This Is The Sneaky Way Netflix Makes You Watch Movies And TV Shows

Have you ever noticed that the images you see on Netflix for movie titles are often waaay different than what your mates see on their profiles?

Turns out it’s a sneakily genius move from Netflix that subconsciously encourages you to watch more movies and TV shows by personalising the images you see depending on what you’ve watched previously. 

In a new algorithm that the streaming giant rolled out at the end of 2017, it designed a way to show unique images to its 100 million-plus subscribers that will make you spend more time on Netflix. 

Nick Nelson, Netflix’s Global Manager of Creative Services, said in 2016, “We conducted some consumer research studies that indicated artwork was not only the biggest influencer to a member’s decision to watch content, but it also constituted over 82% of their focus while browsing Netflix. We also saw that users spent an average of 1.8 seconds considering each title they were presented with while on Netflix.”

Take Good Will Hunting: if you watch rom-coms you will see an image of Matt Damon and Minnie Driver kissing, but if you usually watch comedies you will probs get an image of Robin Williams 

Much like the way Spotify’s ‘Discover’ option will show you music based on what you have listened to previously, Netflix’s image feature will present movies it thinks you might enjoy with an image that will more than likely catch your eye. 

So, that explains our binge-watching addiction. We never stood a chance. 

READ NEXT: The ‘Top 10 Small Hotels In Ireland’ Have Been Announced And They All Look Incredible