Netflix Tests Interactive Polls for Select Shows, Including ‘Too Hot to Handle’ and ‘Love Is Blind’
Netflix is testing out new interactive features with four select shows, including Love is Blind and Too Hot to Handle. This month, some subscribers will have the opportunity to vote in polls as they watch some of their favorite Netflix shows.
While watching these two dating shows, viewers can vote for who they think contestants might be more interested in, based on their recorded confessionals. Then, once viewers cast their votes, they will be able to see what percentage of viewers agree and disagree.
Because Netflix isn’t airing new episodes of Love is Blind and Too Hot to Handle live, polls won’t affect what happens on the show. The streaming service is more focused on creating a more engaging platform, which could keep viewers’ attention. Polls can make watching shows and movies a less passive activity while creating a communal environment.
“This allows people to feel like they’re watching it with someone else, to feel like they’re having the same thought or different thoughts from someone else, and that level of interactivity and engagement encourages people to come back week after week, or episode after episode, to watch,” said Julia Alexander, senior strategy analyst at Parrot Analytics.
“Polling is going to enable us to really explore how choices can lead to connection,” Dave Schlafman, director of design, interactive experiences for Netflix, said. “We think this will make viewers feel like they’re part of a larger Netflix community in making choices and we also think it’s going to help spark conversation, whether that’s sitting next to your family or friends on a couch or starting that conversation online with followers or friends.”
Polls are only the beginning for Netflix, however. The company is in the process of adding games to its content library. Polish subscribers have had an opportunity to try out two Stranger Things mobile games. It sounds like the streaming giant has more plans in the works. “Netflix is about to become a much more interactive platform,” Alexander said.
Netflix isn’t the only company interested in rolling out more interactive features. fuboTV is offering gambling and prizes in hopes of increasing audience engagement.
As the streaming wars continue, streamers must find a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. Polls and games are Netflix’s most recent move, but we will have to wait and see how things shake out once more subscribers have access to interactive features.
Love Is Blind
Nick and Vanessa Lachey host this social experiment where single men and women look for love and get engaged, all before meeting in person.
Too Hot to Handle
On the shores of paradise, gorgeous singles meet and mingle. But there’s a twist. To win a $100,000 grand prize, they’ll have to give up sex.