Netflix is testing vertical videos for mobile, set to rival Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts

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Netflix is taking a bold step to keep mobile users engaged by introducing a new vertical short video feature within its mobile app — a move designed to compete directly with platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. If you're in the United States, you may start seeing this update soon, as the company is currently testing the feature with a broader rollout planned for the coming weeks.

A New Way to Discover Content: Vertical Scrolling Short Clips

The feature, which mimics the popular vertical scroll format of short-form video apps, allows users to swipe through a curated feed of short video clips taken from Netflix’s original series and films. These aren’t just random highlights — they’re personalized snippets drawn from the "Today’s Top Picks for You" section. In other words, the selection of clips is tailored based on your individual viewing habits and preferences.

Netflix wants to turn content discovery into a more dynamic, interactive experience. If a particular clip catches your attention, you can tap to immediately start watching the full show or movie, save it to your "My List" for later, or share it with friends. The goal is to offer a faster, more engaging way for users to decide what to watch — particularly when they’re on the go and browsing from their phones.

Expanding Beyond Comedy: More Variety Than Fast Laughs

This isn’t Netflix’s first experiment with short-form content. In 2021, the company launched Fast Laughs, a feed of quick comedy clips designed to entertain users while promoting its stand-up specials and sitcoms. However, this new feature is broader in both concept and execution. It includes scenes from a wide range of genres — thrillers, dramas, documentaries, and more — offering a more complete snapshot of what Netflix has to offer.

By diversifying the types of clips users see, Netflix is aiming to increase the visibility of under-watched or niche titles, helping them reach new audiences. It's also a way to keep viewers engaged with Netflix content rather than turning to other platforms when they’re in the mood for quick, snackable entertainment.

A Global Rollout for Mobile Users

The vertical short video feed is exclusive to mobile devices and will appear as a new tab within the Netflix app on both iOS and Android. The company says the feature will be rolled out globally in the coming weeks, though U.S. users are among the first to get access during the testing phase.

Netflix’s TV App Is Getting a Makeover, Too

In addition to the mobile update, Netflix is revamping its interface for TV users. The redesigned TV homepage features a cleaner layout, with the navigation bar moved to the top of the screen. Titles are now displayed in larger, more visually striking thumbnails, and when users hover over a show or movie, it automatically expands to provide more context — including a brief description, a short preview video, and labels like “Top 10” or “Highly Rewatched.”

This redesign aims to make browsing on the big screen faster and more intuitive, helping users decide what to watch without getting overwhelmed by endless options. Netflix says the new TV interface will begin rolling out over the next several weeks and months to subscribers around the world.

Conclusion: Adapting to the Era of Short Attention Spans

With these updates, Netflix is clearly responding to changing user behavior — particularly the rise of short-form video consumption. By combining personalization, vertical video, and genre variety, the company hopes to make content discovery more engaging and reduce the temptation for users to leave the app for platforms like TikTok or YouTube.

These changes reflect a broader strategy: Netflix isn’t just a place to binge-watch anymore — it’s trying to become a platform where you can scroll, sample, and decide what to watch in seconds.

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