Netflix makes first episode of ‘Making a Murderer’ show free on YouTube
Netflix has made the first episode of its true crime documentary series ‘Making a Murderer’ free to watch on YouTube, a move that could not only boost subscriber numbers but also pave the way for new distribution channels.
Viewed as the streaming service’s very own ‘Serial’, the show documents the story of Steven Avery who was jailed and later exonerated for rape before being arrested again for murder. It bares similarities to the popular podcast with the first episode following what happens as Avery returns home following his first rape conviction and starts to repair his life.
In an attempt to generate interest (and consequently woo new subscribers), the streaming service is screening the first episode on YouTube for free. It’s a different tact to the tried-and-tested marketing Netflix has previously used, accentuating the growing pressure on the service to recruit customers amid more competition.
Should it prove successful then running free episodes YouTube and other video platforms could be used as a way of getting more Netflix content to more people in future. Maximising reach will be key to swelling its subscriber base that could see it furher diversify its service as well as its content.
Netflix has nearly 69 million customers in over 60 markets worldwide though it's finding it harder to expand in the US since tens of millions of homes already have subscriptions. However, the company’s international business is tempering those concerns (for now) as shown by its ability to hike subscription prices in Europe without it negatively impacting growth.
Movies, talk shows and potentially news and sports are avenues the service is exploring in order to fuel its expansion moving forward.