Netflix is expanding beyond traditional streaming with new interactive and immersive features. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone announced that the platform will add real-time voting for live shows, dynamic homepage experiences, and family-friendly updates to its user interface. The move reflects Netflix’s growing focus on engagement-driven viewing and real-time participation.
Live voting: Netflix’s new real-time voting feature will allow viewers to influence the outcome of live shows directly from their TVs or mobile devices. The company began testing this in August on its live cooking series Dinner Time Live with David Chang. Following consistent engagement, Netflix will extend the functionality to its upcoming reboot of Star Search, a talent competition series returning after 20 years.
Viewers will receive on-screen prompts and can vote during live broadcasts within a time window. Those watching on delay or rewinding the stream will miss the voting opportunity, keeping participation limited to real-time viewers.
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Stone commented at the event that ‘If you’re sitting at home watching Star Search on your TV, you’ll be able to vote on your TV or mobile phone to help advance contestants. It’s an early example of how we think content can become more interactive across devices — letting members feel like they’re part of the story.’
Interactive homescreen: Netflix is introducing immersive homepage experiences that use animation and dynamic effects to bring its content to life. The first rollout, themed around Halloween, is already live. A Holiday Collection will arrive in December, followed by franchise-based experiences such as Bridgerton.
The company previously ran viewer polls on Too Hot to Handle and Love Is Blind.
Party games: Beyond traditional shows, the company plans to launch interactive party games for TV, starting with Boggle later this year. Players will be able to use their phones as controllers. More titles are expected in 2026 as Netflix builds toward ‘living room party experiences’ combining entertainment and interactivity.
Kids profile: Netflix is also overhauling its kids’ profiles, with a redesigned homepage modelled on the adult interface but simplified for children. It features a top navigation bar and a dedicated ‘My Netflix’ tab for saved and recently watched titles.
By adding real-time participation and shared experiences, Netflix aims to strengthen viewer engagement and community connection. These new features could help Netflix stand out against its competitors.
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