*By Bridgette Webb*
Netflix has gone through a whirlwind of changes since its 1997 launch. Evolving from a DVD rental company to a global leader in video streaming that's disrupted an entire industry.
And a key reason for its growth, according to the company's vice president of product Gibson Biddle, has been the its ability to deliver personalized recommendations.
"Even in the early days, we were trying to get to know a member and their movie taste...and then magically connect them through algorithms," Biddle said in an interview on Cheddar Wednesday."
That strategy has helped Netflix grow its subscriber base to 125 million users worldwide. That reach is something that originally seemed outrageous to Biddle.
"In 2005 we put it out there that by 2010 we'd have 20 million subscribers," he said. "That felt audacious at the time."
Biddle left Netflix in 2010 and served as Chief Product Officer at Chegg until 2015.
Netflix reports earnings after the bell on Monday. It's expected to have added 6.2 million subscribers in the quarter, bringing its total to 131.2 million globally.
For the full segment, [click here.](https://cheddar.com/videos/netflixs-evolution)
Hackers accessed the personal data of 6.9 million users via the genetic testing company 23andMe.
Stocks fell after the opening bell on Tuesday morning as signs pointed to another losing session.
Bitcoin is once again having a moment. On Monday, the world's largest cryptocurrency soared past $41,000 for the first time in over a year and a half — and marking a 150% rise so far this year.
Tree farmers are raising prices for Christmas trees.
Analysis shows smaller businesses are hiring more people.
Applying for financial aid for college is a long process but there's a new streamlined application for federal student aid. Mark Kantrowitz, student loan expert, joined Cheddar News to explain the FAFSA form and what kind of changes are expected.
With all of the stress surrounding the holiday season with gift-buying and planning family gatherings, it could be a chaotic time for all members of your family, including pets. Cesar Milan and Michael Ehrman, co-founders of Halo Collar, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to keep your pets stress-free for the upcoming holiday season.
Going home for the holidays can be pretty expensive, especially if you're a student. Cheddar News senior reporter Michelle Castillo provided tips on how to save ahead of the holiday season.
Alaska Airlines is buying Hawaiian Airlines, stocks finished at their highest level on Friday and are on the way to concluding 2023 on a positive note as Bitcoin surged. And Spotify is laying off workers, again.
United Airlines has introduced a new self-serve snack bar on its flights allowing economy passengers to help themselves to free snacks instead of relying on a flight attendant to get them.
