If that sounds like you, a new feature coming to Netflix in 2021 is going to be a blessing: Shuffle Play.
What Is Shuffle Play?
Over the past months, Netflix has been testing a feature called Shuffle Play. Rather than you deciding what to watch, Shuffle Play will take the work away and load something that the Netflix algorithm thinks you’ll like (based on your ratings, past watches, and so on).
Netflix is always testing features, both internally and on small sets of users, many of which never see the light of day. However, Shuffle Play is having its stabilizers removed.
While the name of the feature isn’t final, Shuffle Play will be rolling out worldwide to users in the first half of 2021.
This was announced in a Q4 2020 earnings report to shareholders. In a section detailing platform improvements, it says:
Netflix is always trying to improve the way it surfaces content. The letter notes the introduction of previous features like the global Top 10 lists and the New & Popular tab.
How Will Shuffle Play Work?
As reported by TechCrunch, Shuffle Play is currently only being tested on TV devices and not web or mobile.
The Shuffle Play button can appear beneath your profile icon. Alternatively, it can appear on the sidebar menu, with a row that points to the menu icon and is dedicated to highlighting the new feature.
“Try Shuffle Play,” the row reads. “We’ll shuffle everything on Netflix and find things for you to watch based on your tastes.”
There’s no specific date for when Shuffle Play will become available, beyond the first half of 2021. As such, there’s still time for Netflix to tweak its name, functionality, and how you access it. Indeed, the feature may become available on devices other than TVs.
Discover New Content on Netflix
Can’t wait for Shuffle Play? Don’t worry, there are still lots of great ways to discover what’s new on Netflix, including external sources like fan blogs and the Netflix Twitter account.
