Netflix unveils major app redesign to win back daily attention from social media platforms

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by Tech Crunch, click this post to read the original article.

As platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram continue to lead in mobile video viewing, Netflix is stepping up to meet changing user habits. During a recent earnings call, the company announced major updates to its mobile app, aiming to better align with today’s social-first digital landscape. A redesigned app is expected to launch in 2026, with a deeper focus on vertical video feeds—similar to what you see on TikTok and Instagram Reels. This refresh will support Netflix’s long-term strategy, allowing for ongoing improvements in how you discover and interact with content.

You’ll notice more short-form clips from Netflix’s original shows and movies, making it easier to explore content within a feed you can swipe through. Netflix also plans to use this feature to highlight a new category—original video podcasts. Already in motion, the platform recently launched shows hosted by celebrities like Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin. By integrating short, swipeable video clips of this content, Netflix hopes to grow your engagement time and make the app feel more dynamic and social.

Netflix isn’t trying to become a clone of TikTok, though. The company frames these new features as experiments designed to enhance entertainment discovery on mobile. According to executives, you’re now choosing between a wider range of entertainment experiences—not just streaming platforms, but social media and live events too. The company is adapting to this shift, where boundaries between traditional TV, streaming, and social video are increasingly blurred.

At the same time, Netflix is refining its distribution approach. As it prepares for a potential acquisition of Warner Bros., changes to its theatrical release strategy suggest more flexibility in how you’ll watch new films—whether in theaters or at home. In 2025, Netflix earned $45.2 billion in revenue and surpassed 325 million paid subscribers, with ad revenue hitting $1.5 billion, highlighting the strength of its evolving business model in a crowded entertainment market.