Netflix Wants Half Its Library To Be Original Content

There are basically two ways Netflix can get streaming content: it can either license TV shows and movies, or it can make its own original stuff. The company would like that balance to be an even split, with one executive saying Netflix is working toward the goal of having half its library be original content over the next few years.

“We’ve been on a multiyear transition and evolution toward more of our own content,” said Netflix Chief Financial Officer David Wells, speaking at Goldman Sachs’ Communacopia conference Tuesday, as reported by Variety.

Netflix’s content chief Ted Sarandos said in January that the company would launch 600 hours of original programming by the end of 2016, an increase from the 450 hours it offered in 2015, Variety notes. Next year, Netflix will spend about $6 billion on content, up from the $5 billion this year.

And by “original content,” Wells clarifies that TV series and movies will still include content owned and produced entirely by Netflix, as well as programming it co-produces and content acquisitions.

Speaking of Netflix programming, the company released its latest information about which episodes of popular TV series — both its own content as well as licensed shows — hook people:

netflixhooke

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.