Netflix has a secret club where you watch shows and movies before everyone else – and there are only two ways to qualify
YOUR Netflix subscription gets you loads of TV shows and movies – but there’s a secret club with even more perks.
It’s called the Netflix Preview Club, and it’s a special type of membership that gets you early access to upcoming content.
Once you’re in, you can watch TV shows and movies before they’re released to the general public.
And you’ll even be asked what you did and didn’t like about it – so it can be changed before it goes out on Netflix proper.
“Each screening involves watching a movie or an episode of a TV show, followed by a 10 to 20-minute survey,” Netflix explains.
“Depending on the TV show or movie runtime, it could take anywhere from 40 minutes to about three and a half hours.”
It’s an invitation-only club, and there are two ways to qualify.
HOW DOES NETFLIX PREVIEW CLUB WORK?
Once you’re into the Netflix Preview Club, you’ll have to answer an email questionnaire about your viewing preferences.
You’ll then receive invitations to scheduled screenings via email.
Usually these invitations will come a few days before the screening is available.
Netflix this advance notice is for “allowing you time to plan”.
“Screenings are usually open for a few days and we usually try to have them open on weekends,” Netflix said.
You’ll then get another email when the screening is available to watch on Netflix.
This will include a unique PIN and instructions for accessing the screening.
You’ll then have roughly four days to watch the screening and complete a survey.
Netflix says these surveys typically take between 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
NETFLIX CLUB INSIDERS REVEAL WHAT IT'S LIKE
Here are some comments from Reddit users in 2024 who say they received the special invitation..
Secret Member #1
“I did this last year. Watched about seven movies. Including some amazing ones that were not released yet, and some Oscar nominees. Also was invited to a small focus group to discuss the films. Pretty cool stuff. Some of the movies come out and it’s funny that I have watched over a year ago.”
Secret Member #2
“I was invited last year. I was sent a total of three movies, but I haven’t received anything in almost a year. The last movie I received was either last March or April. I’m not even sure if I’m still a part of it. When I contacted Netflix, they told me that if I was invited then I am still in it, but it doesn’t seem like I am. I checked my email often, so I’m not sure. I think it’s a cool concept though and I enjoyed it while I was getting things sent to me.”
Secret Member #3
“I don’t even remember signing up for it and got the PIN today. I probably did, but when I have no memory of this. I am on a similar one for Disney+ and you sign the NDA before you start any surveys.”
Secret Member #4
“I’ve done it a couple times so far. It’s super interesting seeing things before their final edit.”
There’s also a chance you get invited to an optional focus group to chat about the TV show or movie with other Netflix Preview Club members and a moderator.
Netflix says you can expect a few invitations a year – but it might be more or less.
“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,” Netflix explained.
Movies and shows that you watch might be in a very unfinished state.
In fact, Netflix says that you might notice:
- Unfinished sound or visual effects
- Green screens or stunt cables
- No music in some scenes
- Missing subtitles
Your feedback will be shared with the creators of the TV show or movie.
And Netflix says that past feedback has led to swapped scenes, edited visuals, and even re-shoots for entire sequences.
It’s super interesting seeing things before their final edit.
Netflix Preview Club member
HOW TO JOIN NETFLIX PREVIEW CLUB
So how do you get in?
Netflix says it’s an “invite-only opportunity” offered to members – and there’s no cost to join.
You’ll be pre-selected based on two criteria:
- Your viewing behaviour
- How long you’ve been a Netflix member
BONUS WAY TO WATCH
Netflix says that there's a third way to watch preview content...
“While the primary account owner needs to join Netflix Preview Club, screenings can be enjoyed by everyone you live with,” Netflix explains.
“Regardless of their age (just remember that everyone who watches must keep the information confidential).
“Each screening invite includes details about the show or movie, like a plot summary and estimated rating, so you can make informed choices about who to watch with.
“Sometimes, we specifically encourage you to watch with certain types of people, such as kids, when we have an animated show or movie available.”
There’s no way to request membership, and there’s no telling exactly how to game the criteria to join.
If you receive an email to join, it will only come from one of the following two addresses:
- noreply@netflixpreviewclub.com
- noreply@members.netflix.com
If a Netflix invitation in your inbox doesn’t come from those email addresses then you’re being scammed.
You may also receive a notification in the Netflix app.
When you follow the invitation link, you’ll be sent to a website hosted by Alida where you’ll be able to complete the joining process.