Netflix & Zillow, What Do They Have In Common?

In today's digital age, where every online platform is competing for your attention, even the smallest design choices can have a significant impact on user engagement. One such example is the use of thumbnail images to represent movies on streaming services like Netflix, a second example is properties on real estate websites like Zillow.

Netflix uses an algorithm to cycle the thumbnail images for their movie titles based on what you watch. This is done to increase the likelihood of you clicking on the title and watching it. By showing you a thumbnail that is relevant to your viewing history, Netflix is attempting to personalize your experience and increase your engagement with their platform.

Similarly, cycling the primary photo on a real estate website like Zillow can have a similar effect. The primary photo is the first image that a user sees when they click on a property listing, and it's crucial in capturing their attention and getting them to explore further.

By cycling the primary photo, real estate agents can showcase different aspects of the property and highlight its most appealing features. This can increase the likelihood of the user scheduling a viewing or reaching out to the agent for more information. Brett and Jody Boettge create nine primary photos for each listing, monitoring the performance of each and making adjustments over time to keep the attention of a very fickle audience. With each listing, having a daylight and twilight photo is a great way to keep the listing fresh with your audience. Take a look at the interactive slider at the end of this article featuring a daylight and twilight primary photo for 50 Admiral's Ct, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418.

In both cases, cycling the thumbnail image or primary photo is an effective way to personalize the user experience and increase engagement. By showing users what they want to see, the platform can keep them coming back for more, whether that's watching movies on Netflix or browsing properties on Zillow.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more sophisticated algorithms and design choices aimed at personalizing the user experience and increasing engagement. Whether you're a content provider or a real estate agent, it's essential to stay on top of these trends to ensure that you're maximizing the potential of your platform.