Subscribers have been left fuming over Netflix’s confusing new update
Netflix users have been left outraged and confused by the streaming giant’s latest update to its interface.
Subscribers logging onto the service this week have discovered a new version of the app which has been rolling out globally since 19th May.
The streamer promises to showcase “better recommendations and an improved interface that highlights what matters most to you” with the new revamp.
It includes a “clean and modern” new design, alongside features such as personalised recommendations and improved shortcuts to fans’ favourite titles.
However, a substantial number of Netflix’s 300 million-strong userbase has taken to social media to slam the update, with some even promising to cancel their subscriptions.
One X (formerly Twitter) user warned other subscribers: “Netflix has destroyed the app. Worst UI redesign ever. Everyone needs to cancel.”
Someone else fumed: “netflix’s update is diabolical where the hell is the coming soon section!!”
Another posted: “Whoever’s job it was to update Netflix UI, I’m praying for a resignation in the coming weeks. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE.”
And a fourth user wrote: “[…] the NEW Netflix Update has somehow made the UI like 10000x worse.
“It hurts my brain when I try and search new shows etc. Am I overreacting or do others not like the new UI?”
Discussion continued over on Reddit where Netflix users were equally baffled by the change.
One Redditor commented: “It’s awful. My TV updated to it automatically this week after putting off the update for ages, now it’s a load of rubbish. Will be cancelling [my] subscription.”
And another user agreed: “It’s soo dire. You can’t find anything.
“It was so slick and easy to use before. Now it’s soo clunky. I’m always willing to try new ideas, but this is a big step backwards.”
They then admitted: “Thinking I might actually now cancel my subscription.”
Fans have even gone so far as to launch a change.org petition demanding Netflix returns to the old interface.
The description claims: “The new layout only allows users to see a sparse selection of 3 or 4 titles per screen, compared to the previously user-friendly layout of 20 or more titles.
“This change not only limits variety and accessibility but also diminishes the ease-of-use Netflix was renowned for.”
Netflix’s chief product officer Eunice Kim explained the change back in May: “We wanted to create an experience that was more flexible for our broad entertainment offerings, more intuitive and responsive to our members’ needs, and capable of elevating the most thrilling moments on Netflix.”
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Furthermore, not all Netflix users have criticised the change, with one Reddit user saying “it’s still better than the majority of streaming services.”
Plus, fans can now find more info about their favourite shows, from the synopsis and runtime to major award wins, its history in the streamer’s Top 10 and the key cast.
Netflix also maintains that it’s still possible to search by genre and theme, and remind streamers that a welcome message should walk them through the changes when they log on.