What you need to know
- In its Q1 2026 report, Netflix revealed that it will consider redesigning its mobile app, and this will be led by vertical video.
- These videos will be part of a new “Discovery Feed” to help members find new content on the service.
- This sounds very similar to “Virtus on Disney Plus,” which the streaming service launched in March to help drive more engagement.
Be it vertical video or short-form content, it seems like every app is getting involved in some way or the other, just like Netflix.
in netflix Q1 2026 At the shareholder round-up, where it reported 16% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth, it also mentioned a new feature for mobile users (via The Verge). Netflix says it plans to focus on three areas, but the concern of this particular article is how it plans to “leverage technology” to improve its service. The company says it is preparing a “redesign” for its mobile app, which will introduce vertical video “by the end of the month.”
Android Central’s Tech
Netflix recently introduced a pretty cool TV UI rework, now it’s looking at its mobile experience. Does it really need vertical video? No, I don’t think it does. I watch trailers online, I get emails. Am I really going to open Netflix on my phone to watch vertical video? No.
These vertical videos are carried on the mobile app in their own “Discovery Feed”. So, it seems wise to envision a new button (whatever the feed will be called) in late April. Netflix did not say what kind of content viewers would watch. Will these be short clips from movies and shows or trailers?
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This included an overall mobile app redesign, saying it would “better reflect our expanded entertainment offering and make it easier for members to engage when and where they want.” Netflix then highlighted the use of General AI to recommend better content to members who are more interested in watching.
If the idea of a streaming service turning to vertical video viewing to drive more engagement sounds familiar, you wouldn’t be wrong.
Android Central’s Tech
Competition is good, or something, right? It seems like Netflix wants to have its hands in everything. Still, it seems that something is always being taken away from the consumer, mainly his money. The standard plan (no ads) isn’t even recognizable. It is now $20, whereas a few years ago it was much less. Now, its 4K plan is also an incredible $27. I can really just shake my head.
Fast forward to March, and “Verts on Disney Plus” debuted. Vert (like the ESPN version) will present content to users that is relevant to their preferences. Users can find clips of shows and movies with the option to jump right into that content or save it to watch later. This is likely similar to what Netflix is pursuing; However, it’s hard to forget its latest price increase, which makes no sense.
Prices for Standard with ads and Standard (ad-free) increased across the board, including $8.99 and $19.99 monthly fees. Additionally, Netflix Premium (4K + Spatial Audio) is now $26.99. This price increase comes only 14 months from January 2025.
