Netflix is reimagining the phone screen. The streaming giant is testing a vertical video feed on mobile that serves up quick, scrollable clips designed to spark discovery and nudge viewers toward full shows, movies, and even games. The idea isn’t to copy TikTok or chase every short-form trend, but to meet members in those moments when they want something more snackable than a full episode.
According to the company’s tech leadership, there are plenty of times when people open Netflix for long-form entertainment, but there are also windows throughout the day when a faster, lighter experience fits better. The vertical feed is meant to bridge that gap by making Netflix’s library feel more dynamic on mobile, highlighting memorable scenes and moments that inspire a tap into the full title.
Netflix is also expanding its clip-sharing tools. Moments, a feature that lets members capture and share favorite scenes, is being refined to deepen the social connection around Netflix content. While the company didn’t confirm specifics, it hinted that short clips created by members could eventually appear in the vertical feed, alongside experiments with new content types and fresh ways to clip and share. The focus remains on the distinctive “moments of truth” that fans love, not on replicating other short-form apps.
Another big swing is coming through podcasts. Following a recent distribution deal with Spotify, Netflix will begin surfacing podcast content across mobile and TV, with some shows available co-exclusively on both platforms. Vertical video will act as a canvas here too, giving audio programming a more visual, mobile-first presence—potentially through video podcasts, rich previews, or complementary visuals that make discovery easier.
What to expect over the next few quarters:
– A mobile vertical video feed that spotlights short clips from Netflix originals to drive discovery
– Continued evolution of Moments for creating and sharing standout scenes
– Experiments with short-form formats and new sharing mechanics tailored to mobile
– Podcasts integrated into the Netflix experience, with select series available on both Netflix and Spotify
– Broader tests rolling out into 2026
For subscribers, this means faster ways to find something you’ll actually watch—whether that’s a two-hour film, a half-hour episode, a quick clip, or a podcast on the go. For Netflix, it’s a strategic push to make mobile usage more engaging without diluting its focus on great entertainment.
