Netflix Tagger Jobs Are Real, But They’re Not What You Think

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As explained in this 2015 Washington Post article, Netflix does employ taggers to categorize films and TV shows. You can find these jobs on the company’s careers page, under the title “Editorial Insights Content Analyst.” 

Here’s an example of one such job listing we found when researching for this article in May 2024:

At the same time, this isn’t a side hustle you can pick up and put down like DoorDash or Instacart (despite what you’ve heard on TikTok). And it’s not a job just anybody can do. 

For those who’ve ever been curious about literally getting paid to watch videos (there are a few ways, but they don’t pay much), let’s explore what Netflix taggers do and what it takes to snag one of these coveted positions.

What Netflix Tagger Jobs Are (And How to Apply)

Numerous social media influencers have talked about becoming a Netflix tagger as a great remote job you can do from home. While this is technically true, it’s extremely misleading to suggest that this is a reasonable option for most people. 

As noted above, the actual title for these jobs is not “tagger,” but rather “Editorial Insights Content Analyst.” Older news reports (like this one from Today) suggest that these jobs used to be part-time gigs, but more recent job postings reveal that they are now full-time careers, complete with a long list of prerequisites and responsibilities including: 

• About four years of experience in the entertainment and media industries, such as in TV and film production. 
• A good pulse on trends and current content in the entertainment landscape of Netflix’s target market. 

Plus, several of these jobs are specific to geographic areas in foreign countries (the ones we found were based in France and Korea), so you may have better chances if you’re fluent in a foreign language and know something about film trends in the target country. 

Being an Editorial Insights Content Analyst goes far beyond just watching TV and picking a few descriptors for the flick. Netflix uses over 3,000 tags, so this job involves a familiarity with tagging and metadata, as well as knowledge of user experience (i.e., what makes people click on a show versus giving it a pass). 

The job description also lists spreadsheet and data management system experience as nice-to-haves. Plus, you’ll be required to collaborate with cross-functional partners, so presentation skills are helpful.

While it may sound amazing to get paid to watch movies, keep in mind that you don’t always get to watch your favorite shows. One tagger got stuck watching a B-rate remake of Bonnie and Clyde. And you could end up watching hours of Coco Melon to ensure there isn’t anything parents would object to. 

What’s more, Netflix tagger jobs are few and far between. Older reports show that the company employed around 40 taggers; the current number is around 30. 

To apply to be an Editorial Insights Content Analyst (or tagger), submit your application and resume on the Netflix careers website.

What Current and Previous Taggers Say About the Job

As you can imagine, Netflix taggers tend to enjoy their jobs. In an interview with the Washington Post, Josh Garrell said: 

“Even if I didn’t do this job, I would probably be watching as much as I am anyway. I’m just lucky enough to get paid for it… Outside of riding an ice cream truck, this is absolutely the best job out there.”

Tagger Greg Hardy told the Today Show that the job does come with a few occupational “hazards,” such as your butt going numb and your eyes getting blurry from so much screen time.

He also mentioned that, “if you’re at dinner and around friends, the second somebody is looking for a movie title, everybody will just look over to you. You’re expected to know. Someone will be like, ‘What’s that nondescript Phyllis Diller movie from 1983?’ Unfortunately, I do have the answer a lot.”

Don’t Fall for Netflix Tagger Job Scams

There are plenty of third-party scammers out there preying on people looking to become Netflix taggers. Some of these fraudsters even post fictitious Netflix tagger jobs on legitimate job search websites, so be wary when you go to apply.

Editorial Content Analyst jobs for Netflix are coveted and rare, but they do exist. However, legitimate posts for jobs at Netflix will be on the company career page and have netflix.com as part of the domain. 

Keep in mind that Netflix doesn’t use “tagger” as a job title — the official title is currently Editorial Content Insights Analyst. Anything advertising a part-time job tagging Netflix shows with no experience necessary is a scam. 

If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is — even for jobs where you get paid to watch TV. 

Final Thoughts

While Netflix tagging is a legitimate job, it’s not the cushy side hustle it’s often made out to be. Openings for these types of positions aren’t common, but when they occur you’ll find them on the Netflix website, not a third-party site. 

If tagging Netflix shows is your career aspiration (and we honestly can’t blame you if it is), you can prep for this job by gaining experience in the film, TV and media industries. A knowledge of metadata and how it’s used to craft and enhance a user’s experience will also be helpful, and fluency in a foreign language won’t hurt. 

In addition to searching the Netflix website for job openings, networking within the industry and keeping abreast of industry trends can also increase your chances of landing a Netflix tagging position. Ironically, it may take quite a lot of work to get a job where you get paid to sit and watch TV.

Jenni Sisson

Jenni Sisson is a freelance writer and editor focused on personal finance, technology and entrepreneurship. She is a serial side hustler and the host of the Mama's Money Map podcast. Reach out via her website.