Netflix has apparently been running this test since July.
Netflix will play content in shuffle based on your watch history.
The Shuffle feature is available only on TV devices.
Ever find yourself in that position where you want to stream something but aren’t sure of what to watch? Find yourself scouting and scrolling through a catalogue of content on Netflix only to find that you’ve spent half an hour doing so? Well, it looks like Netflix feels your pain and has been testing a shuffle feature to recommend something for you to watch instantly. According to The Verge, Netflix has been testing the Shuffle feature since July. The shuffle button appears under a users profile photo when logging into Netflix and as of now is available only on TV devices. We checked on our Android TV, and Fire TV stick and the feature isn’t here yet.
It looks like the shuffle feature will not be restricted to the opening profile page of Netflix. The Verge also spotted a “Play Something” option in the side menu on the TV smack bang in the middle of Home and Latest.
Interesting new feature @netflix … but what kind of insane person just says, “yolo, let’s spin the Netflix wheel of fortune” pic.twitter.com/6WDJrmd7pG
— Turner Levison (@TurnerLevison) August 18, 2020
With the plethora of content available on streaming services, it can get overwhelming to find something interesting to watch. The new shuffle or “Play Something” option could help users discover content they would have otherwise ignored. Since the shuffle is based on the content you already like or watch, it can help find content that matches your taste but you didn’t know existed on the streaming service.
If you are excited about the feature and don't find it on your TV, then worry not. Netflix has told The Verge, “We run these tests in different countries and for different periods of time – and only make them broadly available if people find them useful.” So if a lot of people find the feature useful, expect it to make an appearance on your TV and hopefully other devices soon.
In the meantime, if you are wondering what to watch next, you can check out our list of new and upcoming shows across streaming platforms here. Also, did you know you could change the UI language of Netflix from English to Hindi? Learn how you can do that here. You can also check out our list of best fantasy movies on Netflix here.
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Sameer Mitha
Sameer Mitha lives for gaming and technology is his muse. When he isn’t busy playing with gadgets or video games he delves into the world of fantasy novels. View Full Profile
