Netflix Plans Major Mobile App Redesign With Vertical Video Feed, Podcasts

Netflix is preparing a significant redesign of its mobile app aimed at increasing daily user engagement. According to a TechCrunch report, the streaming giant has confirmed that a new mobile interface is in development and will roll out later this year, with short-form vertical video feeds and podcast content playing a central role.

Netflix Mobile App Revamp Confirmed

Netflix outlined its mobile app redesign plans during its latest earnings call, confirming that a refreshed interface is on the way. The company is positioning the update as part of its long-term growth strategy, focused on making the app more engaging for everyday use.

The revamp follows Netflix’s major TV app redesign last year, which introduced a prominent banner on the home screen to surface personalised recommendations more effectively.

Netflix’s Long-Term Vision for Mobile Growth

Leadership Insight on the Redesign

According to the report, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said the redesigned mobile user interface is being built to support the company’s business expansion over the next decade.

The new layout is expected to make content discovery faster and more intuitive, particularly on smartphones, where viewing habits differ significantly from TV screens.

Vertical Video Feed at the Core of the Update

Short-Form, Swipeable Content

A key element of the redesign is the deeper integration of vertical, short-form video feeds.

Netflix has been experimenting with swipeable preview clips since May, allowing users to browse short snippets from movies and TV shows in a format similar to:

• YouTube Shorts

• Instagram Reels

These clips are designed to help users:

• Discover content faster

• Spend more time inside the app

• Make viewing decisions with less friction

Expansion Into Video Podcasts

New Content Formats on Netflix

According to the TechCrunch report, Peters suggested that Netflix could extend these short-form clips to promote new content formats, including video podcasts.

Netflix has reportedly:

• Launched its first original video podcast this week

• The show features Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin

• Partnered with platforms such as Spotify and iHeartMedia to bring existing video podcast libraries to Netflix

This move signals Netflix’s growing interest in longer-tail, conversation-based video content, beyond traditional movies and series.

Mobile-First Engagement, Not Social Media Imitation

Netflix Responds to TikTok Comparisons

While the new features resemble popular social media formats, Netflix has emphasised that it is not attempting to become a social media platform.

According to TechCrunch, during the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference, Netflix Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone said the company is not trying to become TikTok. Instead, the focus is on making entertainment discovery easier through mobile-first design features.

What This Means for Netflix Users

Key Expected Benefits

• Faster content discovery on mobile

• More engaging daily app usage

• Better visibility for new shows and formats

• A more dynamic, personalised home feed

The redesign suggests Netflix is adapting to changing viewing habits, where users increasingly engage with content in short bursts on smartphones.

Netflix Mobile App Revamp: What to Expect Next

Netflix has confirmed that the new mobile interface will roll out later this year, though an exact release timeline has not yet been announced. As testing continues, the company appears to be carefully balancing experimentation with its core identity as a premium entertainment platform.