Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos says Artificial Intelligence (AI) can aid storytelling but will never rival the originality of artists like Taylor Swift.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos says artificial intelligence may reshape entertainment, but it will never replace genuine creativity — pointing to global music icon Taylor Swift as proof that human artistry remains irreplaceable.
Speaking during the company’s third-quarter earnings call on Tuesday October 21, 2025, Sarandos dismissed concerns that Netflix could soon face serious competition from AI-generated films or series. He argued that while artificial intelligence is transforming how content is made, audiences still crave the authenticity and emotional connection that only real artists can deliver.
“If music is a leading indicator, AI-generated songs have been around for a long time, and they make up a tiny fraction of what people actually listen to,” Sarandos said. “Artists like Taylor Swift are more popular than ever, even in a world filled with AI music.”
His remarks come as new AI video tools such as OpenAI’s Sora 2 and Meta’s Vibes make it easier for users to create lifelike videos with a single prompt. Some creators have praised these tools for speeding up production, while others have criticized them for producing what one reviewer called a “slop feed” of generic, impersonal content.
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Sarandos said that while such tools might affect short-form, user-generated videos, they can’t rival the carefully produced storytelling Netflix is known for. “It takes a great artist to make something great,” he said. “Writing and making shows well is a rare commodity, and it’s only done successfully by very few people.”
Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Netflix sees it as an ally. Sarandos said the technology will help filmmakers tell stories “better, faster, and in new ways.” His co-CEO, Greg Peters, added that Netflix’s approach to AI has remained consistent for more than 15 years — treating it as a tool to enhance, not replace, creative work.
In a letter to shareholders, Netflix revealed that some of its filmmakers already use generative AI in production, including to de-age characters in upcoming titles like Happy Gilmore 2, starring Adam Sandler.
“We’re not worried about AI replacing creativity,” Sarandos said. “We’re excited about AI creating tools that help creativity.”