Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to choose what to watch on Netflix? If you have, you’re not alone. With thousands of movies and series in the library, scrolling through endless options can feel tiring. That’s exactly why Netflix Launches Vertical Scrolling Videos, a bold step to make browsing easier and more fun for users on mobile devices.
Over the past few months, Netflix has started rolling out a new vertical video feed in its mobile app that works somewhat like Instagram Reels or TikTok. This means instead of swiping left and right through rows of posters, you can now scroll up and down through short vertical clips — giving you quick previews of shows and movies in just seconds.
This new vertical scrolling video feature is a clever idea that taps into how people already use their phones today. We’re all used to swiping through short videos on apps like Instagram and TikTok, and Netflix is borrowing that behavior to help you discover new content without wasting time.
What Exactly Is This Vertical Scrolling Feature?
The way it works is simple: when you open Netflix on your smartphone, you’ll see a tab or feed with full-screen vertical clips from various shows and films. You don’t watch full episodes here — instead, you get bite-sized clips that give you a feel for the story, characters, or mood. If something interests you, you can simply tap to watch the whole title, add it to your list, or even share it with a friend.
This approach makes the experience feel more like browsing entertainment inspiration. Instead of reading descriptions or still images, you actually see moving footage. For many users, this can make the decision process much easier — and a lot more enjoyable.
Why Netflix Introduced Vertical Scrolling Videos
There are a few big reasons why Netflix Launches Vertical Scrolling Videos:
1. Better Mobile Experience
We live in a mobile-first world, where people spend more time watching short clips on their phones than ever before. Netflix knows this, so this new vertical feed matches how we interact with content on mobile devices today.
2. Faster Discovery
With so many titles available on Netflix, it’s easy to miss something great. These short vertical clips act like teasers or highlights that can spark your curiosity and help you find your next favorite show without endless scrolling through cover images.
3. Keep Users Engaged
By offering something quick and snackable, Netflix hopes users stay in the app longer and explore more titles. This is particularly helpful for users who open the app with no idea what they want to watch.
4. Still Staying True to Netflix
Netflix’s leadership has been clear that this isn’t about becoming another social media platform. The goal isn’t to compete with TikTok or Instagram directly; instead, Netflix wants to complement its core strength — long-form storytelling — by giving users new ways to discover that storytelling.
How This Feature Feels for Users
I’ve been trying this vertical scrolling feature personally on my phone, and the first thing I noticed is how smooth and familiar it feels. The clips are usually around 15-30 seconds long, showing highlights or interesting moments that almost sell you on the title. It feels like flicking through a mood board of stories — quick, fun, and inspiring.
Plus, because Netflix uses your watch history to tailor these clips, the vertical scrolling videos feel more personal over time. You’ll see more of what Netflix thinks you might enjoy, instead of random trailers that don’t match your taste.
What Happens Next?
For now, this feature is being tested with users on iOS and Android, and Netflix is gathering feedback before rolling it out more broadly. The company also hinted that future versions of the vertical feed might integrate even more types of content — maybe even user-generated clips or podcasts.
So if you see vertical scrolling videos popping up in your Netflix app, don’t be surprised — it’s part of a bigger plan to make your entertainment discovery easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on publicly available information and personal interpretation aimed at providing insights on the new Netflix feature.