Subscribers of video-streaming service Netflix have recently complained about new video promotions for Netflix original shows playing in between some series’ episodes.
Netflix customer and Reddit user u/PhantomMaggot from the U.S. posted on Reddit about the issue on Aug. 17.
“I’m watching Shameless and after the episode ended I got a screen saying ‘More Shameless up next…’ then the title card slid off screen and it continued with ‘but first check out Insatiable’ and started playing the trailer.”
He said that he’s been using Netflix for years and uses it almost every day, but it was his first time seeing such a thing. He asked if anyone else had come across the same issue, and other people had as well.
When did Netflix start playing ads for their original shows in between episode streaming? [U.S.] from r/netflix
Since 2016, Netflix users have been able to see video previews with audio for shows while browsing through content. However, this seems to be the first time they’ve been inserted in between the episodes of other shows.
According to a company spokesperson, the video promos are being tested and are personalized recommendations based on a subscriber’s viewing preferences. They are also skippable at any time.
Netflix’s spokesperson told The Epoch Times, that the year-round running tests are meant to do research for future features or experiences developed for the service.
“A feature is only rolled into the member experience when our research shows it something that members actually enjoy and use,” the spokesperson said.
Fortunately, Netflix offers its subscribers a choice in their account settings whether to participate in these tests or not.