AI Marketing Strategies | NYC

Register by Jan 13 to save on passes and connect with marketers from Uber, Bose and more

SECURE SEAT

Netflix recreates the video rental store experience in VR

In a dash of irony, Netflix, which arguably wiped Blockbuster off the face of the Earth, is coming full circle and recreating the video rental experience in virtual reality.

Introducing “Netflix Zone,” a virtual imitation of a Blockbuster-like video rental store, but instead of browsing through a ratty old selection, current movies and Netflix shows are available to instantly stream instead. The user simply has to pick the item up in VR and throw it at the wall.

The demonstration was produced as part of the company’s frequent Hack Days, where its employees hack together solutions and gimmicks, some of which go viral, such as the Netflix and Chill button.

While triggering a millennial’s thirst for nostalgia is in vogue, it’s unlikely the idea will be released publicly. “As always, while we think these hacks are very cool and fun, they may never become part of the Netflix product, internal infrastructure, or otherwise be used beyond Hack Day. We are posting them here publicly to simply share the spirit of the event and our culture of innovation,” Netflix said.

What’s next, Netflix, a linear cable channel?

More in Marketing

Inside the brand and agency scramble for first-party data in the AI era

Brands are moving faster to own first-party data as AI and privacy changes alter the digital advertising landscape.

Walmart Connect takes a play out of the Amazon playbook to make agentic AI the next battleground in retail media

The next retail media war is between Walmart Connect’s Sparky and Amazon’s Rufus, driven by agentic AI and first-party data.

What does media spend look like for 2026? It could be worse — and it might be

Forecasts for 2026 media spend range from 6.6% on the lower end to over 10% but the primary beneficiaries will be commerce, social and search.