Briefly
Netflix is experimenting with a feed of vertical short clips in its mobile app — a format similar to TikTok or YouTube Shorts. According to TechCrunch, testing lasted about half a year, and full integration is planned to be completed by the end of 2026.
What will change
Users will be able to scroll through short clips from films and series, as well as videos from new content formats. The platform is considering that such material could be fragments of video podcasts — this opens new avenues for discovering and promoting content.
"Such clips could become fragments of video podcasts."
— Greg Peters, CEO of Netflix
Why it matters
First, it’s a response to changing audience behavior: the short vertical format holds attention and increases time spent in the app. Second, for platforms it is a tool to grow retention and monetization metrics. For Ukrainian creators and studios it is a practical chance to increase reach — short clips are more easily surfaced by algorithms abroad and win international attention faster.
Opportunities and risks for Ukraine
Opportunities: access to a global feed, rapid testing of content fragments, an additional channel for promoting films, series and podcasts. Risks: copyright issues, quality localization and moderation; competition with already established short-video platforms.
When to expect it
This is so far a phased rollout: from tests to full integration may take several months — up to the end of 2026. In parallel, Netflix is developing video podcasts — among the projects are shows featuring Michael Irvin and Pete Davidson, as well as podcasts from the The Ringer network, including programs by Bill Simmons.
What Ukrainian creators should do
Start thinking "short": adapt editing, look for punchy narratives and short visual solutions, secure rights to content fragments and prepare localization. Platforms are competing for attention — our task is to ensure Ukrainian stories are heard in that competition.
The bottom line
Netflix will move another portion of user activity into a fast-consumption format. This is a technical evolution with real consequences: for the viewer — more content, for platforms — a retention tool, for Ukraine — a chance to showcase its creators in the global feed. Whether our creators will seize it depends on their readiness to adapt quickly and professionally.
