Netflix

Definition

Netflix is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of award-winning TV shows, movies, anime, documentaries, and more on thousands of internet-connected devices. It has significantly influenced the way people consume media and interact with television, as it combines digital convergence, multi-platform content delivery, and original content production in a competitive landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Netflix started as a DVD rental service in 1997 before transitioning to streaming in 2007, revolutionizing how viewers access content.
2. The platform's original content strategy began with 'House of Cards' in 2013, leading to a surge in investment in unique programming that caters to diverse audiences.
3. Netflix employs algorithms and viewer data to personalize recommendations, enhancing user engagement and retention.
4. The service has transformed the concept of television viewing by allowing for on-demand access to vast libraries of content across multiple devices.
5. Netflix faces competition not only from traditional cable networks but also from other streaming platforms, prompting collaborations and strategic partnerships in the industry.

Review Questions

• How does Netflix utilize interactive television features and second-screen experiences to enhance viewer engagement?
  • Netflix incorporates interactive television features by offering choose-your-own-adventure style content like 'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch,' allowing viewers to make decisions that affect the story outcome. Additionally, Netflix supports second-screen experiences through mobile apps where users can track shows, discuss episodes with friends via social media integration, and access behind-the-scenes content. This engagement model helps keep audiences invested in their programming beyond traditional viewing.
• Discuss how social media has impacted Netflix's approach to television production and its marketing strategies.
  • Social media plays a crucial role in Netflix's marketing strategies by providing a platform for viral campaigns and audience interaction. The company leverages social media buzz to promote its original content and engage directly with fans through platforms like Twitter and Instagram. This interaction not only helps in building a loyal fan base but also informs production decisions based on audience feedback and trends observed across these platforms.
• Evaluate how Netflix's original content production strategy has altered industry structures and influenced competition among traditional television networks.
  • Netflix's focus on original content production has disrupted traditional television structures by shifting audience expectations toward quality, diversity, and on-demand access. This strategy has led traditional networks to adapt by investing in their own streaming services or original programming. The competition now includes not just programming quality but also viewer habits, as audiences increasingly favor binge-watching and on-demand consumption over scheduled broadcasts, fundamentally changing how the industry operates.

Related terms

Streaming Services: Platforms that deliver digital content over the internet, allowing users to watch video or listen to audio in real-time without downloading files.

Binge-Watching: The practice of watching multiple episodes of a TV series in one sitting, often facilitated by streaming services like Netflix.

Content Licensing: The process by which streaming platforms acquire rights to distribute content from other producers or studios, often affecting their library of available shows and movies.