Netflix increases focus on Originals: What does this mean for its users
- comments
-
According to the 'about Netflix' section of Netflix Media Center, the world's most popular content streaming network boasts of 86 million members in 190 countries. And with the addition of blockbuster originals like 'The Crown' and 'Designated Survivor', the user base of Netflix has been growing by leaps and bounds. But this can also be a cause of concern for some users as the focus on licensed content seems to be shifted to original content.
What does this mean for Netflix's users? A look at Netflix's press release archive gives a clear indication that Netflix has been progressively increasing focus on original content exclusively available to Netflix users. That means popular series such as 'Friends', 'The Big Bang Theory' and many other popular movies are not currently available on Netflix. And if this trend continues, there will be no new licensed content in the near future.
A part of the charm that attracted people to Netflix was that it provided popular TV series and films at a very affordable monthly subscription. And while the Netflix Originals are also immensely entertaining, they were supposed to be only an add-on benefit. But in the last few years original and exclusive content has become the prime focus of the network. This strategy shift means that Netflix might lose a huge chunk of its user base in the future. And to compensate for this, the company is keenly focused on creating great exclusive content that can draw more users to the site. The recent release of 'The Crown' might be a step in that direction.
In a conclusion, Netflix users can expect more and more original and exclusive content on the site. And in order to make way for original content the company is on a path to phase out licensed content. For indie content producers, this strategy shift will prove to be beneficial while those that produce for theater and TV audiences will find it more difficult to get their content into the Netflix library.
