Netflix to Remove and Shut Down Online User-Submitted Reviews
Published on July 6th, 2018 | Updated on July 6th, 2018 | By FanFest
Netflix is about to change one of its longtime user features from its website. Starting this month, the streaming service is planning to begin phasing out user-submitted reviews, and as of July 30th, will stop accepting submissions from users. By mid-August, Netflix expects to shut down the function completely which includes also deleting any user-submitted review that already currently exist on the site.
The reason for the removal of the feature stems from a steep decline it the user-reviews usage, according to Netflix. The function is only available through Netflix’s computer-accessed website and it stands to reason that there would be a decline in reviews with more and more subscribers utilizing apps and electronic devices other than computers for their streaming needs. As Variety points out, however, certain titles on the streaming service platform do have a fair amount of review, such as the Netflix mega-hit, Stranger Things, which has 3,897 reviews currently.
It’s also possible that the streaming service found the feature to no longer be productive in driving its subscribers to watch certain titles. With fewer subscribers accessing the user-submitted comments, it’s likely that fewer subscribers would also be reading the reviews and thus rendering the function obsolete. Additionally, other services such as IMDB have shut down their user discussion boards because of constant negative comments and reviews.
About a year ago, Netflix made a switch in its rating system. Users used to be able to rate titles based on a 5-star rating system, however, they recently switched over to a simple thumbs up or thumbs down rating for all titles on the site. The newer rating system then makes recommendations for title viewings based on a percentage “match score” on titles that Netflix thinks you might enjoy. The removal of user-submitted reviews appears to be another way that Netflix is looking to improve and evolve their service to better serve its subscribers.
What do you think about Netflix shutting down user-submitted reviews? Did you ever write a review for a Netflix title? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
A karaoke obsessed, craft beer enthusiast and lover of all things pop culture, Denise enjoys all facets of entertainment from Broadway to box office blockbusters. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, concerts (lots and lots of concerts), volunteering, reading and playing with her rescue kitten, Samantha (who rescued who, right?).
