Netflix has announced a first-of-its-kind fan experience, “TUDUM: A Netflix Global Fan Event,” which will take place on September 25th. The three-hour special event will be livestreamed on the company’s YouTube channels worldwide, as well as on Twitch and Twitter.
The name “TUMUM,” the streaming giant explains, is “the first beat you hear when you watch a show or movie on Netflix.” The livestream will feature interactive panels with stars and creators from over 70 of the platform’s series, films, and specials, as well as exclusives and sneak peeks at upcoming content. There will also be various pre-shows spotlighting Korean and Indian content.
The goal of the event is to “entertain and honor Netflix fans from across the globe.” Netflix’s top shows, including Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and The Witcher, already have extensive fan bases, and this event will be a way for the streaming company to continue to build and foster community around its platform and content. It is also inviting viewers to co-stream and react to TUDUM on their own Twitch, Facebook, or YouTube channels to expand the event’s reach and get the community involved.
The music industry is no stranger to digital fan experiences, having organized more virtual concerts this year than ever before, and it seems that the film and television industries may be catching on. Netflix has already dipped its toes into other fan experiences, including Stranger Things Roblox games, and if this event goes well, we can expect Netflix — and potentially other streaming platforms — to host similar events in the future as more and more fans are looking to connect with celebrities in a more intimate way online.
Netflix is known for its bingeable content, and it’s often been called out by eventprofs throughout the pandemic as an example of how to create engaging online content. Now, as the streaming giant embarks on its own virtual event, it will be interesting to see how it can leverage its high production budgets to create a top-notch experience.
The company has not indicated whether the recording will be available on-demand following the livestream, but seeing as it’s being streamed on YouTube, it’s a safe bet that it will be saved on the company’s channels after the event.