The seamless transition between episodes on Netflix may one day be interrupted by promotional videos, judging by tests the streaming firm is currently running.
Following a Reddit thread packed with complaints, the company confirmed it is showing some users inter-episode trailers for personalised content they would usually see in the ‘recommended for you’ tab. The unskippable full-screen promos sit in place of the information pertaining to the next episode of the show viewers are currently bingeing and, naturally, some folks aren’t happy about it.
The Reddit thread entitled “Netflix forced me to watch an unskippable ad for Better Call Saul” was spotted by Cord Cutters News. Dozens of users are suitably ‘Reddit mad’ about it. “This is what drove me from Hulu immediately,” wrote th_orus. “If I pay you for a subscription and you still serve me unskippable ads, you can f*** right off.”
Not just off, you hear? Right off.
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Thankfully, TechCrunch understands, Netflix won’t be rolling out the promo videos to all customers any time soon. Netflix says its one of myriad of tests it runs pertaining to user experience. It also used the statement to dispute that video previews can’t be skipped.
In a statement, Netflix wrote:
“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.”
Would you be happy to be served promo videos between episodes while binge-watching your favourite shows? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
