Netflix has a hidden 'preview club' that's free to join for members who meet two criteria
Let's be honest, being told you're part of an exclusive club is a pretty big win. From getting that VIP treatment to being in on a secret, it feels great to know you're getting something a little extra.
Well, what about being part of a special Netflix 'preview club' which lets you watch the latest big releases ahead of everyone else? It all sounds great, but as usual, of course, there's a catch.
It might be free to join, but you need hit two key criteria...
What is the Netflix Preview Club?
Netflix's Preview Club takes you behind the scenes of the streaming giant to give you a first look at what's on the way. Whether it be grabbing the final season of Stranger Things ahead of schedule or checking out Kaos (RIP to season 2) before everyone else, it sounds like a pretty good deal.
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Explaining the club, Netflix says: "Each screening involves watching a movie or an episode of a TV show, followed by a 10 to 20-minute survey, Depending on the TV show or movie runtime, it could take anywhere from 40 minutes to about three and a half hours."
You're encouraged to reveal what you did or didn't like about the content - hopefully helping Netflix build a bigger and better platform. We know there have been grumbles about the price of our Netflix subscriptions going through the roof, so it's nice to get something back.
How do you join the Netflix Preview Club?
If something sounds too good to be true, chances are, it probably is.
The Netflix Preview Club isn't a con, but unfortunately, it's not for us all. While waving a gold American Express card in someone's face won't gain you entry, we've got the inside track on how you can hopefully skip the queue and get straight to the front.
According to Netflix, there are two terms of entry for its elusive Preview Club. Although there's no cost to join, Netflix will judge you based on your viewing behaviour (sounds sus) and how long you've been a Netflix member.
This one is 'invitation only', and once you're invited, you'll have to fill in a questionnaire on your preferences. The lucky few will then be invited to screenings a few days before they're supposed to happen.
"Screenings are usually open for a few days and we usually try to have them open on weekends," says Netflix, meaning you should have plenty of time to plan your selective screenings.
Don't expect to become a full-time movie critic, though, as Netflix says there will be a 'few' screenings a year: "How many you get depends on factors like our screening schedule, the target audience for the TV show or movie, and your participation in past screenings."
Still, given the chance to flash our new (virtual) Netflix Preview Club VIP card in your neighbour's face should take a bit of the sting out of the latest price hike.