Netflix finally embraces vertical video with redesigned iPhone app: here's what it looks like now

Netflix iPhone app redesign — (Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix is launching a redesign of its iPhone app that brings elements of last year's TV app overhaul to the mobile version. The update brings a cleaner interface, overhauled navigation and the introduction of a new vertical video feed dubbed "Clips."

Last year's TV redesign sparked controversy, but it did make for a cleaner experience.

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What are Clips and how do they work?

While the overhauled navigation is significant, the centerpiece of the update is the new Clips feeds Clips displays vertical videos which Netflix describes as a personalized highlight reel to help you decide what to watch next without endless scrolling.

"With our enhanced navigation and Clips, our new vertical video feed, we’re building on past learnings to deliver an experience designed for the way members want to enjoy Netflix on their phones: for the moments in between, to discover a new title, or a quick laugh," Netflix's Chief of Product and Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone said in the press release.

Clips is meant to be more than just passive browsing.

The feed shows short clips from shows, films and specials that are tailored to your viewing habits. From each clip you can add the highlighted shows or movies to your "My List." There are some social elements in that you can share clips to friends and family via text message or social media platforms.

Netflix says that the Clips feed will include podcasts, live programming and genre collections in the future.

Clips makes sense as most every social platform features vertical feeds at this point. Netflix sees itself as something of a social feed, so vertical feeds make sense.

The updates are available now in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and South Africa. In supported regions you can check for the update in the App Store or open your Neflix app to see if the design has arrived.

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Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.