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Netflix Tests Video Promos Between TV Show Episodes

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Netflix is testing a new feature that adds video promos in between episodes of TV shows, Netflix confirmed to TechCrunch this afternoon.

The promos Netflix is showing to some users include full-screen personalized videos with content recommendations similar to Netflix recommendations available elsewhere on Netflix.

netflix-1-800x216.jpg

According to TechCrunch, the promotional videos displace preview information for the next episode of a TV show, with title, description, and thumbnail no longer visible.

Many Netflix users on Reddit and Twitter who have the new video promos have been complaining about them, with multiple threats to cancel the service if Netflix does indeed introduce promotional videos.

TechCrunch says that this is not a feature that is rolling out to subscribers at this time, but is instead a test that Netflix is running to determine how to better promote content.

Still, a small percentage of Netflix's global audience is impacted by the test, which is ongoing.
At Netflix, we conduct hundreds of tests every year so we can better understand what helps members more easily find something great to watch. A couple of years ago, we introduced video previews to the TV experience, because we saw that it significantly cut the time members spend browsing and helped them find something they would enjoy watching even faster. Since then, we have been experimenting even more with video based on personalized recommendations for shows and movies on the service or coming shortly, and continue to learn from our members.

In this particular case, we are testing whether surfacing recommendations between episodes helps members discover stories they will enjoy faster. It is important to note that a member is able to skip a video preview at anytime if they are not interested.
Click to expand...
While some users have said the ads are not skippable, it does appear that customers are able to continue on with an episode at any time, bypassing the promotional video, a feature that has been confirmed by Netflix.

Article Link: Netflix Tests Video Promos Between TV Show Episodes
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2018/08/17/netflix-tests-video-promos-between-episodes/
Currently OTA or basic cable programs advertise about their own network programs that annoy us so much that this is another reason to cut the cord; why does Netflix think this is a winner?

HBO and other premium channels do this too, after 51- 55 minutes of regular programming and we are captive audience there too.

I can record Showtime or OTA programs and skip these advertisements - can't do that with Netflix.

So, no to this Netflix. I will cancel and re-up just to make a point as many times as needed - so their 12 month fees can get down to 6 months or less a year.

An advertisement by any (other) name is still an advertisement. Go away.
 
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For me, one of the values Netflix offered was by streamlining the process between desire for content and accessing it. Every added step between those two points decreases the value of their product. At least for me. I have a Blu-ray player I don’t use in part because I’m forced to watch ads for ‘upcoming films’ every time I want use a disk I paid for.

I get that introducing users to content they enjoy increases the overall value of Netflix, but that’s only if the content is consumed at that moment. If the content is unwanted the event hurts the Netflix brand. If the content is wanted, but not at that moment, the value of the ad is offset by the annoyance of the interruption.

On top of that, Netflix still hasn’t figured out how to manage multiple users. Having profiles doesn’t work in my house since we don’t log out and back in when sharing focus with a screen. For example one person might watch one show while the other reads, and then switch activities back to back. I will be annoyed if I have to see ads for someone else just because they used my account one afternoon.

Figuring out what to offer users is a hard job. If you leave it up to me I might underestimate the value of your catalog, but if you take control and make suggestions, I’ll be frustrated if you get it wrong.

In the end, the goal of ads is to get me to watch more, and anything that slows me down when I want to watch something specific encourages me to investigate other streaming platforms.

A better idea might be to offer a Steam like Queue where I can decide when you will show me trailers and I can vote (at any time during the trailer) ‘save’, ‘seen’, or ‘skip for now.’ That way shows I like are easily accessible, and shows I don’t like now can be resuggested in the future when you have a better appreciation for what I/we enjoy.
 
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I don't see the purpose. If I'm enjoying my current stream of content that I'm getting from your service, why interrupt it to have me watch another stream of content from your service?

I get promoting stuff when I'm browsing or when I've reached the end of the stream... that's a time when it's not obvious what I should watch next, when I might struggle to decide on what to watch next. Go ahead and pitch an idea to me, I'm open. But an ad between episodes of a show is just annoying.
 
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They are promoting other content within Netflix.

They aren't showing commercials. It is PROMOTIONAL VIDEO.

Example: You just watched an episode of The Office, now a video runs with the credits for Parks & Rec. Or you just watched Stranger Things and a video runs promoting Orange is the New Black.

Understand? They aren't commercials. They are PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS for their current content.
 
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The purpose is more money for Netflix.

Like Apple, Netflix wants to make more and more money. When they try to charge more, the base flips out. So they are trying to find ways to make more money without charging more money. This is a classic way that has worked since the beginnings of television. Can it work here? Depends on the relative flip out of this vs. the flip out of higher subscription fees.
 
hsoj1006 said:
You people are straight up idiots. They are promoting other content within Netflix.

They aren't showing commercials. It is PROMOTIONAL VIDEO.

Example: You just watched an episode of The Office, now a video runs with the credits for Parks & Rec. Or you just watched Stranger Things and a video runs promoting Orange is the New Black.

Understand? They aren't commercials. They are PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS for their current content.

(Eyeroll emoji)
Click to expand...

It only starts that way.
 
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hsoj1006 said:
They are promoting other content within Netflix.

They aren't showing commercials. It is PROMOTIONAL VIDEO.

Example: You just watched an episode of The Office, now a video runs with the credits for Parks & Rec. Or you just watched Stranger Things and a video runs promoting Orange is the New Black.

Understand? They aren't commercials. They are PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS for their current content.

(Eyeroll emoji)
Click to expand...
/s <— You dropped your tag.
 
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