Things to Do
Things to Do

Netflix is replacing its star ratings with thumbs up and down

ajc.com

Credit: Pascal Le Segretain

Credit: Pascal Le Segretain

By
March 17, 2017

Netflix is out with the old and in with the new because its replacing its star ratings with thumbs up and thumbs down buttons.

»RELATED: VIDEO: How to uncover Netflix’s 76,000 secret categories

The company announced the news this week during a press briefing, revealing that it had tested the new icons in 2016 before making the change official.

Their research showed that the star ratings revealed less about users’ preferences than other icons. While users would rate documentaries with 5 stars and silly films with only 3, subscribers would still watch the less serious flicks more than the documentaries.

»RELATED: Couples on Netflix can’t stop cheating and you’re probably guilty too

“We made ratings less important because the implicit signal of your behavior is more important,” said Todd Yellin, Netflix VP of Product.

The streaming service is also rolling out a new percentage-match feature as an effort to make better film and TV show suggestions for users. Netflix hopes to implement the changes in the next month.

»RECOMMENDED VIDEO: Top movies and TV shows filmed in Georgia in 2016

Explore www.accessatlanta.com

About the Author

Najja Parker is a video and news correspondent for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black culture team. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.

Follow Najja Parker on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Director Matt Moyer's "Inheritance" tells the story of an Ohio family struggling with the legacy of drug abuse and poverty through the experiences of 12-year-old Curtis. (Courtesy of Atlanta Film Festival)

Credit: Atlanta Film Festival

Docs explore families shaped by addiction, secrets and history at Atlanta Film Festival

Directors screening their documentaries at the festival will talk about the films and the future of the medium during a panel discussion on May 2 at Atlanta's Tara Theatre.

Gloria Estefan musical among highlights of Alliance Theatre’s upcoming season

New Gloria Estefan musical {"Basura") and "Fiddler on the Roof" top list of Atlanta Alliance Theatre's upcoming season.

‘Puppy Prov!’ raises aww-wareness and howling laughs at Dad’s Garage

In Dad’s Garage's “Puppy Prov!” improv show, adoptable pups and other four-legged friends of the theater are invited onstage to participate in sketches.

The Latest

"Basura" director Michael Greif poses with composer/lyricist Gloria Estefan. The musical will premiere at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre in 2026. (Michaelah Reynolds/Courtesy of Alliance Theatre)

Credit: (Courtesy of Michaelah Reynolds)

Gloria Estefan musical among highlights of Alliance Theatre’s upcoming season

After 25 years, Silverstein happy to help fans get their ‘screamo’ on

‘Puppy Prov!’ raises aww-wareness and howling laughs at Dad’s Garage

Featured

Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Stacey Abrams considers third run for governor as some Georgia Democrats move on

Once the unquestioned leader of Georgia Democrats, Stacey Abrams now faces an uncertain political future as she considers a third run for governor.

Orange Crush future in limbo after clash between organizer, trademark owner

The Orange Crush beach bash brought tens of thousands of HBCU students to Georgia's coast, but its future is clouded by a dispute between the trademark owner and organizer.

With midterms looming, Georgia fails to make election security upgrades

Election security proposals stalled in the Georgia General Assembly, leaving the same voting technology in place for the 2026 election. Election advocates say they're worried.