Netflix open up new opportunities which they could use to transform viewing

When Netflix revealed its list of what is coming up for viewers in 2025 there was a long list of new shows and returning favorites to look forward to. Netflix also explained it was adding more live events, including a new late-night show, to the slate for this year. It’s all exciting news. 

There was one other small but potentially exciting development that dropped in too. Netflix Chief Content Office Bela Bajari revealed it would introduce an additional interactive element for viewers. “In the future, we’ll be adding the ability to cast a vote live right from your screen which will open up new opportunities.” 

Now that sounds exciting initially, but haven't we had viewer votes for shows for years now? Via phone, website, or apps we've been able to decide the winners of dance shows, talent contests of many types, and other similar shows. I’m sure I can recall an old TV remote control having that feature quite a few years back. 

Netflix needs to use its creative genius to transform viewing

Adding a feature that has been around for years and doing nothing new with it isn't a game changer. Playing catch-up with competitors doesn't seem like how Netflix works. Its usually forward-looking and innovative style suggests something more could be coming. Perhaps the key part of that announcement is the point about opening up new opportunities. 

What those might be is where Netflix can dig deep and use its creative genius to take a transformational step in viewer entertainment. The use of the voting button may become heavily focused on nonscripted shows and live events. But there are some other possible opportunities too. Let’s speculate a little and go beyond the voting in talent contests approach. 

If the live events include screening concerts then we could see viewers selecting the next song to be performed using a voting button. Billy Joel has had audiences voting for what's next on his setlist for years. Bruce Springsteen has long been keeping an eye on cardboard signs to choose a song to play. So it’s an easy transfer to a button, though not quite in the transformational category. 

Netflix could consider creating new shows which include decisive voting

What about those scripted entertainment shows? Could there be an opportunity there to determine how a show ends or a twist that it takes? That would need extra filming and production to provide alternative endings, but it could be possible and create a new approach. 

Maybe there could be a criminal trial show where the viewer opts for Guilty or Not Guilty.  What actually happened is then revealed in a follow-up show or segment. Or perhaps we’ll see whodunnit crimes to be solved by viewers who choose their culprit.  

That's just low-level speculation, some of it may not be easy, and it all needs thought and planning. But perhaps Netflix is the place to take a voting button to new levels for viewers with much more creativity. There’s a challenge for the platform, let's see what they do with that button for viewers. 

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