Streaming giant Netflix has been giving early access to their original content, ahead of its public release for about a year now, to select members who “represent a range of perspectives”.
According to Variety, some select customers are being given access to original movies and TV shows ahead of its release, and this practice has been running since May 2021.
“We at Netflix are building a community of members to view and give feedback on upcoming movies and series, and we’d like to know if you’re interested in being a part of it,” according to a recent email sent to a group of subscribers, a copy of which was obtained by Variety. “It’s simple, but an incredibly important part of creating best-in-class content for you and Netflix members all around the world.”
Netflix collates the feedback given by viewers and then uses it as reference for making edits to content prior to releasing it publicly. As a rule, those who sign up for the early access program must agree not to share information about it and are required to sign a nondisclosure agreement.
“For the customer-feedback panels, Netflix asks members to watch several upcoming movies and series over the course of about six months. After they finish watching each movie or series, members fill out a survey “to tell us what you liked, what you didn’t, how you’d make it even better, or how likely you’d be to recommend it to friends and family.”
Like other streaming companies, Netflix is using the feedback garnered by members to potentially make edits in the movies and shows before they are released.
While Netflix definitely has a huge library of movies and shows, its subscription price is on the more expensive side. Its lowest price tier for most territories cost $9.99 a month.
If you’re looking for an alternative with a much better price, check out Apple TV+. It costs $4.99 a month, with a cool 7-day free trial. There is also an option to pay for a year for just $49.99.