What to know

  • Netflix is developing an AI-powered search engine to make it easier for users to find movies and shows.
  • The new search will allow natural language queries, such as searching by mood or emotion.
  • A redesigned homepage is being tested to improve how titles and descriptions are displayed.
  • The rollout of these features is expected later this year, following tests in Australia and New Zealand.

Netflix is working on a major update to its search and discovery features, aiming to help you find content more easily. The company is building a new search engine that uses artificial intelligence, including generative technologies, to understand more complex and natural language queries. This means you will soon be able to search for movies and shows not just by title or genre, but also by mood or emotion, making it simpler to discover something that fits how you feel at the moment.

Greg Peters, Netflix's CEO, explained that only about 1% of traffic goes to the most popular titles, which dominate discussions. Because of this, Netflix wants to improve the search and recommendation experience so you can find a wider range of content. The company believes that better search tools will help more people discover lesser-known titles and get more value from their subscriptions.

In addition to the new AI-powered search, Netflix is testing a redesigned homepage for its TV app. This new design changes how show titles and descriptions are displayed, aiming to make browsing more intuitive. It is the first major structural change to the homepage in over a decade. Netflix is gathering feedback from users in Australia and New Zealand, where the new features are being tested, and plans to roll them out to all users later this year.

The company reported a 12.5% increase in revenue in the first quarter, reaching $10.54 billion. Netflix expects that these improvements in search and discovery will help maintain its growth and keep users engaged with its vast library of content.

Via: techcrunch