Using Machine Learning to Improve Streaming Quality at Netflix

One of the common questions we get asked is: "Why do we need machine learning to improve streaming quality?" This is a really important question, especially given the recent hype around machine learning and AI which can lead to instances where we have a "solution in search of a problem." In this blog post, we describe some of the technical challenges we face for video streaming at Netflix and how statistical models and machine learning techniques can help overcome these challenges. Well over half of those members live outside the United States, where there is a great opportunity to grow and bring Netflix to more consumers. Providing a quality streaming experience for this global audience is an immense technical challenge.