During its Q4 earnings call, Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters outlined a vision for an app that feels faster and more immersive. The goal is to move beyond “evening binge sessions” and create “habit loops” that bring users into the app multiple times throughout the day.
1. Vertical Video as a Core Pillar
The centerpiece of the redesign is the elevation of short-form vertical video from a side experiment to a primary navigation pillar.
- The Feed: Users will encounter a personalized, swipeable stream of high-quality clips, trailers, and behind-the-scenes “snippets” cut from Netflix’s global catalog.
- Seamless Handoff: Unlike social apps where the clip is the end product, every Netflix clip includes a “Watch Now” deep link that instantly transitions the user to the full-length episode or film.
- Prefetching Tech: To mimic the friction-free feel of TikTok, the app will “prefetch” clips in the background to guarantee instant playback without buffering delays.
2. Expansion into Video Podcasts
Recognizing the dominance of YouTube in the podcast space, Netflix is integrating video podcasts directly into its mobile interface.
- Original Content: The platform launched its first original video podcasts this week, featuring hosts like Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin.
- Strategic Partnerships: Netflix has partnered with Spotify and iHeartMedia to bring established podcast libraries onto the platform, providing a steady stream of “lean-back” content that fits the mobile vertical feed.
3. Interactive Social Features
To foster a sense of community and “stickiness,” the new app will include interactive prompts that encourage user participation:
- Real-Time Voting: Building on its successful January 20 debut of Star Search, Netflix is integrating a live voting system that allows viewers to influence live events directly from their phones.
- Polls & Quizzes: Users can engage in show-related trivia and community polls directly within the discovery feed.
- Discussion Hubs: Dedicated spaces for “trending” shows where users can participate in community discussions.
Netflix: Strategic Metrics for 2026
| Feature | Old Mobile Experience | New 2026 Experience |
| Primary Interaction | Browsing Rows/Tiles | Swiping Vertical Feeds |
| Content Type | Movies & TV Shows | Movies, TV, Clips, & Podcasts |
| Usage Pattern | Long sessions (Evening) | Micro-sessions (All day) |
| Search Logic | Keyword-based | Generative AI (Conversational) |
The Competitive Landscape
Co-CEO Ted Sarandos noted that “the boundaries of TV are dissolving.” In 2026, Netflix is no longer just competing with Disney+ or HBO Max; it is fighting for the same minutes of attention as Instagram awards races and NFL clips on YouTube.
By meeting users “where their thumbs already are,” Netflix aims to convert those wandering social media minutes into ad impressions and, eventually, long-form viewership. As CTO Elizabeth Stone clarified at TechCrunch Disrupt, the company isn’t trying to be TikTok—it’s trying to use TikTok’s psychology to sell premium stories.
Conclusion: The “Daily Streak”
The 2026 redesign is fundamentally about retention and ARPU (Average Revenue Per User). More daily opens lead to more ad impressions and more data points for Netflix’s recommendation engine. If the redesign succeeds, opening Netflix will become as much of a morning habit as checking a social feed, ensuring the platform remains at the center of the digital entertainment ecosystem.
