Does Netflix use Apache Spark?

Asked by: Tatum Kulas  |  Last update: May 20, 2026
Score: 5/5 (12 votes)

Yes, Netflix heavily uses Apache Spark for large-scale data processing, including powering its recommendation engine, analyzing user behavior for personalization, optimizing streaming quality, and managing complex batch and real-time data pipelines for ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) and machine learning. It's a core part of their big data infrastructure alongside tools like Kafka, Flink, and Iceberg.

Is Netflix included with Spark?

Stream your favourite TV shows for less on Spark broadband and mobile plans. Netflix Standard (HD) is included on eligible broadband and mobile plans. Spark broadband not available everywhere. Modem required (costs apply, BYO may be available).

Which companies use Apache Spark?

Companies and organizations

  • UC Berkeley AMPLab - Big data research lab that initially launched Spark. We're building a variety of open source projects on Spark. ...
  • 4Quant.
  • Act Now. Spark powers NOW APPS, a big data, real-time, predictive analytics platform. ...
  • Agile Lab. enhancing big data. ...
  • Alibaba Taobao. ...
  • Alluxio. ...
  • Amazon.
  • Art.com.

What tech stack does Netflix use?

Mobile and web: Netflix has adopted Swift and Kotlin to build native mobile apps. For its web application, it uses React. Frontend/server communication: GraphQL. Backend services: Netflix relies on ZUUL, Eureka, the Spring Boot framework, and other technologies.

Which server is used by Netflix?

"We chose Amazon Web Services (AWS) as our cloud provider because it provided us with the greatest scale and the broadest set of services and features. The majority of our systems, including all customer-facing services, had been migrated to the cloud prior to 2015.

Processing 2000 TBs per day of network data at Netflix with Spark and Airflow

18 related questions found

What kind of servers does Netflix use?

Open Connect is a combination of local servers, referred to as OCAs, and additional infrastructure. Netflix has developed storage appliances that are used to store the content in many IX locations globally and are embedded at larger ISP partner locations.

Which protocol does Netflix use?

Netflix uses TCP because TCP is much time-sensitive and does not require port forwarding. It helps to enable the full bandwidth of the network.

What does Netflix use for backend?

At the core of Netflix's backend is a federated GraphQL platform. This architecture acts as the main interface between client applications and backend data, allowing clients to request exactly what they need while enabling backend teams to evolve their services independently.

Is Netflix monolithic or microservices?

The Monolithic Beginning (2007-2012)

In 2008, Netflix experienced a major database corruption that caused a three-day service outage. This incident highlighted the fragility of their monolithic architecture and sparked the transformation that would make Netflix a poster child for microservices architecture.

Does Netflix use AWS or Azure?

Netflix uses AWS for almost all its cloud computing needs. That includes online storage, a recommendation engine, video transcoding, databases, and analytics.

What will replace Apache Spark?

Top Apache Spark Alternatives

  • Amazon Kinesis Data Analytics.
  • Confluent Platform.
  • Google Cloud Dataflow.
  • Cribl Stream.
  • Azure Stream Analytics.
  • Red Hat Decision Manager.
  • Cloudera DataFlow.
  • IBM StreamSets.

Is Apache Spark obsolete?

Spark is still one of the best tools for large-scale ETL pipelines. If you're processing terabytes or petabytes of data across multiple sources, Spark remains a go-to solution.

Is Apache Spark still relevant in 2025?

By 2025, Apache Spark has become the go-to platform for real-time analytics, AI model training, and cloud-scale data engineering. It's widely used in finance for risk scoring and fraud detection, in healthcare for genomic data analysis, in retail for personalization engines, and in telecom for network optimization.

How to set up Netflix Spark?

How do I activate Netflix?

  1. Open the Spark app.
  2. Select MySpark from the Menu and sign in if you are asked to. Note: If you don't have a MySpark account yet, you can follow these steps to create one. ...
  3. Select Subscriptions under the Products section.
  4. Select Netflix Standard.
  5. Follow the steps to activate Netflix Standard.

What are the three options for Netflix?

Prices for Netflix's three plans range from $7.99 to $24.99 per month. The three subscription plans are Standard with ads, Standard and Premium.

Who is Netflix bundled with?

Netflix + Max $10 Verizon Bundle

Eligible Verizon users can get Netflix and Max (both with ads) for just $10/month, saving you $7.98/month. The Netflix + Max $10 Verizon bundle is available to those on the Unlimited, 5G Home, LTE Home, and Fios Home Verizon plans.

Does Netflix still use Spring Boot?

Every Domain Graph Service (DGS) at Netflix is a Spring Boot application. The DGS framework itself is built as an extension of Spring Boot.

What are the 3 C's of microservices?

The 3C's of microservices include componentizing, collaborate, and connect.

Which database does Netflix use?

While Netflix does use MySQL for some tasks, the company heavily relies on NoSQL databases like Apache Cassandra and DynamoDB for most of its data storage needs. These databases offer greater flexibility and scalability, which is essential for Netflix's large, distributed system.

Does Netflix use the rest API?

Yes, Netflix uses REST APIs. Netflix extensively uses REST APIs as part of its architecture, particularly in its microservices framework.

What language is Netflix coded in?

Netflix's platform is coded in a combination of languages, with Java being the primary language for backend services and microservices architecture. Python is used for data science and machine learning, JavaScript (React. js and Node.

Which web server does Netflix use?

Netflix uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its main cloud provider. This means it does not have to own thousands of servers in data centers around the world. Instead, it uses the resources of AWS and builds its own systems on top.

What technology is Netflix built on?

Netflix employs a broad range of technologies, including Java and Spring Boot for backend services, Python for data science, React.

What is the best server for Netflix?

The Best VPNs for Netflix Explained

  • NordVPN - Best Unblocking Ability. SecurityScore: ...
  • Surfshark - Best for Cross-Platform Streaming. ...
  • Proton VPN - Best for Multiple Netflix Libraries. ...
  • Private Internet Access - Best Streaming-Optimized U.S. Servers. ...
  • ExpressVPN - Best for Streaming on Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes, and Consoles.