Netflix is bringing real-time voting to its upcoming live programming on both mobile and television apps. The announcement was made by Netflix’s Chief Technology Officer, Elizabeth Stone, who also teased the arrival of a new show called *Star Search*. This upcoming series is a revival of the popular talent competition from around 20 years ago.
Known for its interactive programming—such as the acclaimed *Black Mirror: Bandersnatch*—Netflix recently removed a significant portion of its interactive content last year. Now, the streaming giant is taking interactivity to a new level with real-time voting during live broadcasts.
### Netflix Introduces Real-Time Voting for Live Shows
During the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 event, Elizabeth Stone revealed that Netflix is set to launch a new interactive feature that enables real-time voting. This innovation aims to boost audience engagement by allowing viewers to cast their votes and influence the outcome of live shows instantly.
Unlike traditional text or online voting seen in many reality competitions, Netflix’s real-time voting tallies votes as the show airs live. Viewers will be able to see results unfold in real time, directly impacting the trajectory of the program. This feature will be accessible on both the mobile and television Netflix apps.
Earlier this August, Netflix piloted this technology with a live cooking show titled *Dinner Time Live with David Chang*, which incorporated audience interaction through live voting.
### Revival of *Star Search* to Feature Interactive Live Voting
Netflix plans to bring the real-time voting feature to the upcoming revival of *Star Search*, set to premiere live on the platform next year. According to Stone, viewers will have the power to decide which contestants advance or get eliminated based on their votes.
She emphasized that *Star Search* is just the beginning of Netflix’s efforts to expand interactive content. Stone shared that Netflix wants to make users feel “like they’re part of the story,” where their actions can influence the storyline and outcomes in real time.
Previously, Netflix has offered immersive and interactive shows, but these were pre-recorded rather than live, such as *Black Mirror: Bandersnatch*. The upcoming live programming initiatives like *Dinner Time Live with David Chang* and *Star Search* mark a new chapter in Netflix’s interactive content strategy.
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With the introduction of real-time voting, Netflix is poised to redefine audience engagement and interactivity in streaming entertainment, blending the excitement of live television with on-demand convenience.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/312394/20251028/netflix-real-time-voting-brings-interactions-live-shows-starting-star-search-revival.htm
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