Netflix launches Instagram Stories-like previews on its iOS app

Finding something to watch on Netflix is the most difficult thing any human has ever done. Ever. But a new addition coming to the iOS app could solve this crisis once and for all.

The streaming service is today adding Instagram Stories-like “mobile previews” to its iOS app.

“Mobile previews present members with a fun, simple, and easy way to learn about all the new content on Netflix — and find something great to watch even faster,” explains Cameron Johnson, Netflix’s director of product innovation.

Inspired by Netflix’s own video previews on televisions, the mobile previews will each be around 30 seconds long, and be formatted to suit smartphone users’ vertical screen habits.

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“The previews are shown like a slideshow, so if you see something you like, you can tap play or add to your list,” Johnson continues.

“If not, you can swipe or tap the screen to advance to the next preview.”

Additionally, Johnson claims that the previews will “load very quickly” and will take advantage of the streaming service’s AI savvy to appeal to your specific tastes.

The feature addition comes after a bumper news week for the firm. It added 7.4-million new subscribers in the first quarter of 2018, pushing its overall user base to a smidgen below 120-million.

Unfortunately, mobile previews feature are not yet available on Android, but will be available “soon”.

Feature image: Netflix