Video streaming platform Netflix will roll out a vertical video feature in its mobile app. The redesign is intended to make its service easier to navigate as its content offering expands beyond traditional films and series.
In its latest shareholder letter released Thursday, Netflix said it plans to launch “vertical video” on mobile by the end of April 2026, alongside other changes to help users find and engage with content.
The company did not provide full details on how the feature will work, but a later section of the letter described it more specifically as a “vertical video discovery feed,” suggesting a format similar to short-form video platforms where clips are presented in a swipeable interface.
The company has been adding new formats in recent months, including video podcasts and mobile-centric experiences, as it looks to increase engagement and retain subscribers in an increasingly competitive streaming market.
Aside from the redesign, it highlighted ongoing investments in artificial intelligence to refine recommendations and personalize the viewing experience.
The introduction of a vertical feed also comes as the company faces competition not only from other streaming services, but from platforms built around short-form content consumption.
In the Philippines, brands such as Shopee have begun experimenting with bite-sized, episodic videos for mobile in vertical format, as “microdrama” content gains traction online. It is not clear if the vertical format started in China but there is a proliferation of C-microdramas with episodes lasting 1-3 minutes in dedicated apps.
In its letter, Netflix acknowledged a growing range of entertainment options, including open content platforms and interactive services.
While Netflix remains focused on long-form programming such as films and series, the addition of vertical video shows an attempt to adapt its interface to changing user behavior, particularly among mobile users.
The company did not say whether the feature will include original short-form content or clips from existing titles, nor did it specify which markets will receive the update first.
