diff --git a/spread.yaml b/spread.yaml
index 892c23cc82d..55069f40acf 100644
--- a/spread.yaml
+++ b/spread.yaml
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ environment:
     # Directory where the nested images and test assets are stored
     NESTED_WORK_DIR: '$(HOST: echo "${NESTED_WORK_DIR:-/tmp/work-dir}")'
     # Channel used to create the nested vm
-    NESTED_CORE_CHANNEL: '$(HOST: echo "${NESTED_CORE_CHANNEL:-edge}")'
+    NESTED_CORE_CHANNEL: '$(HOST: echo "${NESTED_CORE_CHANNEL:-beta}")'
     # Use cloud init to make initial system configuration instead of user assertion
     NESTED_CORE_REFRESH_CHANNEL: '$(HOST: echo "${NESTED_CORE_REFRESH_CHANNEL:-edge}")'
     # Use cloud init to make initial system configuration instead of user assertion