Netflix exploring ad options

Netflix – the supreme getaway for TV-binging fanatics – has begun showing trailers at the start of some of its programmes.

Unsurprisingly, the news has been cooking up conspiracy theories across the globe, as people question the motives behind the ad experiment.

However, don’t fear, if you are a loyal Netflix user. The online-streaming service has made clear that the tests were limited to trails for its own original programming.

Trailers will not be seen by all users, Netflix confirmed.

“We are not planning to test or implement third-party advertising on the Netflix service,” it said in a statement.

“For some time, we’ve teased Netflix originals with short trailers after a member finishes watching a show.

“Some members in a limited test now are seeing teases before a show begins. We test hundreds of potential improvements to the service every year. Many never extend beyond that.”

The firm’s chief executive Reed Hastings quashed the rumour mill in a personal Facebook post, in which he wrote: “No advertising coming on to Netflix. Period.”

Phew.