Netflix is adding a new way for you to watch content on its app. The company’s latest rework is bringing the vertical TikTok and Instagram Reels-style system with “Clips”, which is designed to make the process of finding something to watch more interactive.
The new vertical video feed shares short snippets of movies and shows, blending the addictive interactive experience of social media with the streaming platform.
How this isn’t a TikTok rip-off
While such a format was popularized by apps like TikTok, Netflix Clips has a bigger angle than just showing short-form video content. The company has been testing this for a while, and the main goal is to make discovery faster and more intuitive. You’ve probably been through that tedious process of deciding what to watch on Netflix, which is where Clips comes in.
It lets users get a quick taste of the movies and shows on Netflix. Clips also focuses entirely on Netflix’s own content. The broader plan is also expected to include other forms of media, like podcasts and live events, over time.
Why Netflix made this for smartphone users
Netflix wants to keep users engaged throughout the day, and not just during long viewing sessions at home. Executives have said the platform is aiming to become more of a “daily companion,” using features like Clips to fill shorter attention windows that are already dominated by social media apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
The redesign also introduces a more streamlined navigation system that can curate collections based on genres or moods, turning the app into a more personalized experience.
The Clips section lets users add movies or shows straight to the list from their feed and share the snippets with friends. Even if Netflix isn’t outright saying it, this does make it closer to a social app.