In another first for Netflix, the video streaming platform is now offering access to the first episode of its new action series Bard Of Blood to non-members in India for a limited time. The episode is available through the Netflix homepage and can be viewed on a desktop or an Android mobile device.
It is possible that the platform may offer other show episodes as well for free in the future. This is an attempt to attract more Indian users to its platform, and eventually making them pay, which has been easier said than done till now.
Netflix is under a lot of pressure considering it’s facing a slump currently in the global markets and is up against stiff competition in India as well.
Android mobile users will need to provide an email ID to Netflix where a link will be sent to them to watch the episode. This service allows non-subscription users to have access to one episode and then in order to see the next episode, they need to pay.
Netflix is hoping that this way a viewer will get hooked to the story and would want access to other episodes.
However, Netflix is not offering this option for iOS users as of now.
And just so you know, Netflix also offers a 30-day trial period to all users however the above strategy is being looked at as a more story-driven one to tap into users looking to binge on content for a long period.
A similar strategy of offering free content was adopted by ALTBalaji, a service by Balaji Telefilms, which allowed users to watch three episodes of a series for free and then demanded payment for extra content. Now, the company is offering just one episode without charging them.
Netflix has also launched a Rs 199 per month mobile subscription plan for users in India which is its cheapest subscription plan globally. Despite that, it is still more than what other OTT platforms are asking for in the country.
With heavy competition from the likes of Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video growing, and the upcoming Disney+ and Apple TV+ to join the ranks, Netflix might have to look beyond free content to attract more viewers.
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