Tech News

Netflix Plans Vertical Video Feed and Major App Redesign

Highlights

Netflix plans a major mobile app redesign in late 2026.
It might feature swipeable vertical video feeds similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels, aimed at boosting engagement.
The revamp will also support Netflix’s push into video podcasts with partnerships involving personalities and collaborations with Spotify and iHeartMedia.

(Photo by Dima Solomin on Unsplash)

Netflix is all set to take on video streaming platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram that continue to dominate how users watch content on smartphones. During its fourth-quarter earnings call recently, the streaming giant announced plans to expand its short-form video feature and roll out a redesigned mobile app.

As for financials, Netflix reported revenue of $45.2 billion in 2025, with more than $1.5 billion coming from advertising. The company also crossed 325 million paid subscribers globally in the fourth quarter, underscoring its continued scale even as competition intensifies.

Coming to the possible app redesign, it is a move that could also help promote its newly launched original video podcasts. Here’s what we know about this so far.

Netflix Plans App Redesign

Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters confirmed that a refreshed version of the mobile app is slated to launch in late 2026. According to him, the redesign is aimed at supporting the company’s long-term growth by allowing continuous testing and optimisation of the app experience.

A key part of this revamp is the deeper integration of vertical videos.

Netflix has been testing this feature since late May. The new system will allow clips whether from movies, shows, or other content to appear in a swipeable vertical format, similar to Instagram Reels or TikTok videos.

Speaking during the earnings call, Peters said, “You can imagine us bringing more clips based on new content types, like video podcasts.” It suggests that Netflix sees short, swipeable videos as an effective way to attract users and keep them engaged on the platform for longer.

Netflix is also pushing into the video podcast space, a segment traditionally dominated by YouTube. The company recently launched its first video podcasts in partnership with well-known personalities such as Michael Irvin and Pete Davidson. It is also collaborating with major podcast industry players like Spotify and iHeartMedia.

Netflix says this effort is designed to improve content discovery and encourage deeper engagement, mirroring how users interact with social platforms.

However, Netflix insists this experiment is not about copying rivals. CTO Elizabeth Stone, speaking at the TechCrunch conference, said the vertical video feature is still in the testing phase and is focused on improving entertainment discovery through mobile-first innovation, rather than replicating TikTok’s model.

Co-CEO Ted Sarandos also addressed the broader shift in the entertainment landscape during the results call. He noted that streaming platforms are now competing with the entire entertainment ecosystem, not just each other.

“There’s never been more competition for creators, for consumer attention, for advertising and subscription dollars, and the competitive lines around TV consumption are already blurring. TV is not what we grew up on. TV is now just about everything. The Oscars and the NFL are on YouTube…Apple’s competing for Emmys and Oscars, and Instagram is coming next,” Sarandos said.

Sarandos further pointed out that Netflix has been rethinking its movie strategy as well including changes to its theatrical release approach. This reflects how the company is adapting to the increasingly blurred lines between social media, streaming, and traditional film experiences.

FAQs

Q1. What changes is Netflix planning for its mobile app?

Answer. Netflix plans a major redesign in late 2026, introducing swipeable vertical video feeds similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels to boost engagement.

Q2. How does Netflix plan to use vertical videos?

Answer. The vertical video feature will allow clips from movies, shows, and podcasts to appear in a swipeable format, helping users discover and engage with content more easily.

Q3. What new content strategy is Netflix pursuing alongside the redesign?

Answer. Netflix is expanding into video podcasts, partnering with personalities like Michael Irvin and Pete Davidson, and collaborating with Spotify and iHeartMedia to improve content discovery.