The 8 Netflix features we desperately need in our lives
Netflix finally did it.
On Tuesday, the beloved streaming service debuted the feature we've all been waiting years for. Subscribers can now download certain movies and TV shows to watch later, without an internet connection.
While binge-watchers everywhere are celebrating this game-changing opportunity to view Westworld on a flight to Cuba or while walking the dog, there are still some features Netflix is missing.
Here are some suggestions on the features Netflix can roll out to make our streaming experiences even more enjoyable, because it's 2016 and streaming is life.
The ability to see what your friends are watching, like on Spotify
Wondering what to watch next?
The ability to see what people you "follow" are watching would make that decision a no-brainer. Though Netflix offers recommendations based on shows or movies you previously viewed, being able to confer with a trusted acquaintance who has both seen the show and knows you personally would be super helpful.
The friend's activity feed has the potential to spark discussions, connections and even debates between followers. It will also serve as a fun way to keep track of which episode of a show your friend is on and compare who's binge-watching more successfully.
Also, as we've learned from the Spotify feature, it's also just insightful to see what your friends are into this week.
A native way to watch with other people at the same time
We're dying for a simple to way to host long-distance Netflix and chill sessions. Imagine how amazing it would be if Netflix made it possible to share your screen with others. You could watch a movie at the same time while in different locations and not have to coordinate the bathroom break pauses by talking. Just hit pause. Ah, the possibilities.
Easy access to hidden categories
Netflix has a bunch of hidden categories, but to be honest they're kind of a pain to find. Though some specific categories relevant to your viewer history show up on your home page, you're missing out on so much.
Anyone can access the many hidden categories by typing specific URLs into a browser, but when watching on a television things can get tricky. Netflix needs to provide a more efficient way to browse its hidden categories -- some of which don't even appear when typed into the search bar. How about giving us access to a tab with the master list so we can easily filter things like "Steamy Romantic Movies, "Supernatural Thrillers" and "Korean TV shows." Being hidden is overrated.
The ability to make more than one customizable list, and share
Right now, Netflix gives us the ability to add items to a "List" to keep track of favorites or things we're planning to watch in the future, but we need more options. Like Spotify Playlists, it would be ideal if Netflix allowed users to create more than one list, label them and share them with others.
A way to password protect your individual profile
Sure, you share your Netflix password with loved ones, but you might not want to share your viewing history. Wouldn't it be extremely convenient if there were a way to hide what you watch from the people you share your account with? The option to password protect profiles within a single account would keep your viewing history private from nosy roommates while ensuring no one messes with your carefully constructed queue.
The option to create customizable "Are you still watching?" screens
Thanks to a handy Chrome extension, it's possible to disable one of Netflix's most irritating (and subtly judgmental) features: the continue watching button. Although the annoying message kills our binge-watching vibe, it might be nice to have the ability to create custom, personalized reminders.
For example, to make sure you're well taken care of during your Netflix binge, it'd be helpful to be able to program a custom "Look outside" reminder or a "Don't forget to eat" reminder that would appear after every four episodes.
The ability to hide things from reappearing in suggestions
Are you sick of Netflix suggesting to you watch Failure to Launch? Same. There needs to be a feature that allows you to hide unwanted films or TV shows from the library. Netflix offers a "More Like This" feature that allows you to see similar films, but we also want a "Less Like This" option that will rid our feeds of similar films we have no interest in.
A wider selection of movies and TV shows that don't disappear
Wondering whether or not your favorite Netflix items will be removed at the start of every month is extremely stressful. A recent study found that the site only offers around 30 of IMDB's top 250 movies... so in addition to drastically expanding its library, we'd appreciate it if Netflix didn't chop our existing options every month.
Thanks for making one helpful change, Netflix, we look forward to future innovations.
Topics Netflix
Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.
