Netflix has a shuffle feature called Play Something, designed to help you decide what to watch.
Play Something will recommend a film or show based on your tastes and viewing habits on Netflix, giving you focused options on what to watch from a pool of relevant content that is tailored for you.
Here's how to use Play Something on Netflix.
What Is Play Something on Netflix?
In April 2021, Netflix launched the Play Something feature to all its users. Before that, it had only been available to a select group.
Play Something is designed to take the thinking out of choosing what to watch on Netflix. When you select Play Something, Netflix will show you something you're already watching, a new series or film similar to the content you've been watching, or even a show or film you haven't completed (so you can pick up where you left off).
Play Something shows you content that is similar to what you generally watch. It is designed to play up to 75 shows, but Netflix believes you'll happily watch any of them as they're tailored to your taste.
This feature comes handy for moments when you don’t know what to watch on Netflix, which can sometimes result in you not watching anything at all (we've all been there).
And with all the memes and consensus on social media about the constant dilemma that subscribers face in not knowing what to watch on Netflix, this is a much-needed and relevant feature.
If you think this sounds familiar, that's because Play Something is similar to Netflix's Downloads For You feature, which launched in February 2021 for Android devices.
Downloads For You automatically downloads recommended content to your phone based on your viewing history.
Where to Find Play Something on Netflix
You can find the Play Something button in multiple locations, depending on your device:
- Under your name when selecting your profile (TV).
- In the left-hand navigation menu from the home page (TV).
- As a persistent icon in the bottom right (Android).
- As a dedicated row on the Netflix home page (TV and Android).
Play Something is available on the Netflix TV app and on the Android mobile app, with plans to launch it on iOS in the future.
If using the Android mobile app, you can find the Play Something icon on the home screen of the app, and in the 17th row (though this might change in the future, so use the persistent icon for easy accessibility). If you're a new Netflix member, you'll only be able to see the Play Something icon after your first month of using Netflix. Simply tap the Play Something icon and the feature will launch. If you don't like what it suggests, tap Play Something Else.
If you have Netflix on your TV and want to use the Play Something feature, follow the quick and easy steps below.
How to Use the Play Something Feature on Netflix on Your TV
Using the Play Something feature is simple. Here's how:
- Open the Netflix app on your TV.
- Press the Play Something button underneath your profile name. Alternatively, on the Netflix home screen, press left on your remote and select Play Something.
- Netflix will start playing a series or movie.
- If you want to watch something else, you can press right on your remote to select the Play Something Else button to move to the next show or film. To go back, press left.
- To turn the Play Something feature off, press the up button on your remote.
It's Easy to Find Something to Watch on Netflix
The demand for streaming content continues to rise, which has led to more players entering the market. This means that you have more platforms to subscribe to and more content to choose from. Netflix is no longer the only, de facto choice.
Because of this, it's no wonder streaming giant Netflix is working on ways to make your streaming more convenient, tailored and relevant to you as an individual—so it can remain your go-to streaming platform. The Play Something feature is just one way it achieves this.