With a huge catalog of content that is constantly being enlarged, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) has made it easy to find highly specific categories by use of codes. While Netflix tries to determine what a user wants to watch and then serves them that, the codes make it possible for users to instead just jump right into the specific sub-genre that they are interested in.

Tens of thousands of microgenres

This makes it is possible for users to find content that has been categorized based on, for instance, the period of filming, the demographic or audience it is aimed at, the particular country of origin, what inspired the movie or show, whether it is based on a book or real life and many other factors. At the last count, there were 76,897 microgenres on Netflix. To make use of the codes, all that users have to do is tweak the number at the end of the URL.

One reason that has been floated as to why Netflix has put so much effort into specifically categorizing every kind of content it serves is because the company believes it helps in customer retention and user enjoyment.

“Members connect with these [genre] rows so well that we measure an increase in member retention by placing the most tailored rows higher on the page instead of lower,” Netflix wrote in an online posting.

In-depth market research

The data they have compiled in order to assist in their categorization efforts also helps the company learn about what their users are interested in watching. This, in turn, gives them an advantage when it comes to the streaming service’s in-house content since they know exactly what will do well on the market.

The codes, however, change often and there are a couple of websites dedicated to curating them. Research conducted by Netflix fans and geeks has also revealed that the existence of a microgenre does not necessarily mean that Netflix has content pertaining to that category.

In Monday’s trading session Netflix rallied by 3.50 percent to close the day at $133.70 a piece.