Netflix is now allowing users to download content from its catalog to watch offline. Netflix users have been requesting this feature for several years, but the company has resisted enabling it. Until now…

As streaming services go, Netflix is one of the best. It has an amazing UI, awesome original content, and a catalog that ensures most people can spend their weekends binge-watching on the sofa.

However, Netflix isn't perfect, and its lack of download options has been one of its negatives up to now. Especially as Amazon Prime Video offers downloads. However, Netflix has finally joined the party, with Netflix announcing downloads are now available on both Android and iOS.

How to Download Netflix Content

Netflix is offering downloads to people on all plans. All you need to do is update the Netflix app on Android or iOS to enable the option. Once you have done that, a Download button (a down arrow on top of a horizontal line) should appear beside the existing Play button.

What's not yet clear is exactly what content is going to be available for download. In the press release announcing the feature Netflix mentions a trio of Netflix Originals. Netflix then states that "many of your favorite streaming series and movies are already available for download, with more on the way".

Allowing users to download original content is a no-brainer for Netflix, as the company owns the rights. Allowing users to download other content could be a more complicated affair, however, as the rightsholders may not want to allow their content to be downloaded for offline viewing.

Why Downloads, and Why Now?

The addition of a Download button appears to have come out of nowhere. There was talk of introducing the option in developing countries where stable internet connections are harder to find, but Netflix has always seemed against the idea in the U.S. and elsewhere.

I suspect downloads have been introduced as a direct result of recent negative press. After all, Netflix has raised its prices for many people, and is intentionally reducing the size of its catalog in order to fund original content. Which is bound to have upset some people.

Do you subscribe to Netflix? Will you be making use of the download button? When and where will you be watching your downloads? Does this make Netflix better value for money? What other features do you want Netflix to add? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: Matthew Keys via Flickr