Backlash surfaces after some Netflix viewers are beginning to experience advertisements between episodes. While not all viewers are experiencing these ads, no one seems to be too happy about it.
Before each episode in a season, viewers are used to watching a re-cap of the previous episode.
However, it has been reported now, Netflix will be previewing other shows to try and expand viewers tastes as well.
You won’t have to suffer through these advertisements after completing a few quick, and easy steps.
According to ComicBook.com, you can opt out of these test ads being displayed, as well as any other tests Netflix runs, permanently. All you need to do to stop the advertisements to watch your favorite, binge-worthy T.V. show is to open your laptop or tablet and access Netflix’s website.
On the home screen you will find your profile icon located in the top right corner. Once you’ve located your profile icon, in the drop down menu click “Account” and scroll down to the “Settings” where you will notice a link, among others, called “Test Participation.”
Set your preference to “Off” and then click the “Done” icon and you’ll advertisement free and you can enjoy your favorite netflix shows without hesitation!
While this isn’t the first test Netflix has issued, their motive is to find ways to track what people are watching and help their accessibility to other shows be as effortless as possible.
“At Netflix, we conduct hundreds of tests every year so we can better understand what helps members more easily find something great to watch,” said Netflix’s streaming service in a statement to IGN.
“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. In this particular case, we are testing whether surfacing recommendations between episodes helps members discover stories they will enjoy faster.”
While Netflix meant well, the select few who have been experiencing these interruptions have taken to twitter as an outlet expressing their overall dissatisfaction. The overwhelming majority see this as a very negative effect on their Netflix viewing experience.
From Twitter @JoshMitchell describes it as a “big money grab” and that they will only increase their prices resulting in a “Netflix Premium.”
Libby Watson, a political commentator, took to Twitter stating “Netflix has started putting ads for its shitty stand up specials in between episodes of frasier. And probably other shows but i’ve got frasier on and it feels particularly offensive. Keep frasier pure.”
While it has been noted by Netflix that they put out hundreds of tests a year, it seems like this one is not going over well with their mass of subscribers. It is known that many other media outlets do use ads before, in between and/or after their selected content.
Other outlets just as Hulu and Spotify have noted their target audience, college students, and paired up with one another to create an all around package fitting the needs of any and all university students–music without interruptions and tons of hit series and movies.
By signing up for the student discount Hulu package, which is only $5, you have access to unlimited streaming of a particular series, limited commercials, tons of movies on Hulu and Spotify premium, which provides unlimited songs, skips and even the option to download music.
While Netflix’s package is still more expensive, its selling point is the aspect of no advertisements.
Without the option for a student discount, by bringing these advertisement tests to the field, it doesn’t seem like a smart move for Netflix in the long run.