Netflix Research and Development Expenses

The chart above displays the research and development expenses of Netflix Inc, the leading online streaming platform from 2014 to 2022. In 2022, the streaming giant spent $2,711 million on research and development compared to $2,274 million in 2021. Netflix has experienced growth in its subscriber base and net revenue in 2022 compared to the prior year.

Netflix Research and Development Expenses 2014-2022

Amounts are in $million.

YEARR&D Expenses ($MN)
2022$2,711
2021$2,273.89
2020$1,829.6
2019$1,545.149
2018$1,218
2017$ 981.3
2016$ 768.3
2015$ 570
2014$ 398.2

2021: The research and development expenses of Netflix (classified as technology and development expenses in its annual report) were 24% higher in 2021 compared to the previous year. Netflix spent $2,273.9 million on research and development in 2021 compared to $1,829.6 million in 2020. The company experienced strong growth in net revenues in 2021.

Netflix spent $1,829.6 million on research and development in 2020 compared to $1,545.15 million in 2019.

The research and development expenses of Netflix grew to $1,545 million in 2019 from $1,218 milllion in 2018. The research and development expenses of Netflix mainly include the payroll and related costs incurred in making improvements to its service offerings.

About Netflix:

Netflix is the world’s leading subscription streaming entertainment service with more than 230 million paid subscribers as of 2022. User across 190 countries enjoy TV series, documentaries and feature films offered by Netflix in a wide variety of genres and several languages. The company was founded in 1997. However, it launched its streaming services in 2007. Previously, the company operated its business as three different segments – Netflix US Streaming, Netflix International Streaming and DVD. However, starting 2019, Netflix operates its global business as one segment. The headquarters of Netflix are located at Los Gatos, California, United States. The company employed 11,300 people as of the end of 2021 across 60 countries worldwide.