Dive Brief:

• After reports swirled Monday -- and the Internet expressed its outrage -- Netflix responded to the claims, denying them and emphasizing it is not planning on running third-party ads. 
• What were described by some reports as "pre-roll ads" were actually just teaser trailers for other Netflix original programming. 
• A Netflix spokesperson explained, "We are not planning to test or implement third-party advertising on the Netflix service. For some time, we've teased Netflix originals with short trailers after a member finishes watching a show. Some members in a limited test now are seeing teases before a show begins."

Dive Insight: 

Although other streaming services, like Hulu, have included advertising as part of its experience, Netflix will remain ad-free. It's clear from the backlash on Twitter and elsewhere online, that Netflix's ad-free is key to keeping its core audience content. Still, pushing out trailers for its own content is not foreign in the online-streaming world -- HBO Go also airs promos. While consumers may be sighing a breath of relief, many marketers' ears perked up at the idea of accessing Netflix binge watchers. For its part, Netflix has been clear that it is not interested in moving toward an advertising-based model.