In the world of content streaming sites, Netflix reigns as the crownless king. As a content streaming site, Netflix has everything, from the best content to a vast library, in-house production, exclusive shows, a user-friendly interface, and a family of 277.65 million global users.
However, with so many fun features and a huge fan base, Netflix has some shortcomings as well. As a user, my biggest pet peeve is searching for watchworthy content on Netflix. Although the platform offers more than 34,739 hours of watch time, searching for content is quite a hassle.
Similarly, Netflix does not offer in-scene information like on Amazon where you can instantly know about the actors in the scene, background music, and other details.
But do you know, that Netflix has some features that only avid viewers know? Here are some underrated features that can offer an enhanced viewing experience.
Top 5 Netflix Features For an Enhanced User Experience
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Adjust Data Usage
Binge-watching is on the rise. If you think this is a farce, these stats will help you change your mind. As per Worldmetrics, 51% of the viewers like binge-watching TV shows. On your binge-watch spree, when you run out of data, the situation can get quite frustrating.
A good way to resolve this issue is by simply opting for an ISP like Cox Internet that offers unlimited data. Alternatively, if you are on the go and want a quick fix to your limited cellular data problem, you can also adjust data usage. You can adjust the playback setting option and then reduce the quality of the video. This will instantly reduce data consumption.
On opening the playback setting, you will have four options i.e. Auto, Low, Medium, and High. Although high resolution will offer you HD quality for saving data usage, just switch to the low or medium option.
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Secret Codes
As a user, nothing annoys me more than searching for content on Netflix. It offers search by category filter as well but the options are limited. This is where you need content codes.
Content codes on Netflix are an open secret; even Netflix has a secret category code guide for the users. From horror to romance, Netflix originals, comedy, teen movies, and dramas, the options are endless. Apart from genre, these secret codes will also help you filter out content based on watch time.
The only problem is that secret codes are mobile app-specific features. So, if you use a smart TV to watch content, secret codes might not be a good option for you.
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Enforce Your Algorithm
Netflix algorithm feeds on enforcement; the app fully tracks the interests and online behaviors of the user. For instance, thumbs up, category filtration, abandoning content, thumbs down, or clearing binge history everything has a meaning for the algorithm. This algorithm further helps in future suggestions, so that every user can enjoy customized user experience.
However, you can customize your algorithm with feedback, so it can offer you similar content in the future. For instance, there is a thumbs up options and thumbs down option on Netflix, each time you like a content, just gives it a thumbs up. Netflix’s algorithm will then offer you similar suggestions in the future and this will eventually change your home page.
Similarly, if you do not like any content, choose the thumbs-down option and it will stop the algorithm from suggesting similar content. In case, you want to change your preference or reset your algorithm, you can clear your watch history and it will get you to default suggestions.
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Customized Subtitles
Watching content on Netflix or any content site is nearly impossible without subtitles, even if you know the language. A study by Ideal Insight shows, nearly 85% of Netflix users opt for subtitles. The use of subtitles is rising because of technology and sound layering. For instance, the use of a personal mic is becoming common compared to overhead mics, which muffles the sound. Consequently, viewers find it hard to understand the dialogue.
Apart from this, foreign shows are becoming very common and as a global platform, Netflix has a vast library of foreign shows as well. To enjoy these foreign shows, subtitles play a very important role. Netflix offers a unique opportunity to customize user experience by changing subtitles. You can change the size of subtitles, font, background, shadow, and placement as well.
Subtitle customization is a simple feature that most viewers overlook. However, it is a very handy feature, which can instantly improve readability.
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Download Content
I love watching content on the go but I also do not want to waste my data. If you are facing the same dilemma, I have a solution for you. Try the smart content downloading option or “Download Next Episode”. If you have not figured, it out already, this feature will automatically download the next episode of the series, provided that your device is connected to the internet.
The bonus point of this feature is the auto-delete option. So, once you are done watching, the episode will be deleted right away, freeing up the storage space in no time.
Moreover, you can also opt download for you option that can automatically download the movies and shows based on your watch history. One downside of this feature is that just like the suggestion, not all download options will suit your taste.
Bonus
Netflix keyboard shortcuts for better video control
Netflix offers a lot of shortcut key options for enhanced user experience. Here are some of my favorite keyboard shortcuts that I use frequently:
Pause and Play: Space Bar
Exit: Esc
Skip Intro: S Key
Full Screen: F Key
Mute: M Key
Volume Adjustment: Up And Down Arrow
Skip Ahead: Right Arrow Key
Replay: Left Key
Fast-Forward: Hold the Right Arrow Key
