Netflix Content Chief Shrugs Off YouTube Threat: ‘Young People Only Watch Short Things’ Isn’t True

Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) stock is trading about 0.5% higher Thursday in premarket trading as risk appetite improves. Nasdaq futures are up 1.10%, while S&P 500 futures have gained 0.84%.Netflix is moving with the broader market ahead of Thursday’s open. Meanwhile, Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria outlined how live events, global programming, advertising and premium film and television could support the streaming giant’s growth.Bajaria told CNBC on Thursday that Netflix takes an opportunistic approach to sports and live programming rather than pursuing every available rights package.The company is targeting events that can generate cultural relevance, conversation and appointment viewing. That includes NFL games, boxing, concerts and other live programming.Live Events Can Drive Acquisition And RetentionBajaria said live events can attract new subscribers and different audiences. Netflix can then use its broader film and television library to retain those viewers.“You may come for this one big event that you’ve heard of, or you’re a big fan of that sport,” Bajaria said. She added that viewers may stay because Netflix continues to invest in other programming.Advertising also supports the live strategy. Sports and other major events can give advertisers access to large global audiences.However, Bajaria said Netflix will remain disciplined when evaluating opportunities within its roughly $20 billion content budget.Netflix Stays Flexible On StrategyBajaria said Netflix should continue investing in compelling programming while maintaining financial discipline.She expressed confidence in the company’s global slate and said Netflix should “continue to stay the course at our strategy and the investment and being disciplined.”At the same time, Netflix remains willing to change direction as its business and viewing habits evolve. Bajaria pointed to advertising and live programming as examples of that flexibility.YouTube Competition Puts Content Quality In FocusAsked about Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) YouTube attracting younger viewers, Bajaria pushed back against the idea that younger audiences only want short-form content.“I think it’s too hand-wavy or dismissive to say, ‘Oh, young people only watch short things.’ That’s not true,” she said, arguing that young viewers will still show up when Netflix makes compelling shows they want to watch.She said strong television shows and movies can still attract younger viewers, citing “Wednesday” and “Stranger Things.”Netflix also offers vertical video, podcasts, animation and other formats. However, Bajaria said the company should not simply chase every emerging format.Partnerships Could Expand Netflix’s PlatformNetflix also remains open to hosting or integrating programming from other media companies.The company already partners with TF1 in France and has licensing relationships with other media companies.Bajaria said future arrangements will depend on deal economics and partners’ strategies. She added that Netflix remains open to partnerships that can help the business “continue to grow and evolve.” See More: Top Value Stocks Technical AnalysisNetflix is trying to stabilize after a weak 12-month stretch, with the stock down 37.8%.The stock is trading 1.2% above its 50-day simple moving average of $75.80. However, it remains 3.6% below its 20-day SMA of $79.58 and 10.6% below its 200-day SMA of $85.83.That setup points to a potential rebound within a broader downtrend rather than a confirmed reversal.The relative strength index stands at 45.28, signaling neutral momentum. Meanwhile, the 20-day SMA remains above the 50-day SMA, providing some near-term support.However, the death cross formed in December 2025 continues to weigh on the longer-term technical picture.Key resistance sits near $82.50. Support is around $75, close to the 50-day SMA.Analyst OutlookThe stock carries a Buy consensus rating and an average price forecast of $91.14.Evercore ISI Group raised its price forecast to $110 and maintained an Outperform rating Sept. 14. Wolfe Research raised its forecast to $95 with an Outperform rating Aug. 25. Baird lowered its forecast to $90 while maintaining an Outperform rating July 22.Netflix trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of about 24.Benzinga Edge RankingsNetflix scores strongly on quality and growth in the Benzinga Edge Rankings, with scores of 89.95 and 82.28, respectively.However, momentum remains weak at 8.96, while value stands at 17.51. The rankings point to strong underlying growth and quality factors but weaker price momentum and value characteristics.Top ETF ExposureThe REX FANG & Innovation Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ:FEPI) has a 6.84% weighting in Netflix. The Global X PureCap MSCI Communication Services ETF (NYSE:GXPC) has a 5.28% weighting, while the Amplify AI Powered Equity ETF (NYSE:AIEQ) has a 5.44% weighting.Because Netflix has sizable weightings in these funds, ETF inflows and outflows can contribute to buying or selling pressure in the stock.Price ActionNetflix shares were up 0.34% at $76.67 in Thursday’s premarket session, according to Benzinga Pro data.Photo via Shutterstock Read Also: Netflix Faces South Africa Price Probe, Putting Stock Under Pressure