Netflix has become the world’s favorite entertainment station today, and why not, Netflix has changed the experience of watching TV for people.
How this entertainment treasure was born and how was its journey, let’s take a look…
In the year 1997, Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings have the idea to offer DVD rentals by mail. By mailing themselves a DVD, they put the idea to the test. The DVD is received undamaged, and they get the idea for Netflix.
In 1998, the first website for renting and buying DVDs, Netflix.com, is introduced and in 1999-Netflix launches its subscription service, providing customers with unlimited DVD rentals with no due dates, late fees, or monthly rental limits.
In the year 2000, a personalized movie recommendation system has been developed, which uses members’ evaluations on previous movies to forecast future choices.
In 2002, Netflix launches its initial public offering (IPO) at $1 per share under the NASDAQ ticker NFLX and in 2003-As its membership exceeds one million, Netflix is granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office to cover its subscription rental services.
2005-The Profiles feature officially launches, allowing members to create distinct lists for various users and/or moods. With this, in the year 2006– Membership has risen to up to 5 million. 2007-Streaming is launched, allowing subscribers to watch programmes and films instantly. 2008-Collaborates with consumer electronics companies to provide streaming on Xbox 360, Blu-ray players, and television set-top boxes. 2009– The Bellkor’s Pragmatic Chaos team won the $1 million Netflix Prize after nearly three years and 40,000 entries for 10% more accurate recommendations. As membership crosses 10 million, streaming partnerships are extended to internet-connected TVs. The Netflix Culture Deck is published.
2010-Arrived in Canada, and streaming is now available on mobile devices. The first specialized kids experience is now available on streaming.
2011-Netflix has become available throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. On remote controls, the first Netflix button appears. In 2012, the membership has grown to 25 million people and has expanded into the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Nordic countries. ‘Bill Burr: You People Are All the Same” is Netflix’s first foray into stand-up specials.
2013-The initial slate of original series programming includes ‘House of Cards,’ ‘Hemlock Grove,’ ‘Arrested Development,’ and ‘Orange Is the New Black.’ ‘House of Cards’ wins three Primetime Emmys, including the first for an internet streaming service. Profiles and My List make their streaming debuts. In 2014, membership exceeded 50 million people and includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Netflix has started streaming in 4K Ultra HD. 2015-Netflix’s first original feature film (‘Beasts of No Nation’), first non-English original series (‘Club de Cuervos’) and first Asian original (‘Terrace House’) debut. Its membership extends to Australia, Cuba, Italy, Japan, Spain and New Zealand. Audio descriptions for the visually impaired launch with ‘Daredevil.’
2016-Netflix adds 130 new countries, expanding the service to more than 190 nations and 21 languages worldwide. The Download option has been added to allow for offline and on-the-go viewing.
2017-Global membership has surpassed 100 million people. Netflix receives its first Academy Award nomination for ‘The White Helmets.’ The inclusion of interactive storytelling and the Skip Intro button provides members with more options for customising their viewing experience and in 2018-PIN protection is being rolled out as part of many parental control updates. Netflix is the most nominated studio at the Emmys, winning 23 for programmes like “GLOW,” “Godless,” and “Queer Eye.”
2019-Netflix makes its debut with its first original animated picture, “Klaus,” and takes home four Academy Awards for “ROMA” and “Period. End of Sentence.” In London, Madrid, New York, and Toronto, new production hubs are established. The first significant Emmy for an interactive title goes to “Bandersnatch.” 2020-New top 10 listings let users see what’s trending for the first time. The studio with the most nominations for the Emmys and Academy Awards is Netflix. To assist creative community workers affected by COVID-19, the Hardship Fund is established, and 2% of its cash reserves are sent to financial institutions that support Black communities.
2021-Membership has surpassed 200 million people. In collaboration with the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, Netflix presents its first-ever film and series diversity study and reveals aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2022. Netflix has released mobile games.
2022-Netflix celebrates its 25th anniversary in August 2022. Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival, Netflix’s largest live, in-person event, spanned 11 days and 295 shows in Los Angeles. Netflix introduces Category Hubs for TV and spatial audio to provide the cinematic experience on any device.
Along this exciting journey, Netflix continues to grow and rule the hearts of audiences across the globe.