Should Netflix invest in user-generated short-form content?

To answer this, I first need to determine the primary business goal. If the aim is acquiring Gen Z users who are currently disengaged, short-form content offers a low-friction entry point. However, Netflix's moat is its library of high-quality, binge-worthy narratives. Introducing UGC risks confusing the user experience and diluting the premium brand perception that justifies our subscription price. I propose a cautious, phased approach rather than a full-scale launch. We could start by testing a 'Community Shorts' feature within existing movie pages, allowing fans to share clips or reactions tied to licensed content. This leverages our IP without creating a generic social feed that competes directly with TikTok or Instagram Reels. We must measure success not just by views, but by downstream impact. The critical metric would be the conversion rate: does watching a short clip increase the likelihood of a user starting a full season? If we find that UGC drives discovery of our catalog without cannibalizing watch time on original series, we scale. Otherwise, the risk of becoming a 'content aggregator' rather than a 'premium studio' outweighs the potential engagement gains. My recommendation is to run a controlled beta limited to one region, focusing strictly on fan-created content around our top 10 titles before considering a global rollout.