Netflix is a great source of entertainment for millions of people.
Netflix is a digital platform that provides a paid streaming service . Those who subscribe to a subscription can thus watch movies and series on compatible devices that are connected to the Web , such as a smart TV or a smartphone .
Netflix 's on-demand content catalog varies by region. On the other hand, the company also offers different subscription plans, which change the benefits. In some cases, customers have the possibility of choosing to download content to enjoy it offline as well.
Netflix history
The history of Netflix began in 1997 . The American company, based in the city of Los Gatos ( California ), was created by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph to offer DVD rentals that were delivered through the mail.
There are different versions of the idea that gave birth to Netflix . It is said that Hastings , after being fined by Blockbuster for being late in returning a movie, began to think about a rental system without this temporary obligation to return and that did not contemplate punishments of that type.
Randolph , on the other hand, said in a book that Netflix emerged while they were studying what business could be developed taking advantage of the emerging electronic commerce. He and Hastings were directors of a software firm ( Pure Atria ) when they came up with the project, which ended up focusing on a virtual video store.
Netflix , therefore, started as a website that featured a catalog of DVD movies . Its users could choose between them and then received them at home by mail.
The big change took place in 2007 , when Netflix started its streaming service . At first it was only available for computers, but little by little it reached video game consoles, Blu-ray players, smart TVs, tablets, phones and other devices as an app.
Another key step in Netflix 's history took place in 2011 , when it focused on investing in content through audiovisual production. Thus, the company's first original production was presented the following year: “Lilyhammer” , a Norwegian-American series that had three seasons (24 episodes in total) and featured Steven Van Zandt as the protagonist.
The personalized Netflix profile allows you to receive recommendations based on your particular habits and interests.
Original content
Today Netflix's original content is one of the platform's strong points, which allows it to differentiate itself from other streaming proposals such as Amazon Prime Video , Hulu , Disney+ and HBO Max (which, in turn, generate their own productions).
Among the most popular Netflix original series are:
- “House of Cards” (six seasons, premiered in 2013)
- “Narcos” (three seasons, released in 2015)
- “Stranger Things” (four seasons, released in 2016)
- “The Crown” (six seasons, released in 2016)
- “Bridgerton” (three seasons, released in 2020)
Other series were not produced by Netflix but increased their popularity thanks to streaming and in turn contributed to a growth in subscribers for the platform, such as “Black Mirror” , “Orange Is The New Black” and “La Casa de Papel” .
Binge-watching a series on Netflix became a popular ritual.
The popularity of Netflix
The popularity of Netflix can be explained by several reasons. In some cases, the company implemented certain innovations that were later adopted or imitated by other streaming companies. There are tools or options that, without being exclusive to Netflix , are highly valued by users.
Without a doubt, Netflix 's extensive catalog is one of its advantages. Comedies, dramas, thrillers, science fiction films, horror films, romantic films, adventure films, action films, documentaries... The variety is immense and of course it also includes numerous series of all kinds. Monthly releases are anticipated and appreciated by customers.
Streaming without advertisements of any kind, high transmission quality (from HD to Ultra HD ) and the possibility of establishing parental controls ( Netflix Kids ) are other variables that contribute to Netflix being the leader in its sector, just like personalized recommendations thanks to its algorithm .
It cannot be omitted to mention that, if you want to cancel a user account, it is possible to do so at any time without paying any significant additional, a favorable fact for those who want to get to know the platform without long-term commitments.
Negative aspects
Just as many people highlight what they consider to be the advantages of Netflix , there are also those who point out certain issues that can be classified as negative.
The cost of the subscription is one of the most common criticisms. With increasing market competition and even several free platforms (such as Pluto TV , Rakuten TV and ViX ), you may think that paying a monthly subscription for Netflix is not justified.
The number of releases is another aspect that usually generates uncomplimentary comments. Netflix is not betting too much on incorporating the latest film releases, but is more oriented towards its original content.
Regarding the catalog, the rotation of proposals is also often criticized. Changes in content licenses mean that series or movies may disappear from the service.
The obstacles to sharing an account and the restrictions that are established according to the region are other factors that sometimes cause a poor consideration of Netflix .