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The Holy Grail: How Australian SMBs Can Advertise on Netflix

Smartphone displaying Netflix app logo in front of streaming content library, illustrating how Australian small and medium businesses (SMBs) can advertise on Netflix in 2026

It used to be impossible. Then it was expensive. Now? It’s open for business.

For the last decade, “Advertising on Netflix” was the marketing equivalent of a unicorn. We knew it existed in theory, but only global giants like Coca-Cola or Toyota could get in the room. For the average Australian small business owner, the door was firmly locked.

In 2026, the door is unlocked.

As we start the new year, Netflix’s ad-supported tier has exploded in popularity across Australia. The question is no longer “Can I advertise on Netflix?” The question is “How do I get my brand on the world’s biggest streamer?”

Here is the complete guide for Australian businesses looking to break into the biggest walled garden in media.

1. The “Ad-Tier” Explosion Why is this happening now? Put simply: Scale. Millions of Australian households have swapped their expensive “Premium” plans for the cheaper “Ad-Supported” tier.

  • The Reality: These aren’t “low value” customers. These are the same families, professionals, and homeowners who were watching yesterday they just want to save $10/month.
  • The Opportunity: You can now reach them during Stranger Things, Squid Game, or Bridgerton.

2. The “Netflix Premium” (Why It’s Worth It) Netflix inventory is considered “Premium” for a reason. Unlike social media feeds where users scroll past ads in milliseconds, Netflix commands Active Attention.

  • Completion Rates: Netflix ads are non-skippable. Viewers watch them at a rate of nearly 100%.
  • The “Prestige” Effect: Appearing on Netflix signals to your customer that you are a “Major Brand.” It elevates your perception instantly.

3. Access for Locals (The Dorrington Advantage) This is where the game has changed for SMBs. Historically, buying this kind of inventory required direct deals with global headquarters and massive minimum spends.

Dorrington Media has removed that friction. We have secured the access points to Netflix inventory, meaning we can now place local businesses into this global ecosystem.

  • You don’t need a national budget.
  • You don’t need a global agency.
  • You just need a clear message.

We bid on the 15-second and 30-second slots on your behalf, allowing a local plumber in Melbourne or a boutique in Brisbane to appear in a global blockbuster series using the same technology as the multinationals.

4. The Trap: Don’t Only Buy Netflix Here is the insider tip: Balance is key. While Netflix has a huge audience, the smartest SMBs buy a “Hybrid” Package. We combine Netflix (for the prestige drama) with BVOD (for the live news and local sport) and Prime Video.

This lowers your overall cost while keeping your brand on screen 24/7, ensuring you catch your customer no matter which app they are using.

Conclusion: The First-Mover Advantage Right now, your competitors likely assume Netflix is out of their league. They are still fighting for expensive clicks on search engines.

This is your window of opportunity to own the living room before the rest of the local market catches up.

Want to see if your business qualifies for a Netflix campaign?

Check our State Dominator Package which includes Premium Streaming access as standard.

About the Author

Luke Dorrington is a dynamic media sales leader who specialises in helping SMB’s harness the power of TV Advertising to achieve their marketing goals.

Certified in Advanced TV Advertising technologies he bridges linear tv sales and connected tv ad sales with proven fiscal results, leadership and technological insight.

Follow Him on LinkedIn