Netflix dangles carrot of free content in bid to win more subscribers

Streaming platform gives away films and first episodes of popular series such as Stranger Things as competition from the likes of Disney+ and Apple TV+ mounts

'Stranger Things' is one of the shows where first episodes are being offered for free by Netflix on personal computers and Android devices. Courtesy Netflix

Netflix is offering 10 of its movies and shows for free, including hits like Stranger Things and Bird Box, stepping up its marketing of the streaming service in an increasingly saturated industry.

The company posted a list of titles on its website that non-subscribers can see without logging in or signing up for a trial. Viewers can watch movies in their entirety, but only the first episode of a show like “Stranger Things” is available free.

It’s not uncommon for services to offer free samples, and Netflix has tried a variety of promotions over the years. But it’s facing a more crowded market than ever – with Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max and Peacock all debuting within the past year.

For now, the competition hasn’t hampered Netflix’s expansion. In fact, pandemic-fuelled lockdowns supercharged growth in the first two quarters of the year. But in July the company gave a disappointing forecast for the third quarter, jarring investors.

The free promotion is limited. Though it offers some of the service's best-known shows and movies, including Love Is Blind, When They See Us and The Two Popes, the preview only works on personal computers or an Android device.