Netflix was originally called Kibble.
The Unexpected Origin of Netflix's Name
Before becoming the global streaming giant known as Netflix, the company began its journey under a rather unusual name: Kibble. This initial moniker was chosen by co-founders Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings during the company's nascent stages.
It's hard to imagine "Kibble" ever becoming synonymous with entertainment, and understandably, the founders soon realized its unsuitability. The name "Kibble" had no connection to movies, DVDs, or the concept of home entertainment, which was the company's initial focus with its DVD-by-mail service.
From "Kibble" to Netflix: A Swift Transition
The transition from "Kibble" to "Netflix" was a swift and logical step for Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings. The new name, a portmanteau of "internet" (Net) and "flicks" (movies), perfectly encapsulated their vision for a service that would leverage the internet to deliver films directly to consumers. This re-branding was crucial, laying the groundwork for the company's eventual evolution into the world's leading subscription streaming service.
The decision to switch from "Kibble" to "Netflix" reflected a foresight into the company's identity and its future in the burgeoning digital entertainment landscape. It highlighted the importance of a brand name that resonated with its purpose and appealed to its target audience.
| Original Name | Current Name | Co-founders |
|---|---|---|
| Kibble | Netflix | Marc Randolph, Reed Hastings |
