Even after 27 years, Netflix has remained a leading player in the video streaming industry. Time and time again, Netflix has revolutionized the way content is consumed all across the globe.
So, in this article, we’re going to take a look at how Netflix started as a subscription service and evolved to become the streaming giant it is today.
The Evolution of Netflix
The way Netflix has evolved over the years sets an example of how a business can stay ahead of its competition and recognize opportunities. Let’s take a look at the brief history of Netflix:
DVD Subscription Service
Netflix started as a service for renting out DVDs in 1997. It allowed subscribers to order movie DVDs online, which were sent to them by mail. Netflix also introduced its subscription model that allowed users to rent movies and shows without any late fees or due dates.
Transition into Streaming
After having a widely successful business model, Netflix knew they had to shift their business strategy due to the internet’s popularity. Staying ahead of the curve, Netflix launched its streaming service in 2007. It was very limited in the beginning, with only a limited selection of movies and shows.
The company also realized the upcoming potential of offering services on other technologies and made apps for devices including set-top boxes and gaming consoles. During this time, they also expanded their library by adding more shows and movies.
Original Content and International Expansion
Netflix realized that other streaming services were going to take market share at one point or another. To combat this, they started producing new, original shows and movies which started with House of Cards.
Shows like The Crown, Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things became extremely successful which helped attract new subscribers.
Mobile Application
By 2015, almost everyone had a smartphone. Netflix realized the potential of the new market and introduced its mobile applications for various platforms which allowed users to view content on their iPhones, Androids and Tablets.
Offline Viewing and HD Streaming
Netflix introduced offline viewing to its apps, which allowed users to download content to view later, without the need for the internet. They also added different streaming capabilities based on the user’s devices. This included High Dynamic Range (HDR) and 4K Ultra HD.
These options do require the user to have a supported device like a 4K HDR TV and a fast internet connection. If you already have a supported TV, then watching Netflix content in the highest quality would be a game changer. Reach out to Cox customer support and their 24/7 sales support team to help you choose the best plan for your needs.
Interactive Content
Netflix introduced its first form of interactive content with the release of Black Mirror: Bandersnatch in 2018. That blends video games with films. It allowed users to choose the outcome of a scene by presenting multiple options to the user to select from.
Since then, they have expanded this list with Carmen Sandiego: To Steal or Not to Steal, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs The Reverend and Barbie: Epic Road Trip.
Diversifying Content
Netflix just doesn’t have movies and shows anymore. They have expanded their library slowly over the years to include comedy specials, children’s shows, and anime. Not only that, they are now also producing original documentaries like Medal of Honor, Making of a Murderer, and Our Planet.
Introduction of Gaming
After realizing the success of video games with streaming, Netflix started to make gaming a bigger priority. They started to bundle selected mobile games with a Netflix subscription.
They also launched gamer tags and started hiring game developers for the production of a full-feature PC game. Netflix also launched big titles like the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy, Dead Cells, OXENFREE, and Twelve Minutes, with more games being added every month.
Netflix has said that they plan to allow users to play all of their games on all devices with game streaming in the future.
How Did Netflix Stay Ahead of the Competition?
After reading the brief, but impressive history of Netflix, you’re going to realize two things.
Netflix has always stayed ahead of the curve by being the innovator. They started by revolutionizing the way DVDs were rented. Then, when they realized DVDs were dying out, they switched to a streaming model and set themselves ahead of the competition by offering original content.
They have also set trends by being the ones that introduced the concept of “binging.” This meant that Netflix subscribers didn’t have to wait for a new episode every week and could watch the entire season as soon as it was out.
They also expanded very wisely by dipping their toes into interactive content and then expanding over to gaming.
Wrapping Up
Netflix serves as a unique example in the tech world of a company that predicted and set new examples for others to follow. Now, there are so many other streaming competitors in the market. However, Netflix has innovated again and offered gaming as part of their streaming platform.
With all the innovation they’ve brought, we’re excited to see how Netflix innovates next.
Interesting Related Article: “3 Easy Ways to Stream Different Libraries of Netflix From Anywhere“
