Netflix to Embrace Short-Form Video With TikTok-Style Mobile App Redesign

Netflix is preparing a major overhaul of its mobile app as the streaming giant adapts to the rising popularity of short-form, social-first video platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts. The redesign aims to make the app more interactive and engaging for users who increasingly consume vertical video content on mobile devices.

The announcement follows a similar move by Disney+, which recently introduced a vertical video feed reminiscent of Instagram Reels and TikTok. Netflix’s strategy reflects the streaming industry’s broader shift toward bite-sized content and social media integration, allowing users to discover, share, and interact with content more seamlessly.

During its fourth-quarter earnings call on Tuesday, Netflix outlined plans to expand short-form video features within the app. The update will also serve to highlight Netflix’s growing portfolio of original video podcasts, launched last week, offering users more ways to engage with content beyond traditional long-form streaming.

Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters said the redesigned mobile app, scheduled to launch later in 2026, will support the company’s long-term business growth and provide a platform for ongoing experimentation with content formats. The new features are expected to enhance content discovery, encourage user interaction, and align Netflix’s mobile experience more closely with current social media consumption trends.

Industry analysts note that this move could help Netflix compete more effectively with social media platforms for user attention, particularly among younger audiences who favor short, engaging videos over traditional streaming formats. By integrating vertical video and interactive content, Netflix hopes to blend entertainment and social engagement, creating a hybrid experience that caters to evolving viewer habits.

While traditional subscription-based streaming will remain at the core of Netflix’s business, the company’s pivot toward short-form content reflects a strategic attempt to diversify its offerings and strengthen user retention. The redesign is expected to position Netflix as both a streaming and social platform, bridging the gap between entertainment and interactive media.