Three platforms, three paths to discovery.
Netflix curates for you. Rows of recommendations greet you before you even search, fine-tuned to maximize viewing time. Every pixel of the homepage works to capture your next hour. The more you watch, the better it predicts, and the longer you stay subscribed. Engagement is the product.
YouTube blends search with serendipity. You arrive with intent, maybe to watch a song or a tutorial, and the algorithm turns that into an endless stream. Each autoplay keeps ads running and each recommendation extends watch time. The goal is not completion but continuation, keeping your attention for as long as possible.
Airbnb gives control to you. It opens with maps, filters, and sliders for price, amenities, and vibe. The algorithm supports but you steer. The goal is not time spent but a decision made. Every optimized search shortens the path from browsing to booking.
Each design reflects its business model. Netflix monetizes engagement, YouTube monetizes attention, and Airbnb monetizes action. Discovery is never neutral; it reveals what each platform values most.
