Netflix co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Reed Hastings announced on Jan. 6 during a keynote address at CES 2016 that the world's leading internet television service has expanded to at least 130 more countries, with the exception of China, Crimea, North Korea and Syria where Netflix will have a difficult time branching out.
#netflixeverywhere went live at the same time as the CEO's keynote speech and was accompanied by a huge photo of the locations Netflix is available in. The streaming service also added Arabic, Korean and Simplified and Traditional Chinese to its list of supported languages.
"Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network... With the help of the Internet, we are putting power in consumers' hands to watch whenever, wherever and on whatever device." Hastings said.
Why Not China?
The exception mainly has to do with censorship. As you know, China's government heavily censors content and only after a content passes will consumers be able to have access to it. Likewise, the United States (U.S.) government itself has restrictions put in place which prevents American companies from easily expanding to certain countries.
Is There No Hope For Netflix In China?
That is definitely not the case. Hastings said Netflix is working out a way to become available in China but it cannot give an estimate yet on when that could happen.
"With China, you really want to build relationships first, before you get to the practical parts of building a business... We are very patient. Whether it is 2016, 2017, we'll just keep working on it," Hastings said in a press conference after his keynote.
He also confirmed that Netflix is already in discussion with China's State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) to gain government approval.
Just How Big Is Netflix's Focus On China?
Netflix is actually taking a modest approach with China because it is busy with the sudden and massive expansion.
"We want China, but it's not the center of what we're doing," Hastings said.
Right now, what Netflix wants is to be able to deliver quality content to the more than 130 countries it went live in and address any and every issue new members would bring to its attention. Some may think that the massive expansion is pretty risky on the part of Netflix but Hastings is looking on the bright side and hopes that by having an active discussion with its members, Netflix would get to the mainstream quicker.
"From today onwards, we will listen and we will learn, gradually adding more languages, more content and more ways for people to engage with Netflix," he explained.
What's Next For Netflix?
Since going almost worldwide has been ticked off the list, Netflix is now focused on providing better service as well as streamlining its content. The plan is to invest in more original content targeted to both kids and adults., Some of Netflix's popular original content are "Orange is the New Black," "House of Cards," and the buzz-worthy documentary, "Making a Murderer."
