
Is Netflix a Big Data platform?
While many businesses have not effectively utilized the data available to them, Netflix is a big exception. With more than 148 million streaming subscribers worldwide, 80% of Netflix content streamed is influenced by its recommendation system.
The film content displayed is sorted based on an analysis of whether the user will continue to watch or re-watch, or whether the user will stop watching because they find the content less interesting. The affinity algorithm will recommend movie content that is similar to the content the user has just watched. Netflix spills the fact that audiences tend to want to consume content that is similar to what they have just consumed.
With a wealth of data on how audiences interact with film content, #Netflix can easily determine what type of content people want. House of Cards, is the most phenomenal series for viewing by analyzing data.
Netflix noticed that a significant percentage of its 33 million subscribers at the time were streaming the film “The Social Network,” by director David Fincher, from start to finish. Then Netflix also discovered that films featuring Kevin Spacey were always hits. Netflix data reveals that the British version of House of Cards is also a hit. Audiences who have watched the English version of House of Cards have apparently also watched other films starring Kevin Spacey or directed by David Fincher.
Relying on this data, Netflix concluded that the film, starring actor Kevin Spacey and director David Fincher, if presented to American audiences would be a huge hit.
And sure enough! Three months after House of Cards premiered, Netflix added 2 million subscribers in the US and an additional 1 million subscribers globally.
Curious about what data metrics Netflix uses? Following is Netflix's explanation that they use data:
- Stream date
- Device for streaming
- Movie variations for each user
- Search
- Rewatched content
- Whether content is paused while watching
- User location
- Time of day and week to stream content
- Metadata from third parties such as Nielsen
- Audience data on social media such as Facebook and Twitter
Netflix focuses on giving its users what they want through personalized content.
Like Netflix, businesses can use #bigdataanalytics to ensure that the content delivered to each user is influenced by the user's personal activities and #consumerengagement with your brand, ensuring a unique content experience for each user.
Also read how Starbucks builds consumer experience and ensure the growth of its business.


