Live voting comes toStar Search
Netflix announced the change in a press release on Tuesday, and also revealed the first show to officially run with real-time voting:Star Search. Netflix is bringing back theAmerican Idolprecursor tonight at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT), and will allow viewers to choose which contestant they like best alongside "millions of others."
Netflix says it first tested the feature with the showDinner Time Live with David Chang, and "learned firsthand how members appreciated the seamless and integrated ways they could participate in the series." I don't think you need a focus group to know that people like sharing their opinions on things, but then, I'm not a Netflix exec.
The company clarified in its press release that only live events will work with real-time voting. If you watch a show after it airs, you won't be able to cast your vote—which, obviously, makes sense. The show doesn't really need to know who you'd pick as a winner after the winner has already been chosen—though Netflix could always use the extra user data, I'm sure.
Star Searchis the only show at this time that supports this feature, but Netflix says more real-time voting shows are on the way.
How to vote in live Netflix events
Netflix says that when you watch a live event, you'll be able to vote when watching on TV or a streaming device. Youwon'tbe able to vote if you're watching in a web browser, nor will you be able to vote if you rewind, pause, or tune-in late.
When you join a live program, make sure you do so on a smart TV, supported streaming device (such as Apple TV, Fire TV, or Roku), or the Netflix mobile app. If you want to watch in a web browser, you can still vote on your phone at the same time.
Netflix will prompt you when it's time to vote. You'll see a 1–5 star rating appear on the screen. Click on tap on the star level you want for each performer. Note that each profile only has one chance to vote per performance, so you can't issue another vote after you cast one—you'll just need to wait until the next performance.
