Netflix is testing a linear channel in France that should help with decision fatigue

Netflix is testing a programmed linear content material channel in France, Selection 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 similar to cable and broadcast TV stations do.

“Possibly you’re not within the temper to determine, otherwise you’re new and discovering your manner round, otherwise you simply need to be stunned by one thing new and totally different,” Netflix stated in an announcement saying the brand new service. It selected France for the launch of Netflix Direct as a result of conventional TV is “vastly in style” there, and other people “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 components of France November fifth, and can develop to extra components of the nation subsequent month. In accordance 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 by way of really useful viewing choices. With Netflix Direct, all viewers on the channel will likely be watching the identical programming on the identical time.

The streaming big noticed a pointy improve in its enterprise at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic; within the first two quarters of 2020 it added 26 million subscribers— almost as many because it added for all of 2019.