A Netflix showrunner reveals how he "hacked" the streaming service's algorithm

The Hollywood Reporter

If you're constantly seeing Netflix recommending Norwegian Viking Comedy Norseman, you have Anders Tangen to blame. Tangen figured out that by spending $18,500 for Facebook ads and targeting big American cities plus states (Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota) with large ethnic Norwegian populations, he'd be able to draw enough interest for Netflix's mysterious algorithm to take notice. His campaign ended up reaching 5.5 million Facebook users and accumulating 2 million video views. "Three weeks after we launched, Netflix called me: 'You need to come to L.A., your show is exploding,'" says Tangen.