Netflix & Live Streaming: Reportedly Happening Soon As It Fights For Viewers

Last week, a report from the New York Times quoted insiders as saying that a lower-priced, advertisement-supported tier could come to Netflix as soon as the end of the year.

Now, according to Deadline, the streaming service could be looking to introduce a brand-new live streaming component as it fights to retain subscribers following a huge drop off. 

The site said Netflix had confirmed live streams were in “early stages of development,” and would potentially be used to boost its collection of unscripted reality shows and stand-up specials.

For example, the service could turn to live voting for competition or reality shows in real-time, following the success of titles such as The Circle and Love Is Blind, or encourage interaction during its live comedy event, Netflix Is A Joke.

As per Collider, it could also be used during reunion specials for popular variety shows, like Selling Sunset, rather than a pre-recorded episode that’s aired to the public at a later date. 

However, it was noted that the new feature would be unlikely to cross over into the app’s sports offerings, including the popular Drive To Survive F1 series, and as it’s still “early days” for the roll out, there’s the possibility of a change in direction in the future. 

[via Deadline and Collider, cover image via Raquelsfranca | Dreamstime.com]