Netflix Just Launched Vertical Scrolling Videos and It’s Basically Reels for Binge-Watchers
Okay, Netflix fans, buckle up—your thumb is about to get a lot more exercise. The streaming giant has quietly rolled out a brand-new feature on its mobile app: vertical scrolling videos. Yep, if you’ve ever fallen into the hypnotic scroll of Instagram Reels or TikTok, you’re going to feel right at home here.
The idea is simple: instead of hunting through menus or endlessly browsing show pages, you can now swipe through short, vertical clips featuring everything from trailers and sneak peeks to behind-the-scenes moments. Think of it as Netflix giving its own spin to the social media “scroll culture” we’ve all been living in for years.
I got my hands on the feature this morning, and honestly? It’s strangely addictive. One moment you’re checking out a trailer for the next hit series, the next you’re watching a 15-second clip of a dramatic scene from a classic show you forgot you loved. And before you know it…well, two hours have gone by. Typical Netflix, right?
This move feels pretty clever on Netflix’s part. Social media is all about quick, snackable content, and with vertical video, they’re essentially turning their vast library into bite-sized dopamine hits. For viewers, it’s a win—discovering new shows without the usual “what should I watch?” paralysis—and for Netflix, it’s a smooth way to keep users glued to the app for longer stretches.
Of course, there are some purists who might roll their eyes at the idea. “Netflix is about deep, immersive watching, not mindless scrolling,” they’ll say. And sure, that’s fair. But honestly, if scrolling a Reel can get me hooked on a show I might’ve ignored otherwise, I’m not complaining.
Right now, the feature is only live on mobile devices, and it’s being gradually rolled out, so don’t panic if you don’t see it immediately. But when you do, just prepare yourself: vertical videos are the new trailer party, and your Netflix addiction is about to get even more mobile-friendly.
So, grab your phone, fire up the app, and swipe away. Just maybe…set a timer.
