Part 4/11:
However, with the current lack of transparency, advertisers are left relying on partial data and educated guesses. This opacity can be detrimental; for example, a platform's claim that a show is “a huge hit” might mask the reality that only a small percentage of subscribers are watching it, which could ultimately make advertising dollars less effective.
The Myth of Success: Spin and Selective Data
The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes how the industry often relies on spin rather than facts. For example, Netflix’s celebrated “Bird Box” claimed 45 million accounts watched it in the first week, but “watched” is a loosely defined term—meaning the viewer saw at least 70% of the movie or a portion of an episode. This doesn’t translate directly into actual viewer engagement or satisfaction.