Netflix kills off its reviews section: Firm says written feedback has been axed due to 'declining usage'

• Netflix emailed users who wrote review in last year informing them of shutdown
• Streaming firm shut down ability to write reviews on its website by July 30 
• Written reviews were only available on desktop website, and use was declining

Last year, Netflix killed off its star-rating system in favor of a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down.

Now, written reviews have got the axe, too.

The firm sent out an email to users who have written a review on its desktop platform in the last year, informing them that the feature will disappear at the end of the month - and made good on its promise today.

 Last year, Netflix killed off its star-rating system in favor of a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Now, written reviews are getting the axe, too. The firm will shut down its website-only reviews by July 30. File photo

Under the question 'How do I post reviews on Netflix?,' the service's Help Center now says: 'Netflix customers were able to leave reviews on Netflix.com until mid-2018, when reviews were removed due to declining use. 

'To learn how Netflix suggests TV shows and movies we think you'll love, visit our Ratings & Recommendations article.'   

For most users, the move won't change much about the Netflix experience. Reviews were only available on the website, as opposed to the Netflix app.

And, it appears people weren't using them much, anyway.

Netflix notified users of the change in an email which stated: 'You contributed a review on Netflix within the last year. We wanted to let you know that this feature will be retired on July 30th due to declining usage,' according to Gizmodo.

'We appreciate you taking time to write a review. All of your reviews will be available at Netflix.com/reviews through July 30th,' the email continued.

Removing the written reviews won't affect your recommendations, the firm says, and the now-familiar thumbs up/down options and match percentage will remain as they are.

The firm sent out an email to users who have written a review on its desktop platform in the last year, informing them that the feature will disappear at the end of the month. Written reviews were not available on its apps. File photo

WHY DID NETFLIX PREVIOUSLY HIKES IT PRICES?

In October 2017, Netflix shocked UK users when it sent an email informing them of a price increase that raised users' monthly cost as much as 10 per cent.

Netflix began charging £7.99 ($11 in the US) per month instead of £7.49 ($10 in the US) for a plan that includes HD and allows people to simultaneously watch programs on two different devices.

The price for a plan that includes ultra-high definition, or 4K, video, and allows users to watch simultaneously on four different devices, went up to £9.99 ($14 in the US) from £8.99 ($12 in the US) a month, an increase of 10 per cent.

A plan that limits subscribers to one screen at a time without high-definition remained at £5.99 ($8 in the US) a month.Earlier this week, it was revealed that Nextlix is testing a new subscription that would provide HDR (High Dynamic Range) quality streaming for double the regular price.

The 'Ultra' tier could sit anywhere between €16.99 (£15 / $20) and €19.99 (£18 / $23); according to recent reports, the firm has been testing different pricing options across Europe to get an idea of customer response.

Currently, Netflix offers three plans: Basic £5.99 ($7.99), Standard £7.99 ($10.99) and Premium £9.99 ($13.99).