Highlights
- Netflix is developing tech to create personalised trailers based on your viewing habits, highlighting actors, genres, or scenes you prefer.
- This personalisation could extend to TV shows, audiobooks, and full-length films, tailoring previews and content to individual tastes.
- Netflix may revive interactive storytelling, using machine learning to offer story paths that align with your preferences.
Caption – Netflix is reportedly working on showing customised trailers for the same show. (Photo by Thibault Penin on Unsplash)
Netflix could be taking personalisation to a whole new level. The streaming giant is reportedly working on technology that not only suggests what you should watch but also customises how you watch it, starting with the trailers. Here’s what we know so far.
Netflix Custom Trailers Based on Preference
According to a new patent issued in December 2024, Netflix is developing a method to create different trailers for the same movie, tailored to individual users. That means what you see in a trailer could vary depending on your viewing habits.
In a statement to Business Insider, Netflix explained, “The trailer may highlight movie clips that showcase an actor or actress that the user has shown an interest in, or may highlight certain segments that show the genre or some of the comedic moments of the movie.”
So if you usually watch romantic comedies, your trailer for a new film might focus more on its light-hearted or love-story moments, while someone who enjoys action could see fight scenes or dramatic sequences instead.
The patent doesn’t stop at movies. It also mentions the potential to apply this tech to full-length films, TV shows, audiobooks, and even trailers for those formats.
Interactive Content Could Make a Comeback
Netflix also filed another patent in February that hints at a return to interactive content, similar to what we saw in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Kimmy vs the Reverend.
The twist this time is that Machine learning would help shape the story options based on your profile. So, instead of fixed choices, you might get options that feel more in tune with your taste.
For example, someone who often watches romantic content could be offered romance-themed paths in an interactive film.
While Netflix had removed all interactive titles from its platform by May due to declining interest, these patents suggest the company might be gearing up to bring them back, but smarter and more personalised than before.
FAQS
Q1. What is Netflix’s new approach to trailers?
Answer. Netflix is developing a method to create different trailers for the same movie, tailored to individual users based on their viewing habits and preferences.
Q2. How will the Netflix personalised trailers work?
Answer. The trailer may highlight movie clips that showcase an actor or actress the user likes, or emphasise genres or comedic moments the user typically enjoys.
Q3. Is Netflix bringing back interactive content?
Answer. Yes, Netflix filed a patent suggesting a return to interactive content, where machine learning would shape story options based on your profile and preferences.
Also Read: Netflix is getting a major makeover in years: Here’s what’s changing