There has been uproar online over the past few days after Netflix ads started appearing for viewers as the streaming giant confirmed they’re testing a new feature on their platform. They will now start integrating ads between episodes of some series such as Rick and Marty and Bob’s Burgers for other shows on Netflix such as Better Call Saul. Now I don’t know about you but ads on Netflix just seems kind of wrong; isn’t this why we’re all chord-cutting in the first place?
Does This Mean My Netflix Binge Will Be Interrupted by Ads?
The short answer here is yes. This new feature has caused uproar because the main reason people love Netflix is the wide variety of content, full seasons becoming available at once, and, of course, no ads! See that’s important to us and Netflix just aren’t getting that now. Consumers pay a monthly subscription for these services and even at that some shows don’t even have full seasons uploaded at once anymore, such as the new season of Better Call Saul, Power or the short docuseries like Explained. Even their new BuzzFeed series, Follow This, will be released in three bursts.
In the near future we will be expected to watch ads during the loading period between episodes but like YouTube we should be able to skip them after a couple of seconds.
Is It a Recommendation or an Ad?
Netflix describes the ads as “recommendations” and explained that they were to help viewers choose what else to watch.
“We are testing whether surfacing recommendations between episodes helps members discover stories they will enjoy faster”.
As a result of this ‘helpful’ new feature, a lot of users are now threatening to unsubscribe from Netflix. We are a big fan of the if it ain’t broke don’t fix it method. However, Netflix has already stated they are not going to listen to feedback from their customers and will go by data collected from interactions with the feature. A user on Reddit even reported that when they rang Netflix customer care and questioned them about it, Netflix reportedly hung up on both occasions, so it seems they are point blank refusing to discuss this new feature with users.
How to Stop Netflix Ads Appearing
- Go to your account settings
- Select ‘Test participation’
- Toggle this option off
Luckily there is a way to block this feature if you are one of the select few that have been assigned to the testing pool. If you hit the drop-down menu and go to ‘Account’ there should be an option that says ‘Test Participation’. Simply go into this and toggle it off and you’re done. It’s possible if you are on the Netflix app it will bring you to Netflix in the internet browser, however, once it’s done, you shouldn’t be concerned about those pesky ads popping up anymore.
Unless this feature is fully rolled out then you will have no choice but to put up with these potentially annoying ads for your next Netflix recommendations. Personally, I’m not a fan. Netflix works because it allows us the freedom to watch what a full series like Afflicted in a single sitting the way we want when we want without being bothered by ads or breaks like standard TV. Sure, now it’s only Netflix recommendations but what’s next? Toothpaste ads while I’m 6 hours into a Netflix and food binge? Say it ain’t so!
