability to stay ahead in the ever-changing streaming wars.

Netflix is shaking things up with a new live late-night talk show, Everybody’s in L.A., hosted by comedian John Mulaney. The Verge’s Emma Roth reports that the show will premiere in May during Netflix Is a Joke Fest, adding to the platform’s growing interest in live content following its success with stand-up specials and even live sports. Looks like Netflix wants a bigger piece of the real-time entertainment pie!

Turns out Oscar buzz isn’t just about trophies—it’s big business. According to MediaPost, Best Picture nominees from 2020 to 2024 raked in $1.2 billion in streaming revenue, with Netflix leading the charge. Prestige films are proving they’re not just for critics—they’re a hit with audiences too.

Think a simple reminder can get you off YouTube at bedtime? Fast Company’s Henry Chandonnet reports that the platform is expanding a feature introduced in 2020 that nudges users to log off. But with many ignoring it, its actual impact remains questionable.

TikTok said no, so Hanni got creative. After getting banned from advertising on the platform for showing body hair and shaving demos, the razor brand took its marketing to OnlyFans—a space with fewer restrictions. Fast Company’s Eve Upton-Clark reports that this unexpected pivot highlights just how tricky content moderation can be for brands and why thinking outside the box is a must.

Big moves might be ahead for Discord—The New York Times reports that the chat platform is in early talks about an IPO. While nothing is set in stone, going public could give it the financial boost needed to expand beyond its gaming roots. This could be a game-changer for one of the internet’s most popular community hubs.

AI automation is getting pricier—OpenAI is rolling out specialized "agents" for businesses, with costs soaring up to $20,000 per month. TechCrunch's Kyle Wiggers reports that these AI tools are designed to handle tasks like customer support and data analysis, potentially redefining how companies integrate automation.

Mattel is doubling down on its Hollywood ambitions with a Polly Pocket movie, and the marketing blitz has begun. Starring Lily Collins and directed by Lena Dunham, the film follows in the footsteps of Barbie, aiming to turn nostalgia into box office gold. Fast Company reports that the campaign is designed to hook both millennials who loved Polly Pocket and a new generation of fans.

Branding is getting a major glow-up in 2025! Fast Company breaks down the trends, from edgy “brat” branding that ditches corporate stiffness to AI-powered personalization that makes brands feel more human. The big takeaway? Authenticity and emotional connection are more important than ever.

It’s the end of an era—Adidas has sold out of its last Yeezy sneakers, officially closing the book on its partnership with Kanye West. After parting ways with the rapper in 2022 due to his antisemitic comments, the brand offloaded its remaining stock, donating a portion of the profits. Lynsey Chutel, The New York Times reports that the shoes still raked in over $1.3 billion, but now Adidas has to figure out what’s next without one of its biggest moneymakers.