Netflix Could Be Set to Start Showing Ads Between Episodes

The streaming site Netflix, which has been ad free since its debut in 1997, has recently begun advertising other Netflix content before episodes begin on the streaming servie. Specifically, the trailers are shown between episodes and are tailored to the subscriber’s interests. However, it doesn’t look like it’s going down well, despite the advertisements only having been introduced to a limited number of users, those who have seen them have taken to social media to share their views.

In response to this, Netflix recently provided a statement, to justify the situation:“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.”

I guess we will have to wait and see if the feature stays.