*By Conor White* Netflix's newest feature may only be in the testing phase, but it's causing an uproar on social media. The streaming giant will insert "recommendations" between episodes of shows, and many critics argue these suggestions are [just commercials](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/20/business/media/netflix-commercials-videos-ads.html) by another name. Users complained over the weekend that promotional videos ー which can last up to 20 seconds ー were interrupting their viewing time, and some even threatened to cancel their subscriptions. Austin Powell, managing editor at the Daily Dot, said it's a "bad look" for Netflix. "I just want the content, I just want my show," he said Monday in an interview on Cheddar. "It's a regressive move, and I think it's indicative of a lot of other issues." Netflix posted [less-than-stellar](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2018-07-16/netflix-troubles-may-have-ripple-effects-research-affiliates-ceo-says-video) second-quarter numbers in July, with new subscriber tallies [falling short](http://fortune.com/2018/07/16/netflix-stock-drops/) of expectations. With more than 80 original series slated for release this year, Powell said this may be an act of desperation for Netflix. "They just don't know how to market all of that content," he said. "There's literally too much for them to work with and for you to know what to watch, and so they're having to really force this onto the user in a way that's not really that pleasant." While Netflix seems to believe viewers are having trouble discovering new content, Powell said it's a simple matter of quality, not quantity. "To me, the real issue here is content. Netflix in 2018 hasn't had a breakout hit like 'Stranger Things' or 'Making A Murderer' and they're just trying to force this." Still, investors seem to be shrugging off user backlash ー shares of Netflix ended a six-day losing streak and were up more than 3 percent on Monday. For full interview, [click here] (https://cheddar.com/videos/new-on-netflix-commercials).

Share:
More In Technology
Truly You! Character Creator Shows Diversity in Children's Toys
When it comes to diversity in children's toys, we have come a long way as a society but we still have a ways to go. One group of students decided to take matters into their own hands. Truly You! Character Creator is a fashion illustration activity set made for youth by youth. Lindsay Buckingham, one of the toy’s creators, sat down with Cheddar News to talk all about it.
Apple Made Some Edits to iMessage for WWDC 2022
Apple revealed its plans for new IOS software, products, and more at its Worldwide Developers Conference. However, new features added to iMessage, including options to delete and edit already sent text messages, stole the show.
What New Meta COO Javier Olivan Brings With Sandberg Stepping Down
Meta's announcement that COO Sheryl Sandberg will be stepping down from her role after 14 years with the company has left investors wondering about the tech giant's future. Doug Astrop, a managing partner at Exponential Investment Partners (an investor in Meta), joined Cheddar News to discuss what the personnel change to Javier Olivan means for investors and the future of the Meta. "They are bringing somebody up who's been there a long time, who has been the chief revenue officer, and so I don't think it means major changes," he said. "but symbolically it's important and significant."
Unlocking the Potential of Edge Computing
Vinay Ravuri, Founder and CEO at EdgeQ, breaks down an all-new solution to unlock the full potential of edge computing and create a hyper-connected world; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'Work in Progress.'
Creating a Hyper-Connected World
Vinay Ravuri, Founder and CEO at EdgeQ, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss an all-new solution to unlock the full potential of edge computing and create a hyper-connected world.
Load More