Netflix Ends Secrecy Over Viewing Figures
Netflix has signed up to the TV ratings agency Barb, which means its audiences will be measured by an external, independent body for the first time.
As reported by BBC, The move makes Barb the first industry-owned ratings service in the world that Netflix has joined.
Previously, the streaming giant has only released snapshots of its viewing data, highlighting the success of its most popular shows.
Barb will begin reporting Netflix’s viewing figures from November.
It is a significant move for the streamer, and will see the data being used by advertisers, competitors and journalists to ascertain the success or failure of Netflix properties.
Netflix is not the only streamer being included – any service which accounts for more than 0.5% of total identified viewing will be listed too. This means content from services such as Disney and Amazon is also likely to be included.
While BARB has been reporting streaming viewing at both a service and programme level since November 2021, only its underwriting organisations and those with a special license previously had access to Netflix’s data.
Barb, which stands for Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board, compiles audience measurement and TV ratings in the UK.
The agency will report Netflix’s ratings in the same way it reports viewing for more than 300 other subscribing broadcast channels.
The networks currently covered by Barb include mainstream services such as the BBC and ITV to smaller channels such as Dave and E4.
