Netflix Is Launching a TikTok-Inspired Vertical Video Feed — And Not Everyone’s Excited

Get ready: Netflix is diving into the short-form video trend.

In a blog entry made public on May 7, Netflix unveiled numerous forthcoming alterations to its platform. Among the key highlights is a new vertical video feed — a feature similar to TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts — aimed at making it simpler for users to find new content. In other words, brace yourself for yet another avenue to scroll endlessly.

As per Netflix, this fresh feature will kick off testing in the forthcoming weeks on its mobile application. The feed will present vertical snippets from Netflix series and films, allowing users to tap to begin watching the complete title, add it to their watchlist, or share it with friends.

SEE ALSO: All the modifications arriving at Netflix: New homepage, AI search

While the concept may generate some eyebrow raises — particularly since a majority of Netflix content is shot in horizontal format — the move isn’t entirely unexpected. Short-form video is increasingly reigning over the digital sphere, with viewers frequently enjoying entire films and TV episodes via platforms like TikTok. As TechCrunch points out, the battle for viewers’ attentiveness has never been more intense, and platforms are hurrying to deliver quick, captivating content to keep users engaged.

In essence: Netflix is adjusting to our continuously diminishing attention spans.

“We recognize that swiping through a vertical feed on social media platforms offers an effortless way to explore video content,” stated Netflix Chief Product Officer Eunice Kim during a press conference, as noted by The Verge. “And we also understand that our members enjoy browsing our clips and trailers to discover their next favorite.”

Nevertheless, not everyone is in favor of the change. A teaser image of the new feed, featuring the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, ignited mixed reactions online. On Reddit, users expressed their views with sarcasm and doubts. One commenter joked, “LETS GOOOOO AI AND TIKTOK. Movies as TikTok feeds, chat gpt, grok, maybe we can throw some bitcoin in there too?” Another chimed in, “Enshittification comes for us all,” while a third simply sighed, “Why does everything keep getting worse?”

The vertical feed represents just one element of a larger transformation. Netflix also disclosed plans to revamp its homepage, incorporate generative AI into its search and discovery functions, and enhance its recommendation system.

Whether these updates will improve the Netflix experience or alienate long-term users is yet to be determined. However, one thing is certain: the streaming titan is making a significant bet on the future of short-form content.