Have you ever wanted to change the Netflix playback speed? Doing so would allow you to watch films and TV shows more quickly. YouTube offers variable playback speeds, but for a while, it looked like Netflix would be reluctant to officially support this feature.

But now, you can either watch shows and films faster than normal or slower than intended. So how can you access Netflix's variable playback speeds? It's easy to do, at least when watching on browsers, Android and iOS devices, and certain smart TVs, so we'll show you how.

What Is Variable Playback Speed on Netflix?

Speeding up or slowing down content on Netflix allows consumers to view content slightly faster (1.2x) or much quicker (1.5x). It also offers slower options (0.5x and 0.7x), perfect for those who love analyzing their favorite media. Audio pitch is altered to suit the new speed you're watching at too.

Netflix first tested this feature back in 2019, but it proved controversial, particularly with filmmakers who thought the streaming service was tampering with how a production was meant to be viewed. You'll probably lose some nuance if you're speeding content up, for instance. Directors and writers argued that they craft their products a certain way, and they don't want viewers messing with that. Peyton Reed (Ant Man and the Wasp), Brad Bird (The Incredibles), and Judd Apatow (The Bubble) all spoke out about the idea, agreeing that it takes away from the filmmakers' intentions.

On the other hand, Netflix cited films with subtitles as one reason people may want to watch content more slowly.

There are also valid reasons viewers may want to watch content more quickly. For example, maybe you want to watch slow TV but not quite as slowly as others. Slow TV programs generally happen in real-time and offer a range of beautiful vistas. But if you want to watch the train journey from Bergen to Oslo without needing to set aside seven hours of your life, it makes sense to speed Netflix up.

Bear in mind that playback speed is different from lags. There are numerous reasons a streaming service might run slow.

How to Change Video Playback Speeds on Netflix

Despite the concerns of creatives, Netflix gives you the option to change the speed you're watching content on its platform. And it's surprisingly easy to do—that is, if you're watching on a web browser or the Netflix app for Android and iOS, i.e.anything with HTML5.

First, go on whatever film or TV show you want to watch. Pause the content. At the bottom of your interface will be various options, including (to the left) buttons to rewind or fast-forward 10 seconds, and, on the right, the option of adjusting audio and adding or removing subtitles.

how to speed up or slow down content on netflix streaming

To the right of your screen, there's a symbol that looks like a speedometer. Hover over this to open a small panel that reads "Playback speed". It's set to "1x (Normal)" by default, but you can speed it up by clicking on "1.25x" or "1.5x"; or slow it down by clicking on "0.75x" or "0.5x".

Can You Change Netflix Video Playback Speeds on Smart TVs?

It's worth repeating: the above method only works in your web browser, the Netflix app for Android and iOS, or certain smart TVs. Anything that runs HTML5 supports this feature. Those browsers include:

  • Google Chrome.
  • Safari.
  • Microsoft Edge.
  • Firefox.
  • Opera.

So what happens if you can't access playback speeds on your smart TV? You might be out of luck, but there is one method that's worth trying.

Your smart TV should have a web browser, or at least the option of installing new ones. If you open it on your TV, or install one of the above five browsers then open it, you might be able to access Netflix there, and so then get the variable playback options available solely through HTML5-supported apps.

How to Adjust Netflix Playback Speeds Even More

Having five different playback speeds might not be good enough for what you're after. To change the Netflix playback speed further, your best bet is to install a plug-in on, for instance, Google Chrome. So which plugins do we recommend?

Video Speed Controller

variable netflix playback google chrome plug-in extension

Video Speed Controller allows you to vary speeds by tiny increments. Normal 1.0 speed is the default. By hovering over the left-hand corner of your screen, you can click the plus or minus buttons to increase or decrease the playback speed of Netflix.

If you're not sure you can watch content at much higher speeds, try 1.1x speed. On a 60-minute video, you'll save six minutes.

Video Speed Controller controls the speed of any HTML5 video and has handy keyboard shortcuts to rewind or fast-forward content.

Download: Video Speed Controller

SpeedUp

This is a similar add-on which gives you control over videos on all websites. You're not confined to Netflix; SpeedUp can also be used on other streaming platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime.

Contrary to what its name implies, SpeedUp can also slow down content. It's less intensive than Video Speed Controller, so to vary playback speed, it presents you with nine buttons, ranging from 0.75x to 2.25x. Once again, the 1.10x option is a good way to save time without compromising quality.

Download: SpeedUp

Why Would You Change Netflix Playback Speeds?

When discussing its experiment, Netflix argued:

"Similar functionality has been available on DVD players and DVRs for years and the feature has been much requested by members. Most important of all, our tests show that consumers value the flexibility it provides whether it’s rewatching their favorite scene or slowing things down because they’re watching with subtitles or have hearing difficulties."

But why would anyone want to watch a movie or TV show faster or slower than it was intended to be consumed?

Netflix is right: other services have offered this for years. Few creators criticize YouTube for allowing viewers to speed content up. Similarly, DVD and Blu-ray players typically have this functionality. You can listen to some podcasts sped up too, meaning you can fit a whole episode in during your commute.

Playing Netflix content at faster speeds makes more sense for TV shows rather than movies. Netflix is synonymous with binge-watching, so speeding up content means you can power through a season in record time. So, if you're desperate to watch the next episode of Stranger Things, changing the Netflix playback speed to 1.5x means you can watch it during lunch.

Is the difference that significant? Just divide the episode or film length (in minutes) by the speed. At 1.5x speed, you can watch a 60-minute show in 40 minutes. A 10-episode series, with each episode consisting of 60 minutes, saves you 100 minutes when viewed at 1.2x speed. The difference in viewing experience between normal speed and 1.2x speed is virtually unnoticeable.

A TV with Stranger Things on it with popcorn nearby

And we all experience movies differently. Intentions can differ even between writers and directors; of course, consumers will interpret a production in juxtaposing ways too. Variable playback speed can also be seen as a way of making content more accessible.

Plus, the ability to change the playback speed on Netflix can aid those on the autistic spectrum, who may find that variable speeds makes watching content more fun and fulfilling.

Should You Change Netflix Playback Speeds?

As you're reading this, you've clearly decided to explore the possibility of changing the playback speed on Netflix. As to whether you should, it's up to you. There is a risk of ruining a great movie by rushing through it, but if you have a genuine need to speed up or slow down Netflix, go ahead. We're not here to judge.

Just remember that whatever Netflix playback speed you settle on, you should take regular breaks in your bingeing sessions.