when did switch come out

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:52:00 +0000

When Did Netflix Switch to Streaming? A Complete Timeline of Their Transition Netflix’s shift from a DVD-by-mail service to a global streaming giant is one of the most pivotal transformations in entertainment history. Understanding when Netflix made this strategic switch helps illuminate how the company revolutionized how we consume media. ### The Early Days: DVDs by Mail
Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph as a DVD rental service by mail. Customers could order DVDs online, receive them by post, and return them via mail—no late fees and no physical store visits. This model gained massive popularity throughout the early 2000s, establishing Netflix as a dominant player in home entertainment. ### The First Hint: Introduction of Streaming
While DVDs remained central through 2007, Netflix recognized early the potential of internet streaming. In October 2007, the company officially launched its streaming service as a complementary feature. Initially limited to a small base of content—primarily older films and TV shows—this marked Netflix’s first major step away from physical media.