Bringing #social to streaming. Could something like this save Netflix?

After the recent launch of Disney+, many podcasts, sites, and investors, [etc.] are talking about the surge in streaming services. While some think Netflix’s time has come, others say the company will once again find a way to disrupt the market. 

With so many new competitors, how can Netflix stay relevant? (other than producing/purchasing “Originals”, which these competitors are also doing). 

So here’s an idea: 

Since 2017, Netflix has recommended us content based on a matching score that responds to our streaming preferences. Yet, when we get together with friends, there’s no way to know what content would be interesting for everyone present. 

What if Netflix would allow us to see what content is a high match for us and our friends? 

How would this work? (from a user’s perspective)

• On the app, there would be an icon of a person with a plus sign, signalling the possibility to add other people to our streaming experience.
• After clicking on it, we would be prompted to list the users who are in the room. This could be done by either typing-in their usernames, or scanning a QR code from the Netflix app on their phones.
• For this idea to work, first Netflix would need to prompt users to claim a username -like a Twitter handle- and with it, the app would also provide a unique QR code per user.
• So, once the host has registered all the present users, then the app would show a list, not only on the host’s app, but on everyone’s app.
• And that’s it. Finding something to watch with friends, made easier.

Could they do more with this?

• Yes. This joint list -let’s call it “shared list”- could be saved under a new space on the app for “Shared Lists”. Meaning that, over time, users could have a bunch of lists of relevant content that they share with other friends.  
• Users could be allowed to name these lists, which would create an even stronger sense of community around them. We have seen this happening in other apps, like Instagram, where users can either simply create a group DM, or name the group to increase the sense of belonging and singularity.
• Thinking far ahead… users could even make their personal lists (an already existing feature in today’s app) public to anyone who “follows” their handle. Celebrities could share on social media their lists including, for example, “Favorite classics”, or “Need to binge asap”.  

Collateral benefits, for both Netflix and the user.   

Bringing social to streaming would not only enhance the experience of the user (think, second date, he comes over, you both check your content matches), but it would also give the streaming platform the strongest sense of connection among its users. 

Something like this could make users rethink the value of really having their own accounts, instead of borrowing uncle John's. If this hypothesis is right, this could mean more personal accounts on Netflix in the long run; which means more revenue for the company.

A feature like this could make the difference in an ever more competitive market in the binging industry. 

Let's try it.

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This was initially Mateo Van Thienen's idea, who's busy right now writing another article on transit and open data.