Tech History: Netflix Almost Got Called… Kibble?!

Today, Netflix is a household name—streaming everything from blockbuster movies to binge-worthy series. But in the late 1990s, when co-founder Marc Randolph was brainstorming names, “Netflix” wasn’t even the frontrunner.

One of his early favorites? Kibble. 🐶

Why such a strange choice? Randolph explained that it was a reminder: “It doesn’t matter what you call a product if the dogs won’t eat the dog food.” In other words, the name didn’t matter nearly as much as whether people actually wanted the service.

Thankfully, “Kibble” was swapped out for the now-iconic Netflix, combining “net” (internet) and “flicks” (movies). Imagine telling your friends, “I’m going to Kibble and chill tonight.” Doesn’t quite have the same ring, right?

This quirky fact is a good reminder that success isn’t just about the name—it’s about building something people genuinely want.