Netflix is testing a programmed linear content material channel in France, Variety reported. The channel, referred to as Netflix Direct, will likely be obtainable to Netflix streaming subscribers and can present content material from its current streaming library in a linear format, very like cable and broadcast TV stations do.
“Perhaps you’re not within the temper to determine, otherwise you’re new and discovering your approach round, otherwise you simply wish to be shocked by one thing new and totally different,” Netflix stated in an announcement asserting the brand new service. It selected France for the launch of Netflix Direct as a result of conventional TV is “massively standard” there, and folks “simply desire a ‘lean again’ expertise the place they don’t have to decide on exhibits,” the corporate stated.
Netflix Direct rolled out in some elements of France November fifth, and can broaden to extra elements of the nation subsequent month. In keeping with Selection, Netflix has about 9 million subscribers in France.
Netflix has examined different options to its commonplace streaming choices, launching a “Shuffle” button in August to permit customers to randomly scroll via beneficial viewing choices. With Netflix Direct, all viewers on the channel will likely be watching the identical programming on the identical time.
The streaming large noticed a sharp increase in its business at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic; within the first two quarters of 2020 it added 26 million subscribers— practically as many because it added for all of 2019.
