Anyone who has watched Netflix on their TV recently will be familiar with its preview videos. These give you an instant indication of what a movie or show is about, allowing you to make an informed decision as to whether to watch it in an instant.
After introducing video previews to the TV interface in 2017, Netflix is now bringing them to its mobile apps too. And rather than just port the previews over from the TV app, Netflix has built them from the ground up to ensure that they’re mobile friendly.
Netflix’s Mobile Video Previews
Netflix’s new mobile video previews are all around 30 seconds long, and presented in a vertical format. The short length means you can watch them in their entirety without getting bored, and the format means you don’t have to turn your phone to watch them.
The previews occupy their own separate space on Netflix’s mobile app. And they’re presented like a slideshow so you can easily choose which one(s) to play and which to bypass. After watching one you can tap to play the piece of content or add it to your list.
"stories" format now on @Netflix
— vertical video format for previews arrives on iOS app
— watch our demo$ NFLX pic.twitter.com/K6KjrdA5go— Rich Greenfield (@RichBTIG) April 18, 2018
Netflix explained the thinking behind the mobile previews on the Netflix Media Center, saying:
“Years of testing has made it clear that video previews help our members browse less and discover new content more quickly. With the launch of mobile previews, we are bringing a video browse experience to your mobile phone in a fun and mobile-optimized way.”
Netflix has already updated its iOS app to include the 30-second video previews, and the feature will be coming soon to Android. But whatever mobile operating system you use, Netflix has clearly designed these previews with smartphone users in mind.
Proving More Useful Than Annoying
When watching Netflix on a TV the video previews can sometimes get annoying. Especially when they start playing automatically as soon as you dare click on anything. However, these mobile-friendly previews should prove useful without also being annoying.
If you’re a fan of the streaming service you should read our ultimate guide to Netflix to make sure you know everything. And if you’re looking for content, try our list of the best period dramas, dark comedies, and Disney movies to watch on Netflix!
