Netflix is one of the largest video streaming platforms in the world, known for its original movies, shows, and documentaries. The company is a subscription-based service where customers must pay monthly fees to access the content. The company was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in southern California. It currently operates out of Los Gatos. It employs over 12,000 people with revenue exceeding $25 billion a year. Netflix is regarded as the pioneer of online subscription entertainment streaming, which has grown as an industry. The service is available across the world except in some countries such as China or Russia.
Netflix is one of the most subscribed streaming platforms with over 200 million subscribers worldwide, including at least 70 million in the United States and millions more in Canada, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Netflix is a member of the Motion Picture Assocation and funded many independent films. Some of its premiere original content includes "House of Cards," "Stranger Things," "Peaky Blinder," "The Crown," and "Black Mirror." The company's original films have also received 16 awards in 11 categories and over 10- nominations across 24 categories.
Initially, Netflix was a DVD rental by mail, and its main competitor was Blockbuster. However, by 2007 the company launched its streaming media service and soon expanded to hundreds of different countries and regions, while Blockbuster went out of business a few years later. The platform now features thousands of movies and shows in 4k resolution via computers, smartphones, video game consoles, and television.
Netflix is ranked on the Fortune 500 list and Forbes Global 2000. It completely changed the streaming industry and now faces new competitors, including Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Paramount Plus. The company stock is listed on the NASDAQ and has offices all over the world.
