New York: Netflix has signed up to the TV ratings agency Barb, which means its audiences will be measured by an external, independent body for the first time.
The move makes Barb the first industry-owned ratings service in the world that Netflix has joined.
Previously, the streaming giant has only released snapshots of its viewing data, highlighting the success of its most popular shows.
Barb will begin reporting Netflix’s viewing figures from November.
It is a significant move for the streamer, and will see the data being used by advertisers, competitors and journalists to ascertain the success or failure of Netflix properties.
Barb, which stands for Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board, compiles audience measurement and TV ratings in the UK.
The agency will report Netflix’s ratings in the same way it reports viewing for more than 300 other subscribing broadcast channels.
The networks currently covered by Barb include mainstream services such as the BBC and ITV to smaller channels such as Dave and E4.
The news comes as Netflix reportedly prepares to launch an ad-supported tier for its streaming platform.
