B1/B2, English Listening (#1): Netflix , Learn English

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Comprehension questions

1. What key innovation did Netflix introduce in 2007 that changed how audiences consumed content?

2. How has Netflix expanded its global audience through its content selection?

3. What are some strategies Netflix has considered to address competition from other streaming platforms?

Answers

1. In 2007, Netflix introduced its streaming platform, allowing subscribers to instantly watch content online. This change contributed to the decline of traditional cable and physical media rentals and popularized the concept of “binge-watching.”

2. Netflix has expanded its global audience by investing in original and foreign-language content, such as La Casa de Papel from Spain and Narcos from Colombia. This strategy promotes cross-cultural understanding and appeals to a wide range of viewers around the world.

3. To address competition, Netflix has considered strategies like ad-supported, lower-cost subscription tiers, interactive storytelling, and mobile streaming to appeal to new audiences. It is also exploring video gaming and augmented reality experiences to diversify its offerings.

Text (Pronunciation)

Netflix, the streaming powerhouse that has become a household name worldwide, has fundamentally transformed the way we watch and experience entertainment. Originally founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph as a DVD rental-by-mail service, Netflix has evolved dramatically over the years, adapting to technological changes and consumer preferences. In 2007, Netflix introduced its streaming platform, a revolutionary shift that allowed subscribers to instantly watch content online, a move that foreshadowed the decline of traditional cable and physical media rentals. With its model of allowing viewers to watch an entire season of a series at once, Netflix popularized the concept of “binge-watching,” fundamentally changing how people consume television content. Today, Netflix boasts a massive global footprint, available in over 190 countries with hundreds of millions of subscribers, thanks to a deep and diverse catalog that spans genres, languages, and cultures, catering to nearly every taste. One of Netflix’s most significant achievements has been its successful investment in original content. Shows like House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Stranger Things helped the platform gain a reputation for high-quality original programming, eventually leading to groundbreaking hits such as The Crown, The Witcher, Bridgerton, and Squid Game. These series are not only critically acclaimed but have also gained immense popularity worldwide, fostering a global fanbase and breaking viewership records. Netflix has also championed foreign-language shows and films, bringing international hits like La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) from Spain, Dark from Germany, and Narcos from Colombia to a worldwide audience. By investing in diverse, culturally specific content, Netflix has become a leader in promoting cross-cultural understanding and expanding what global audiences consider mainstream entertainment. Additionally, Netflix has pioneered algorithm-driven recommendations, using data analytics to personalize each user’s experience based on their viewing history and preferences. This technology not only helps subscribers discover new shows and films they are likely to enjoy but also encourages them to stay engaged with the platform for longer periods. The data Netflix gathers helps it decide which new content to produce, ensuring that the platform continuously adapts to audience demands. For example, Netflix has ventured into genre-driven and niche programming, from true-crime documentaries to animated series and nature documentaries, aiming to keep its subscriber base diverse and engaged. This data-centric approach has proven effective, as Netflix's curated recommendations and vast library offer something for every viewer, reinforcing its reputation as a highly accessible and inclusive entertainment hub. However, Netflix’s dominance has faced challenges as competition within the streaming industry intensifies. Rivals like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Apple TV+ are now vying for viewers’ attention, each platform bringing its exclusive content, competitive pricing, and unique strengths to the table. This shift has driven Netflix to adapt by expanding its offerings, such as considering ad-supported, lower-cost subscription tiers, and even experimenting with interactive storytelling and gaming elements within the platform. Moreover, Netflix has eyed partnerships and ventures into new markets, including an increased focus on mobile streaming to appeal to a younger, on-the-go audience.