Netflix uses data for a lot more than just recommendations

Netflix is famous for the way it uses algorithms to determine what programs or movies its members might want to watch, but data plays a much broader role inside the company’s streaming service than just informing recommendations.

In a blog post, the company explained how it analyzes data to do everything from optimizing playback quality to identifying poorly translated subtitles. The post, written by Netflix ‎director of streaming science and algorithms Nirmal Govind, highlights several areas in which better algorithms could improve the Netflix experience, focusing largely on how to ensure the best-possible playback in any given situation --, at least, how to ensure users are getting the playback quality they expect.

However, the most interesting use of data Govind discussed might be how Netflix is using natural-language processing and text analysis to improve the actual quality of the movies and shows it streams.