7 Incredible Facts That You Didn't Know About Netflix

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June 29, 2021 Business

Netflix is by far the biggest streaming service of its kind. Serving a global audience, it is home to thousands if not millions of entertainment content from movies to TV shows, documentaries, and much more. For most people, the popular streaming service is the first place to look when they need to stay indoors and watch something interesting.

The best part is that you can watch what you want at your own time and pace without worrying about disruptions from commercials. As long as you have internet access and an active subscription running, you can also access and watch your favorite content from any of the many supported devices, from the TV to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Arguably, this kind of freedom and convenience are among the reasons most people choose to cut the cable these days. In this piece, we shall talk about a few more interesting facts that perhaps you didn’t know about the streaming giant, Netflix.

Biggest Streaming Service

Worldwide, Netflix is estimated to have slightly over 200 million subscribers as of 2021. It is no surprise that it still grasps the top spot in the list of the largest and most popular subscription-based streaming services. Analyzing the Netflix tech stack, Chris Bassolino reveals that the streaming service provides more than six billion hours of content on average each month. The content is delivered in high quality with minimal to zero lag, even in times when thousands of subscribers are streaming the same content. This is all thanks to their brilliant technology stack, including superior tools, well-thought processes, and infrastructural finesse. Their OTT architecture and cloud infrastructure are thought to be impeccable.

Netflix Had a Different Name in Its Early Stages

According to Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, the Netflix streaming service was initially called Kibble. He also went on to explain how the Kibble was just a placeholder name for incorporation services referring to the idea that a product isn’t a success until “the dogs eat the dog food”. That’s exactly how he phrased it. However, after kicking around a few name ideas such as Directpix, Replay, and Luna, just to name a few, the company finally settled for Netflix.

The Scotts Valley, California-based company has stuck with this name ever since. As a matter of fact, the name is often synonymously used for watching or streaming, especially in the US. You will occasionally hear someone refer to binge-watching TV shows at home as simply “watching Netflix all day”. That’s exactly how influential a successful name can be.

Netflix Was Almost Bought by Blockbuster

Netflix’s co-founder, Reed Hastings offered to sell the company to the former Blockbuster CEO John Antioco for $50 million in the year 2000. Nonetheless, Blockbuster CEO turned down the offer since the mail-based DVD rental business was the niche back in the day. Today, Netflix has proven to be the undisputed champion in the film streaming industry as compared to blockbusters. As a matter of fact, Blockbuster lost out big time.

Netflix Has Technically Been Around Longer Than Google

If you think Google is older than Netflix, then you’re in for a big surprise. In fact, Netflix was founded earlier than Google even if it didn’t start renting out DVDs by mail until 1998. The company was founded and has been around since 1997, making it precisely one year older than the all so famous Google. In case you didn’t, now you know!

There Could Be an “Ultra” Netflix Membership Tier In The Future

Netflix Ultra membership could be the next big thing for its subscribers. According to reliable sources, a new tier of service is in testing, specifically in Italy. With the so-called Ultra membership plan, Netflix subscribers will be in a position to stream their favorite movies, shows, and audios on up to four devices at once and in Ultra HD. This would be incredibly amazing especially for different family members who want to watch the same show from different parts of the house using the same subscription.

Netflix Pays People to Watch and Categorize Content

Imagine getting paid to watch TV. Yes! You have heard me right. Netflix streaming Service Company literally hires individuals to “tag” or categorize different movies, shows with their appropriate metadata relating to the particular contents. Netflix taggers are also responsible for contriving relevant niche descriptions and translations. According to a senior member of the Netflix tagging team, taggers also work on tones of storylines to make the content more intriguing to watch for Netflix members.

Netflix Still Has a Tone of DVD Subscribers

We might have had six items in mind at the beginning of this piece, but this one is also worth knowing. Even if Netflix has achieved massive success in their online content streaming industry, tons of people in the U.S. still prefer watching their favorite movies and TV shows the old-fashioned way. As a matter of fact, the streaming service had over two and a half million subscribers for DVD-by-Mail as of 2019. Some of them include people who are likely to not be able to access internet connectivity. Nonetheless, others just want to get access to a more specialized catalog of shows and movies not streamed via Netflix.

Moreover, Netflix has no plans to get rid of DVD subscribers whatsoever even if the number of DVD subscribers is reducing significantly. Old is gold, so they say, AND Netflix has a way of bringing this vibe to life even in some of their content!

Well, if you have been using Netflix for a while or are planning to get started, you are better off informed. It is a great way to get access to tons of content from around the world at the convenience of your home, office, or even while on the go. Streaming services like these came to make entertainment easier, better, cheaper, and much more convenient. Perhaps the above incredible facts could help you decide if Netflix is for you and what you can get from it.