Creators and enthusiasts of Netflix can now rejoice as the streaming giant has finally taken a leap towards transparency by releasing viewership statistics for almost all of its shows and movies. In its first-ever “What We Watched” report, Netflix ranks its content based on the number of hours viewed over the past six months. This move by Netflix signifies a significant shift in its approach to sharing data, as the company plans to release updated reports every six months going forward.
For years, Netflix has been known for its lack of transparency regarding the popularity of its shows and movies. This secrecy has resulted in a sense of distrust within the creator community. In a conference call with reporters, Ted Sarandos, the co-CEO of Netflix, acknowledged this issue. He revealed that Netflix intentionally kept its viewership data private during its initial stages to have the freedom to experiment without offering valuable data to potential competitors. Sarandos emphasized, “This is the actual data that we use to run the business. I’m the co-CEO of a public company, so sharing bad information has consequences.”
With almost 250 million global subscribers, Netflix now stands as the leading streaming service, outpacing its competitors by a significant margin. This success has given Sarandos the confidence to be more open about viewership statistics. Earlier this year, Hollywood actors and writers campaigned for increased transparency during their strikes, demanding fair compensation based on audience consumption. Sarandos believes that providing this information not only benefits the creators but also helps foster a better environment for the guilds, producers, press, and ultimately, the viewers.
According to the report, the most-viewed show on Netflix during the past six months was season one of “The Night Agent,” an original action thriller, accumulating a staggering 812 million viewing hours. As for movies, “The Mother,” starring Jennifer Lopez, claimed the top spot. These impressive figures highlight the immense popularity and engaged audience that Netflix enjoys.
Netflix also disclosed that between January and June, 55% of its viewing hours came from original films and series, while the remaining 45% came from licensed titles. This data supports Netflix’s commitment to producing original content and investing in creative storytelling. By focusing on in-house productions, Netflix can maintain greater control over its content and cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of its global audience.
Netflix’s “What We Watched” report provides viewing information for over 18,000 titles, covering 99% of all content viewed on the platform. This comprehensive release of data reinforces Netflix’s commitment to transparency and offers valuable insights to creators, producers, and even advertisers. With brands increasingly seeking information about the popularity of specific shows and movies, Netflix’s new advertising tier aligns with the growing demand for more transparency.
By revealing viewership statistics, Netflix has taken a significant step towards establishing a more transparent and collaborative relationship with its creators and viewers. The availability of this data not only empowers the creative industry but also allows audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the content they consume. As Netflix continues to evolve, this newfound transparency will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for the streaming giant and the entertainment industry as a whole.
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