Video-on-Demand Research: New Methods, Old Questions

Abstract

Internet video-on-demand (VoD) services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and iPlayer have been with us for almost two decades. A tremendous amount of research has been produced, addressing diverse topics including VoD catalogs, content, interfaces, curation, users, and governance–but there has been surprisingly little reflection on the methods used to study VoD services. In such a context, how might we speak of methodological innovation in VoD research? This article examines the existing landscape of VoD research and how it has changed over time. Emerging approaches such as AI-enabled content analysis and data donations are located in relation to established methods, and recurrent problems of knowledge are identified.