Netflix users have been left shocked by a trick in the streaming site’s algorithm which hooks viewers into watching specific TV shows and films.
The site tailors its content to certain users, and updates in real time – and you might notice a few of the same films popping up again and again.
You might also notice that certain films and shows that come up on your own account won’t show on your friend’s, while making a new user shows a totally different selection.
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But that isn’t the only trick Netflix has up its sleeve.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed that the platform has different thumbnails for the same show depending on which account you’re using.
It turns out the site also tailors the artwork used based on your previous viewing habits, in order to get you to check out things you might not otherwise.
If a user enjoys horror, scarier posters for cross-genre shows will be used, for example for Stranger Things.
(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
It can even find pictures of actors you like, who appear in many of the films you’ve watched previously. For example, if you’ve binged Stranger Things, Enola Holmes might just display a snap of Millie Bobby Brown.
The site has begun to use AI to fill in gaps in its data rather than relying on users’ viewing habits – which might be why new artwork is just popping up on your account.
And taking to Twitter to share their thoughts on the algorithm, one user said: “I only blame myself for this given how Netflix generates thumbnails based on your viewing habits – but this thumbnail for The Thing prequel and its logo have me laughing!”
(Image: Getty Images/fStop)
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“Netflix thumbnails are so misleading,” somebody else groaned.
As another user said: “Why does Netflix always have the best thumbnails, I swear to god!”
A fourth penned: “Why does Netflix use minor side characters for the thumbnails of shows?!”
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