Reed Hastings Vows ‘No Advertising Coming onto Netflix’

LOS GATOS: Netflix CEO Reed Hastings took to Facebook to shoot down speculation that the streaming service may begin running third-party advertising during its programs.

Last week, a small set of users began to see pre- and post-roll ads on Netflix. These have been limited to trailers for Netflix original series. Nevertheless, social media ignited with complaints about the potential of advertising coming to the service.

In response, Hastings has posted on his Facebook page a message to calm the speculation: "No advertising coming onto Netflix. Period. Just adding relevant cool trailers for other Netflix content you are likely to love." The post came with an image of a dollar sign.

In a statement to World Screen Newsflash, Netflix said: "We are not planning to test or implement advertising on the Netflix service. For some time, we've teased Netflix originals with short trailers after a member finishes watching a show. Some members in a limited test now are seeing teases before a show begins. We test hundreds of potential improvements to the service every year. Many never extend beyond that."