Netflix now allows users to download shows and movies for offline viewing. If you’re looking to binge watch over the weekend without worrying about the speed of the internet stream, Netflix has the answer.
Users must update their iOS or Android app for Netflix before the ‘Available for Download’ option appears. This can be seen from the Netflix menu on mobile, and from there you can see the entire list of downloadable content. They’re even sorted via categories, with a system based on other things you’ve watched before. A download arrow icon identifies which Netflix shows are downloadable, on the non-mobile version.
While this could’ve been done way before, Netflix has just secured the rights from the showmakers. Of course, original Netflix content helped lead to this new venture. Since Netflix owns the rights, they have the freedom to distribute it however they please. As a point of comparison, Netflix released around 600 hours of original content within this year so far.
But Netflix hasn’t forgotten about users who want to see classic non-Netflix content. There are also high-quality third party features like ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘Mad Men’ available. Company reps also pointed out the convenience that offline content offers to customers in developing countries. After all, these people don’t have the strong internet that would allow an uninterrupted stream.
Unfortunately, it still loses to its main rival, Amazon Video, who has allowed downloads for their content for years, with no extra cost. But Netflix may just have the edge in terms of quality and accessibility. Only time will tell if this new feature will be a hit with customers globally.