Netflix's Top 10: a tool for mass manipulation?

Following Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, Prime Video recently introduced its weekly Top 10, so that viewers are aware of the most popular films and series lately. What methodology lies behind these platforms' Top 10 lists? According to the Spanish firm Barlovento Comunicación, these rankings are more of a discovery and influence tool than a true reflection of the platforms' audience. Indeed, Prime Video and others rarely reveal the methodology behind compiling these lists. Netflix remains the most accurate, estimating the number of views based on viewing hours, but these figures are not verified by an external party and are not listed by region. Featured Content: Essential Promotional Tools. Rankings naturally affect viewership, with Top 10 content benefiting from greater exposure, at the very least encouraging curiosity and extending the lifespan of content that remains highly ranked for several weeks. As competition between platforms intensifies, Top 10 lists are becoming essential promotional tools. While they help subscribers discover new content, they also allow for the creation of a hit from scratch, imposing on the public the notion that a particular series is a must-see.