Former Netflix Exec: Personalization Crucial to Company's Success
*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)
Priceline CEO, Brett Keller, joins Cheddar to discuss the latest travel trends and how Hurricanes Helene & Milton have affected those flying south. Watch!
Hyperice CEO, Jim Heuther, joins Cheddar to discuss the company's latest product collaboration with Nike. Find out how it is helping your favorite athletes.
Founder, Chairman and Principal Analyst of Constellation Research Inc., Ray Wang, reveals how Tesla's Robotaxi is going to disrupt the transportation industry.
Have Taylor Swift fans dubbed Flava Flav as King of the Swifties? Plus, his new partnership with Old Spice and if he will ever go back to the Olympics. Watch!
Education Reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Doug Belkin, discusses his latest piece and delves into why incoming freshmen are preferring southern schools.
Founder & CEO of FLYR, Alex Mans, joins Cheddar to talk about the current state of the airline industry and how his company is updating technology in the sky.
Spirit Halloween CEO, Steve Silverstein, stops by Cheddar to talk SNL, this year's top costume ideas and why you should watch out for Spirit Christmas. Watch!