LOS GATOS, Calif., June 2 (UPI) -- Netflix, famous for its ad-free streaming service, has begun publicly testing pre-roll and post-roll promotions on some subscribers.
Cord Cutter News reported in late May that Netflix customers were seeing what it described as "ads" after their chosen movie or show ended. Now, users report more unexpected promotional spots before and after their shows -- but they are exclusively trailers for Netflix originals only.
Those being affected by the promotional slots are mainly Xbox One users, CCN says. Roku and TiVo users have also reportedly been affected.
A spokesperson from Netflix told the outlet in May that the company is, "always testing new things via the service, many of which never see a rollout." Reports say different ad formats are being tested; some users told CCN that they were able to "skip" trailers, while others were not.
However, the ads are exclusively for Original Netflix content -- not third-party companies from which its competitors like Hulu receive their revenue. "Our policy around ads is unchanged. We have no plans to support third-party ad units," Netflix spokesman Cliff Edwards told Tech Crunch.
In response to Netflix users' speculation about changes in the service's policy, CEO Reed Hastings posted a brief statement: "No advertising coming onto Netflix. Period. Just adding relevant cool trailers for other Netflix content you are likely to love."
No official changes have been made to Netflix as of yet as testing continues.
