Is Netflix and Microsoft Partnership Uncertain? What does this mean for Digital Marketers?
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The Anwer is Yes, The Partnership Is Very Uncertain
In recent news, there has been much buzz about Netflix exploring different directions for its advertising business, even after announcing its ad-supported tier less than six months ago. Specifically, the company is considering building or purchasing its own advertising technology after its contract with ad tech partner Microsoft expires in 2024. This has led many to as the question: ‘Is Netflix and MicrosoftPartnership Uncertain?
 A Brief History of Netflix and Microsoft
A Short Honeymoon
It is worth noting that Netflix was historically averse to advertising but decided to spin up an ad-supported tier last year to appease investors upset about its first-ever subscriber loss. While the fast turnaround was impressive, a rushed launch led to some early bumps in the road. With a self-set deadline of less than a year and Disney launching a similar tier, Netflix’s lack of ad tech
experience and research meant that the company had to seek out a partner rather than build out the technology itself, hence its partnership with Microsoft.
Some Major Setbacks
However, Netflix significantly under-delivered on its first viewership guarantees to advertisers and saw poor adoption of the ad-supported tier in its first quarter. This slower-than-expected start seems to have triggered some long-term doubts. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos highlighted growing pains with the ad-supported tier during the company’s January earnings call and said that there are significant delivery and measurement improvements to be made. With its advertising inexperience laid bare, the company is reportedly working with consultants to receive advice on how delivery and measurement should be handled.
The swing and miss with early advertisers looked especially concerning given the Netflix was reportedly charging record-high CPMs. Initial reports put CPMs at $65, but Netflix quickly denied that figure before the tier’s launch. Working from behind, Netflix and Microsoft’s partnership was a perfect match, and
Netflix has made it clear that advertising is a pillar of the company’s future.
The Microsoft and Netflix Partnership – The Deal Breaker
Though it would have taken long and been costly, developing an ad-supported tier would mean keeping money circulating in-house rather than negotiating a deal with an outside technology company like Microsoft. Netflix’s current decision to question its advertising choices may not help the common criticism that the company is too quick to make snap decisions, be it canceling popular shows or
abandoning initiatives shortly after launch.
Furthermore, it threatens to damage the company’s relationship with Microsoft, which may not be eager to renew a deal with a nervous partner, leaving Netflix out in the cold if it can’t develop its ad tech in time. If Netflix really does want to tough it out in the advertising world on its own, it has to act fast, either by
beginning development on ad tech immediately or by looking to acquire an ad tech company it can build off of, as Microsoft did with Xandr. However, a big acquisition may be unlikely in today’s high-interest environment.
 Final Thoughts- Netflix AdvertisingÂ
In conclusion, Netflix’s exploration of different directions for its advertising business may have significant implications for the future of the company. If it decides to develop its ad tech or acquire an ad tech company, it will need to act quickly to maintain its position in the advertising world. However, any
decision it makes will need to be carefully considered to avoid further criticism for making snap decisions or abandoning initiatives shortly after launch.