Netflix is diving into short-form content with a vertical video feed, which mimics the scrolling format of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The streaming giant announced the feature in a blog post on May 7, describing it as a "new way to discover" content. The test, set to roll out in the coming weeks, will only affect the mobile version of the app.
"In the coming weeks, we’ll be testing a vertical feed filled with clips of Netflix shows and movies to make discovery easy and fun. You'll be able to tap to watch the whole show or movie immediately, add it to My List, or share with friends," Netflix said in its blog post.
Netflix’s Chief Product Officer Eunice Kim told The Verge the vertical feed aims to make browsing easier and more engaging. "We know that swiping through a vertical feed on social media apps is an easy way to browse video content. And we also know that our members love to browse our clips and trailers to find their next obsession." Kim said, as reported by The Verge. "And we also know that our members love to browse our clips and trailers to find their next obsession."
Users will be able to tap on a clip to watch the full show or movie, add it to their list, or share it with friends. But the format shift raises questions about how Netflix will adapt its primarily horizontal content to a vertical layout without compromising the viewing experience.
Alongside the vertical feed, Netflix also revealed plans for a homepage redesign, AI-driven search and discovery tools, and updated recommendations. The changes come as platforms increasingly compete for viewer attention, with shorter, snackable content formats gaining dominance.
