There’s a reason Hulu isn’t very popular, and it’s not their offerings. There’s a distinct lack of commercial-free programming on the network, even for paying customers. Even if you pay, you have to look at ads, and that’s too much like cable for the cord cutters out there. Hence, Netflix is awesome and everyone seems to like it, but there’s something scaring devoted streaming addicts: Netflix is testing ads in some markets.
Now, before you start screaming and throw your Netflix subscription away, just take a deep breath and listen. The ads aren’t for commercial services. They’re for other Netflix shows. Like how you get trailers for stuff between HBO shows, Netflix is just trying to get more eyes on its original programming, and testing the waters for self-serving ads for stuff the company thinks you might like.
“For some time, we’ve teased Netflix originals with short trailers after a member finishes watching a show,” wrote Cliff Edwards, Netflix’s director of corporate communications, in an email to NBC News. “Some members in a limited test now are seeing teases before a show begins.”