We are in the era of streaming. With binge-worthy shows and sports events, millions of people are keeping their eyes glued to the screen. But with so many potlucks where everyone has their own favourite dish, how can streaming services retain their viewers?
The answer is data.
By using data, streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have been quietly peeking into our lives: what we like, how we watch, and what makes us stop watching. They then go ahead to make a unique user experience that keeps us searching for more.
Let’s understand how to do this on our own.
- Understand Viewer Behaviour
Collecting the right data here is the first step. Every time a user plays, stops, pauses, rewinds or changes to another video – that’s yet another data point. The streaming services can develop detailed viewers’ profiles by tracking the following:
- Watch time
- Completion rates
- Time of day
- Device usage
For instance, if viewers are always dropping off a show after episode 3, it means something is not working, like the story is slow or the pacing is off.
Strategy:
Use and understand heat maps and drop-off analysis to get an idea of where a viewer’s attention drops. It then allows content creators’ leverage it – when those stats indicate pacing, re-editing episodes or adjusting scripts.
- Personalize Recommendations
Netflix has stated that 80% of the minutes streamed are from personalized recommendations. Instead of allowing users to scroll endlessly, the data-driven algorithm provides recommendations based on user choices.
Strategy:
Recommend content through machine learning models. Keep it simple. When a user watches more thrillers, you show more thrillers. Gradually improve the model including possibly factoring other variables such as actors, themes, language and user ratings.
Tip: Include a “Because You Watched” section or smartly categorise genres—for example, “Short 30-Minute Comedies” or “Weekend Binge Picks.”
- Optimize Content Production
Streaming services don’t just use data to recommend content—they also use it to decide what to create. Netflix’s hit series, ‘House of Cards’ was greenlit after data showed strong interest in political dramas of Kevin Spacey and director David Fincher.
Strategy:
Use genre trends, demographic structures, user sentiments, etc., as well as contract content investments. Data will tell you about what the demands of various demographics are, which geography has more viewers, preferred content form (shorts, documentaries, or extended series), etc.
- Improve User Experience (UX)
Annoying experiences like buffering, slow load times or bad design can let the users down. However, data streaming platforms can pick up on issues in real time.
Strategy:
Maintain user pathways in real-time to identify blocking points by technology. Then A/B test users on features like design, auto play or thumbnails. Change thumbnails tested fast among Netflix’s viewers who noticed a 20% jump in their recommendations when switching thumbnails.
- Drive Notifications Engaging the Audience
Smart moods in time might change that one deserted viewer back into an engaged one. For instance, consider a simple “New episode now streaming” to reactivate a lapsed viewer.
Strategy:
Let your behavioural data structure to send personalized alerts. If someone usually watches on Friday nights, time your notifications accordingly. Avoid spamming with generic messages but make them feel like they’re tailor-made.
Conclusion
Content comes with so much responsibility in the streaming world, however, data really turns it into a powerhouse on the throne. With the right analytics, streaming platforms can:
- Make better content
- Create a stronger personal bond with users
- Personalize every moment of viewing, and
- Encourage audience to keep them coming back
It is not about spying but about listening to your audience’s feelings coming through without even a word from them. Because at the end of the day, it is how one can remain relevant.
Various leading organizations have proven that when you integrate data and systems into a robust analytics strategy, it is possible to transform your business and gain a huge competitive advantage, boost profitability, and maximize shareholder value. At CRG Solutions, we partner with our customers to solve complex business challenges by bringing the right balance of consulting, technology and services. We help you build a comprehensive analytics strategy right from data to visualization. Contact CRG Solutions today!
Recent Posts
How AI Is Transforming Jira Service Management by Atlassian
The rapid growth of Jira Service Management (JSM) by Atlassian depends on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as its main aspect and driving force. The implementation of AI technology within JSM enables this platform to expand beyond basic ticketing functions into smarter...
Why Enterprises Are Switching to Jira Service Management by Atlassian
Modern organizations face the challenge of increasing the speed service delivery while maintaining the quality and operational efficiency and collaboration across IT teams, operations and business departments. Today’s teams overtake traditional IT Service Management (ITSM) tools because these tools have...
Unlocking Viewer Loyalty: How Micro-Segmentation Transforms Streaming Engagement
Streaming is a growing consumer market with stiff brand competition, but with the decreasing attention span among customers, viewership hours work as currency and a constraint. With streaming platforms competing amongst themselves for viewership and having loyal users is as...
Leave a Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.