In the last decade, television viewers have experienced a dramatic shift in the way they consume content. This change has been largely driven by on-demand streaming services such as Netflix and their ability to offer an unprecedented selection of TV series and movies.
Easier access to content
Netflix allowed viewers to access thousands of hours of content at their fingertips, greatly increasing accessibility. This changed the tastes and habits of TV viewers in a number of ways.
For starters, streaming platforms opened up a much wider variety of content than was available on traditional television providers. Viewers could now easily access content from all over the world without worrying about regional restrictions or buying additional hardware or expensive cable contracts. This gave people access to a much larger range of shows and movies.
Changes in content consumption urged streaming platforms to start offering more compelling content as well. However, according to ExpressVPN’s report on streaming habits, Netflix is still the biggest name in steaming realms, even though other providers like Disney+ and HBO started seriously upping their game in recent years.
The more personalized viewing experience
By offering streaming services that allow users to tailor their viewing experience, playlist features, and access to programming from around the world, viewers can now create custom content tailored to their personal tastes.
With its on-demand streaming service, Netflix allows for personalized viewing experiences that have become increasingly important for viewers looking for specific types of content. It gives viewers the ability to watch whatever type of show or movie they wish at any time. With its expansive library of TV shows and movies from different countries and genres, it is easier than ever for viewers to find new shows that meet their interests.
The innovative playlist features such as My List and Watch Later enable viewers to make informed decisions on which shows they want to watch without being burdened with too many tasks. Viewers can also modify the list in order to add new shows or remove ones that are no longer relevant or enjoyable. Additionally, with quick search functions enabled by technologies like voice recognition, viewers can easily discover movies or shows they might not normally know about but could be interested in watching.
Variety of genres
One example is foreign films, which are now widely accessible to viewers who might never have been exposed to them before. Netflix offers films in dozens of languages from a variety of countries, including Japan, Spain, India, Mexico, South Korea, and Germany. This has broadened the pool available to viewers and allowed them to enjoy stories and creative works that would have normally been out of reach.
Horror fans are also able to explore a larger library than ever before with original movies like Birdbox and The Haunting of Hill House as well as classic horror franchises such as Paranormal Activity or Saw series.
Additionally, Netflix is focusing on niche interests such as documentaries about true crime or cooking shows that cover various styles from different parts of the world. This has allowed viewers with specific interests access to the content they would never have had access to before which can increase their overall enjoyment of this particular genre.
Social media engagement
To build an interactive environment for subscribers, Netflix often launches viral hashtags through campaigns or popular shows like Stranger Things. Additionally, the streaming service occasionally publishes exclusive behind-the-scenes photos or clips that can only be accessed by scrolling through their feed.
The entertainment giant has also become a powerful influencer, teaming up with brands like The Coca-Cola Company and Mcdonald’s on promotions. Other strategies include upping user engagement through contests as well as equipping their accounts with social listening tools in order to track reactions to a certain series or movie and adjust their content accordingly.
Increased user reviews
The traditional way of engaging with a movie or TV show involved waiting for reviews or word of mouth to decide on whether or not to watch something. With Netflix, users can scan through its vast library of shows and movies and easily read reviews from fellow viewers while they’re browsing. This encourages people to take more risks when choosing what they want to watch, as it’s easy to get an idea of the quality before committing their time and energy.
Netflix also takes user feedback into consideration when recommending content, which resonates with viewers who have become accustomed to their tastes being respected and catered for. The ability for people to comment on movies or shows allows them to feel as though their opinion is being taken into account, increasing user engagement even further. This makes it easier for viewers to share their thoughts with others, which enhances the user experience even more.
Shifting viewing habits
Viewers are watching their favorite shows through multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. This shift in viewing habits has allowed consumers to access their favorite content at any time and location – all while having full control over what they watch. Viewers are no longer confined to a traditional TV “schedule” and have the freedom to start watching a show whenever they have time or desire.
The traditionally episodic structure of TV shows has been replaced with binge-worthy series that allow consumers to consume entire seasons all at one point in time. Netflix’s vast library of licensed programming (i.e Stranger Things) along with its own original series (i.e The Crown) allows consumers more choice than ever before when deciding what show or movie they want to watch next.
Conclusion
Netflix has successfully revolutionized the way that people watch television. By offering viewers easy access to quality content from a wide variety of genres at their fingertips, it has guided the trend toward binge-watching, on-demand programming, and quality streaming experiences.
It has changed the expectations of television viewers and created an atmosphere where convenience is prized over traditional viewing practices. It has also contributed to a new “binge mentality” in which people are more inclined to watch large quantities of television in quick bursts rather than watching shows week-to-week. Netflix has undoubtedly altered the way that we experience TV today and its impact will only continue to expand in the future.
