Netflix’s new vertical feed lets scroll through shows like Reels — Here’s how it works

New Delhi: Netflix is testing a new mobile functionality which gives users a vertically scrolling video feed similar to Instagram Reels or TikTok features. The test enables the users to scroll through brief clips of Netflix originals in an endless loop, in a snackable format that provides a fast, efficient way to browse shows and films without engaging in a full episode. According to the company, the feature will help it make content discovery quicker and more interactive for viewers who tend to spend time before making their decision on what to watch.

Netflix does not consider the vertical feed as a replica of social media. It is instead an on-platform trailer lane, a feature that allows users to preview selections in the service catalogue without leaving the application. The feature is under testing with a limited group of users and may be expanded with the experimentation during 2026 before any global rollout.

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The feed curates short and looping clips of Netflix-licensed and original content. These moments are continuously scrollable vertically until the user taps into one of the titles they desire to watch. Such a system is supposed to lessen decision fatigue and retain audiences in the app instead of having them visit platforms such as YouTube or TikTok to watch teasers and trailers.

Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone underlined that the company did not attempt to imitate short-form social media sites. The aim, according to her, is to remain in tune with the viewing environment of Netflix, where people are going to watch but not to post or generally socialise. All videos are not those of users; they are already in Netflix content.

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Short vertical clips can be used as a marketing tool and as an engagement feature. They keep the user on Netflix as he or she finds new content, increasing the time they spend on the service. The experiment is also part of the larger initiative by Netflix to make its platform more interactive after testing live voting and casual games, as well as animated home experiences that transform passive viewing into active engagement.